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C2V
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10 Dec 2017, 11:03 pm

So I have an interview coming up for a job that involves a sideline of sales. It's not the focus of the job by any means, but it's in there.
I diligently did a bit of research on them beforehand, because they're highly likely to ask the usual route questions "what do you know about our company" and so on.
What I noted was the "image" of the business seems to be a visual one. Once I noted that, I recalled reading some obscure study that indicated that businesses that involved sales were more likely to hire physically attractive people, because there was a correlation between greater sales success and physical beauty. Why that is, who knows.
Now, at one time in my life this wouldn't have been an issue (at least in this context) but it categorically made every other aspect of life impossible, so I fixed it. Though I can only judge the change in perceptions of attractiveness based on how I am now treated (I am treated much better after making myself unattractive) I doubt I qualify as visually good looking anymore. That's usually a good thing - but maybe not in chances with this job. I'm not hideous - just average, I suppose.
Do others think there's really a strong connection? If you do happen to not be attractive, are you less likely to get a sales-related job?
It seems unlikely in some ways, as I have definitely seen people in straight out sales jobs in shops and so on who are definitely not beautiful people. But I guess I'm gauging all the probabilities likely to affect success with this gig and this occurred to me as one aspect I may be slow to understand.
Opinions?


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BTDT
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10 Dec 2017, 11:07 pm

How you dress is more important. You should figure out how your co-workers dress.



Fireblossom
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11 Dec 2017, 6:36 am

Well from what I've seen lot of sales people are rather attractive or at least average, so I suppose some people prefer hiring good looking people for sales jobs. As for why... well, maybe they expect customers to listen the sales people better if they are pleasant to look at? Would definitely make sense.



kraftiekortie
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11 Dec 2017, 7:10 am

Sales jobs frequently suck, and can be very low-paid with few benefits. They also have very high turnover. Try to make sure you get a W-2, rather than a 1099. You have fewer rights under a 1099.

They probably would want you to be decent-looking, and for you to dress at least "business casual." Meaning something like a nice sweater with dress pants. Yep. See how the others dress. For the interview, I'd wear a nice ladies' suit, if possible.

I wish you could get a job in the civil service.



FerrariFan
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11 Dec 2017, 8:46 am

Years ago I managed a retail store, but have been in Government jobs for the last 20 years just to give you some perspective.

Yes, I do think that physical attractiveness factors in, its built into our genes. However, I don't think it would necessarily be the single most important factor in any way whatsoever. You can go in there and prove you can close a sale and beat out Ms. or Mr. Universe.

So knowledge and preparation can beat out attractive every time.



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kraftiekortie
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11 Dec 2017, 10:52 am

I have a similar perspective. I've worked for the Government of New York County since 1980. Civil Service is the way to go for Aspies. Take a Civil Service test, do well, get on a "list." Even if have to wait 3 years so, the wait might be worth it.