Do beautiful/attractive people have a competitive edge in their careers? (Superficially speaking)

The world is full of diversity. Some people are just amazingly beautiful/drop-dead gorgeous and some people are just the opposite. Do you think it is easier for the more beautiful/attractive people to get jobs/climb up the corporate ladder than the rest? Just how far do you think your looks can take you in one's career path?

What about the people who are average looking but can dress up like celebrities/fashion models versus someone who dresses mediocre/standard? Do you think these "looks" play a very important role in someone's career and the competitiveness in the work force?

 
Best Response

There are several studies on this, but there is a statistically proven correlation between "attractiveness" and success. However, there are also other important correlations at play which have as big an impact on success if not more so than the direct result of external perceptions.

This is a big generalization obviously, but on average more attractive people tend to have greater self confidence as well as more opportunities for growth of social skills during their "developmental" years, both of which can be meaningful contributors to success. In both cases, though, there are definitely exceptions and these are absolutely factors you personally have the ability to influence.

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