Are Attractive People More Employable?

The big question is how they quantified attractiveness in their study, it seems to be one of those "I know it when I see it" things.<p>Attaching a photo to a resume is a huge no-no in the US, but I've seen many people check applicants' photos online (OK, I admit, I've done it, too).<p><i>Other things being (almost) equal</i>, I see no problem in hiring a more attractive man/woman applicant over a less attractive one. I think attractive people in general have more self esteem and make friends more easily, both good traits in the workplace. Why discriminating based on intelligence is OK while doing it based on beauty such a taboo?

The most interesting thing I ever learnt in Psychology was how attractiveness is judged/recognized and how it affects peoples' reactions. For instance, one study showed that people can <i>smell</i> a more attractive person from their clothes alone. Like 'smell these shirts, and tell us which one you suspect has the most attractive owner.' And other things like how attractive people are less likely to be found guilty by juries, or tend to be given lighter sentences.

This is why diversity is good. Even in HR (needs more men).