Is my looks helping me with networking/interviews or am I overthinking things
Hey to preface this I don't want to sound like a douchey prick but to lay out the facts, I'm 6'5" and pretty well built since I play varsity lax at a top school (think Duke/Dartmouth/Yale) and pretty attractive objectively. I have one of the highest body counts in my fraternity (think ΣX/ΠΚΑ/ΚΣ) and do really well with women. I also take really good care of myself with a self-care routine including exercise I developed for mental health purposes, which I go through every day in the morning. I generally destress my facial muscles using an ice pack, then I'll do some stretches before my morning workout. Afterwards, I'll do some skincare (deep pore cleanser, exfoliator, retinol, moisturizer), a close skin shave and some gua sha to further de-stress my facial muscles. I believe this is part of maintaining my good looks as I age and stress due to a high finance lifestyle.
Anyways once I walk into a room to interview (this effect is more pronounced in person), both male and female interviews either appear intimidated and/or start complimenting & praising me for no particular reason. I'm talking like stuttering, not maintaining eye contact, fidgeting or shifting their positions constantly throughout a coffee chat/interview and the compliment part is like "I can tell you're really polished" before I even spoke a word or "Yeah great answer to that, that was a very difficult question", or "You look like you have a high EQ".
>Is My Looks Helping Me
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not uncommon for physical appearance to have an impact on networking and interviews. Here's a breakdown of how your looks might be influencing your interactions:
First Impressions: As you've noticed, walking into a room can set the tone before you even speak. Being tall, well-built, and attractive can make a strong first impression, which can be advantageous.
Intimidation Factor: Your height and build, especially at 6'5", can indeed be intimidating to some people. This might explain why interviewers could appear nervous or fidgety.
Compliments: Compliments on being "polished" or having a "high EQ" could be a reaction to your confidence and self-care routine. People often associate good looks with positive attributes, whether that's fair or not.
Subconscious Bias: There's a subconscious bias where attractive individuals are often perceived as more competent, likable, and trustworthy. This can play in your favor during networking and interviews.
Attention to Detail: Your self-care routine suggests discipline and attention to detail, which are desirable traits in high finance. This might be something interviewers pick up on, even subconsciously.
However, while looks can open doors and create a positive bias, remember that they are just one aspect of the equation. Your skills, experience, and how you interact with others are crucial for long-term success. Keep focusing on your strengths and maintain that self-care routine, as it seems to be serving you well both mentally and physically. Just be aware that while looks can be an advantage, they should complement your professional abilities, not replace them.
Sources: Physique matters?, Do Looks Matter in IB, Does ‘Looksmaxing’ substantively increase your odds of converting an internship?, Your Height May Keep You From Getting A Job, My Recruiting Story: The importance of reading emotions and the appearance of intelligence
Please tell me this is satire
Narcissistic much?
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