The Contribution of Appearance to Women in the Labor Market

The Contribution of Appearance to Women in the Labor Market

Appearance is an aspect that contributes to the professional development of people, considered a competitive factor in the labor market and an essential requirement in building successful careers. Women who work in executive positions can be responsible for decision-making in companies, such as hiring and promoting professionals, two moments in which appearance assumes an important role. They are also professionals whose position tends to require significant care with the personal image. Therefore, this study's objective was to investigate the contribution of appearance to women in the labor market from female executives of a class council in southern Brazil. Through a generic qualitative study, five executives were interviewed. As a result, good appearance is related to adequacy, dressing, hygiene care, and communication skills. Besides, appearance is necessary to build a credibility image in the labor market, and it interferes, in a pleasing way, both in job interviews and in the promotion of professionals.