Here’s the deal: I’m judging you based
on appearances, and so is everyone else. Not only is it happening, but I argue
that it should happen, that it’s right to judge people based on appearances. It
doesn’t matter if you think it’s unfair, or you think I’m cold-hearted.
I’m talking about your outward appearances.
Who judges you based on appearances?
Want to know who’s judging you based on appearances?
I can tell you: (Potential employers, Current employers, Coworkers, Potential mates, Current
mates, Friends, Waiters/Waitresses, Everyone you know, Everyone you don’t know)
Potential mates are evaluating your appearances before they even know your name. Employers are judging your appearances from the instant you walk in the door. Waiters are deciding what you’re likely to order based on your clothes. Even strangers on the street are sizing you up as they walk past you. They’re judging you based on appearances, based on your clothes, your hair.
Potential mates are evaluating your appearances before they even know your name. Employers are judging your appearances from the instant you walk in the door. Waiters are deciding what you’re likely to order based on your clothes. Even strangers on the street are sizing you up as they walk past you. They’re judging you based on appearances, based on your clothes, your hair.
Why people judge you based on appearances?
Aside from the fact that there are so
many people that judging people becomes a necessity, there’s one other basic
reason why people judge your appearances. It’s the same reason that I say it’s
good to judge based on appearances.
You choose what appearance to present: If you’re wearing a suit, you chose to put on that suit. If
you’re wearing torn jeans and a “witty” t-shirt that’s worn around the neck,
you chose to put on those clothes. You picked out what you’d put on for the
day. Why wouldn’t I judge you based on your choices?
If you wear jeans and a t-shirt to an interview, your potential employer is going to assume that either you’re an idiot, or you don’t really care. In either case, you’re not who they want. If you’d worn a suit, you’d appear as if you cared. You’d look like a professional.
If you’re a guy with long hair, it says something about you. Depending on how groomed it is, it might say you’re laid back, or it might say you’re lazy and a slacker. I’m not telling you to cut your hair. I’m just saying that it’s sending out a message. You are sending out a message.
If you wear jeans and a t-shirt to an interview, your potential employer is going to assume that either you’re an idiot, or you don’t really care. In either case, you’re not who they want. If you’d worn a suit, you’d appear as if you cared. You’d look like a professional.
If you’re a guy with long hair, it says something about you. Depending on how groomed it is, it might say you’re laid back, or it might say you’re lazy and a slacker. I’m not telling you to cut your hair. I’m just saying that it’s sending out a message. You are sending out a message.
Your appearance says who you are: Your clothes tell others who you are. If you’re dressed like
a college boy, and you’re trying to pick up some girl at the bar, she’s going
to notice how you’re dressed. Depending on your age, and whether the girl in
question wants to date a college guy, it might help or hurt your chances, but
she’s going to notice. If she doesn’t want a college guy, you’re going to be
dismissed out of hand. If she does want a college guy, I hope you’re not
wearing that same worn-out, anime t-shirt I saw you in last week. That shirt
marks you as a geek.
The clothes don’t make the man, they make the promotion: If everyone at your work is wearing a suit, and you want to compete, you should probably wear a suit, too. If you’re working in an environment where everyone else is wearing a suit, though, you can probably afford to wear suits, too. You decide whether it’s worth the money.
Remember, you pick your clothes. You decide what appearance you want to present. When people judge your appearances, they’re judging decisions that you made. They’re judging you based on what you choose to advertise.
The clothes don’t make the man, they make the promotion: If everyone at your work is wearing a suit, and you want to compete, you should probably wear a suit, too. If you’re working in an environment where everyone else is wearing a suit, though, you can probably afford to wear suits, too. You decide whether it’s worth the money.
Remember, you pick your clothes. You decide what appearance you want to present. When people judge your appearances, they’re judging decisions that you made. They’re judging you based on what you choose to advertise.
So… how do YOU present yourself?
In an interview, networking meeting,
or business meeting, clothes matter. They don’t have to be expensive, but they
do have to be neat, clean, well fitting, and professional. Are your shoes
appropriate, or are you wearing sports shoes with your suit? Are they clean and
polished? Are you wearing socks that match your suit? If you are wearing a tie,
is it straight and your collar adjusted properly, or do you have a big knot
pushed up on the side raising your collar?
If you’re a woman, are you wearing appropriate business attire, or your breasts are showing all over? Are you carrying an appropriate case or purse, or a sports bag? For either men or women, is your aftershave or cologne overpowering? Is your hair disheveled? All of these things, and more, get noticed and create an image of you that is considered in making a decision.
If you’re a woman, are you wearing appropriate business attire, or your breasts are showing all over? Are you carrying an appropriate case or purse, or a sports bag? For either men or women, is your aftershave or cologne overpowering? Is your hair disheveled? All of these things, and more, get noticed and create an image of you that is considered in making a decision.
