VEXED IN THE CITY SOLVING YOUR RECESSION PROBLEMS
DEAR VEXED: A recent study said that attractive people go further at work. I’m working myself to the bone to hang in there but I have to be frank: I’m no looker. I’m overweight and haven’t been blessed with the best of faces – bit of a chinless wonder to be honest. What can I do to help my chances of promotion? Suzanne, 31, commodities trader
IT’S hard to know whether your view of yourself is justified or not without seeing you. This could simply be needless insecurity talking. Either way, there are several ways to improve your situation.
First, though, I think you’ve slightly misinterpreted the results of that study. Yes, hot people can be more successful. But if you look at those at the very pinnacle of power and success, they’re certainly not all supermodels, particularly the men (Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, Alan Sugar and Martin Sorrell are three examples). And Angela Merkel, Forbes Magazine’s most powerful woman in the world, is no Cindy Crawford.
That is to say, it isn’t looks themselves that get you far. It is confidence, shrewdness and well-managed ambition.
What I think is holding you back is a lack of confidence. You’re hung up on the chinless thing and the weight, and it’s colouring your whole view of yourself. I’ll bet you’re exuding the wrong vibes, walking with your head down and oozing failure.
So, think of it this way. You have lots to offer. Your appearance really isn’t enough to make or break you. You need to work on holding your head high and being proud of your work.
That said, it is vital that you compensate for any misgivings about your looks with immaculate clothing and makeup. You can look sharp and a consummate professional whether you are chubby or thin – it’s all about finding clothes that fit. So take the time to find a stylist and get fitted out. Take trouble over your makeup – sometimes when you feel low about your appearance you think “why bother.” But I promise: a great lipstick, nice mascara and lovely skin cream will give your confidence a boost.
It really is what you do and what you are like as a person that counts. The looks you were born with are only as important as you make them. So keep your chin high, work hard and make sure you look your best within reason. Your looks might not win you any modelling contracts, but they sure won’t hold you back.