Career evolution: survival of the hottest?

Remember Charles Darwin? If you studied anthropology or biology in school, you might have learned about him and his theory of evolution. He was a biologist from England who travelled around the world in the 19^th century. He set off on the ship HMS Beagle to explore the species of the islands. After spending time on the Galapagos islands, he formulated a theory that would oppose the story of creation. As some of you may know, Charles Darwin is famous for one book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Early in his research, Darwin concluded that natural selection was the key to evolution. Influenced by the ideas of another researcher, Thomas Malthus, he realized how selection in nature could be explained. To put it in simple terms, in the struggle for existence, those species with favourable variations would survive and reproduce; however, those with unfavourable variations would not. For Darwin, the explanation of evolution was simple. It is all about survival of the fittest!

In the career world, the concept of survival of the fittest could be interpreted as survival of the most qualified and experienced. For those job candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience, the chances of getting hired are better than those job candidates who do not meet the requirements. Ideally, people are hired or promoted because they have the competence, right attitude, education and skills. But, is this still really the case in today’s evolving work world?

Gordon Patzer, PhD., professor, researcher and author recently released his new book, Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined. The book essentially talks about how physically attractive people are more likely to get hired compared to less attractive people with the same qualifications. According to the book, physically attractive men and women tend to have higher-level and higher-paid positions than their average-looking counterparts. In addition, studies conducted in Canada, United States and China show that physically attractive employees earn between the range for 7.5 and 15 percent more than the average-looking peers.

Another factor is height. The book also talks about how height can play a role in leadership ranks in men. It is obvious, tall men have more commanding presence. As they are also perceived as more effective, they enjoy more promotions and higher performance ratings compared to their shorter colleagues. They tend to earn higher incomes as well. According to a study described in Patzer’s book, every inch over the average height means a paycheque of $789 more per year. This is however more evident in the area of sales and management

Based on the research conducted by The University of Pennsylvania, tall men who were short in high school, earn like short men, while short men who were tall in high school earn like tall men. In a book written by Arianne Cohen, The Tall Book, she indicated that tall people are 90% more likely to rise to the top as CEO chairs of Fortune 500 companies. The preference applies the same to both female and male executives, with the average height of 5’9 for prominent female CEOs.

As published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, there was further evidence found by the University of Florida researchers that supports the fact that attractive people get almost everything from birth; from medical attention at hospitals to attention or favouritism from teachers and peers in school. This study suggests that physical attractiveness leads to a more positive spin toward higher attainment in life.

It is true that the career world is noticeable evolving. While there is some practical truth to the research evidence that physically attractive people are more successful, there are also ways to enhance physical appearance and beauty. It does not really matter if a person is overweight or short, what matters the most is the way they present or carry themselves. In fact, there are a lot of managers and executives out there who are shorter than 5’9, but they are more successful than their taller counterparts. As long as you carry yourself with poise and confidence coupled with the drive to succeed, you can conquer any obstacle in your career.

Sources:

Turnbaugh, et al, Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archeology, 6^th ed.
www.totalpicture.com/shows/success-strategies/gordon-patzer-looks-matter
www.fastcompany.com/blog/ray-williams/leadership-edge/

Michele Majul is an HR Professional with Canada Post Corporation in Prairie Region. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. E-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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