There was a previous thread on how obesity affects one's success rate in employment. What do you guys think about height? You hear and read many stories that explains the thought-process of how greater success is linked with one's height. Sources say that employers are hesitant to hire short people because it's an "unattractive feature" that physically expresses lack of dominance, leadership, or charisma. And of course the term "short" is very universal. I could say the short height range is below 5'6, but others could argue that it's a different scale.
I am 5'8 1/2 which I feel is an average height, but I feel relatively short among people in the business world. Why the hell is everyone in the financial industry so damn tall? (Yes, this is my opinion).
What are your heights? What's your take on this?
Is 5'9” Short For a Guy on Wall Street
While looks can matter on Wall Street, it is not the end all be all. Our users have varying opinions regarding the effect of height on your recruiting prospects.
Some users shared that many guys on Wall Street are actually on the average to shorter side.
JDawgMost of the supermotivated guys at my non-target who got into BB S&T were short as fuck. I swear they had Napolean complexes. You're fine. FYI: 5'10 is the average height for a man in the US.
she_monkey - Sales and Trading AssociatePercentage of short guys (under 5'9) dramatically increases as you move up the ranks on my floor. Analyst level: average / 5'10ish.. HoD/senior traders: 5'8 ... I’m not kidding
Height Doesn't Matter on Wall Street
Some users shared that height is really a non-factor.
TNAThis is banking, not Americas Top Model. Stop watching American Psycho, stop watching Wall Street, stop reading LSO.Almost every banker I have met has been pretty nerdy and normal to smaller height. This isn't the roster for the Cowboys. Just know your technicals and be eager. MD's want slaves, not Fabio.
PBrad - Corporate Finance AssociateGotta play to your advantages and realize that a prospective employer is not hiring solely based on one physical feature or another. You will get the job based on their perception of your abilities and how they think you will successfully make them money.
Height Too Short Affecting Job Hunt
However, some users feel that height and appearances really do matter.
sick_willy - Private Equity Vice PresidentLooks matter, it's only natural to get judged off them. If you're tall, good looking, and fit, you're always going to have an advantage over someone who's not. That's a no-brainer. There's a ton of evolutionary reasons for our biases but I went get into it here. Suffice to say, life's tough, but you need to play the hand you're dealt with.
NickFromBaltimoreHeight does equal power. To a certain extent of course; however, I wouldn’t worry too much. If you have a solid educational and work background you should be fine. Just keep at it and don’t take no for an answer.
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