Job Seekers Iron Out the Wrinkles
Article provided by Brand-Yourself.com
Job seekers can now add Botox to the job search checklist just after resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter. In an increasingly youth-obsessed culture, job seekers look to physical enhancements to appear more confident and youthful in the job search. These enhancements vary from hair coloring to weight loss, Botox, and even plastic surgery.
Job seekers are becoming more conscious of ways to differentiate themselves from other candidates beyond experience and qualifications. Making an impression requires more than a solid resume and experience. It’s the total package and looking the part in person to support the personal brand you have worked hard to develop is extremely important.
Oklahoma City salon owner Greg Welchel has seen an increase in job seekers who are willing to spend money on haircuts, highlights, and even waxing to gain a competitive edge. “Job seekers want to look and feel professional,” says Welchel. “And our salon can help them do that.”
And even with the Stock Market creeping above the 10,000 mark, job seekers have yet to feel a measurable impact in the job market. And for those who are collecting unemployment, which dropped from 10% to 9.7% in January 2010, the expense associated with these cosmetic enhancements is a concern.
Aside from more traditional salon procedures, Botox has also been a popular and inexpensive choice for job seekers to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines that can give hiring managers and recruiters an indication of a candidate’s age. Although age discrimination is illegal, it is still a concern for candidates who are looking to increase their confidence and appear more healthy and vibrant.
Spas like Body Trends have also seen an increase in Botox and their VIP treatments that improve the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, and even varicose veins. Body Trends offers Botox injections for as little as $300.00 per treatment. VIP treatment and other packages vary in price but are an effective alternative to more expensive plastic surgery.
Harvey Jenkins, the salon’s owner, says, “Everyone’s looking for even the smallest thing to stand out in an interview. You can’t change your experience or your skills quickly, but you can look better, and that could be the difference in landing a new position.”
This focus on age and youthful appearance by companies and hiring managers is also a concern for government agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For the fiscal year 2008, they reported 24,582 age related charges filed accounting for more than 25% of all charges filed. Once the 2009 data is made available, job seekers, companies, and the government will have a better indication of how much age discrimination has increased or decreased in the job market and the most recent economic recession.
What are you doing to give yourself an edge? Does this resonate with you guys, or does it seem way over the top? I’d love to hear what you all think!
Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR is an author, new mother, and human resources professional with a passion for recruiting and all things social media. She has over 10 years of experience in human resources & recruiting. Her company, Xceptional HR provides businesses with social media, recruitment, and human resources strategy and consulting. Jessica’s book, Tweet This! Twitter for Business was released January 2010. Follow Jessica on Twitter, LinkedIn, & FaceBook.
Article courtesy of Brand-Yourself.com for actionable tips to put you in a position of power in the job market
