I'm at a school in Bangkok now that allows teachers to concentrate on student learning rather than focusing on looking the part.
I usually wear a batik, short sleeved shirt, beige chinos, a pair of Camper's - smart casual.
School justifies it by stating it wants its teachers to feel comfortable at work. It's refreshing.
How importance is appearance in getting hired?
Thanks for the feedback- especially sid
I guess what I was kind of getting as was, all other things being equal, will a more attractive person have a better shot at a position than a less attractive person?
I remember being at a job fair a few years ago and meeting a woman who was certified to teach IB Chemistry, but couldn't even seem to land an interview. She couldn't figure out why, since many schools had the position listed. She happened to be very heavy. I do feel like there is some discrimination in hiring, especially towards women.
But based on the replies I have heard so far, perhaps I am mistaken
I guess what I was kind of getting as was, all other things being equal, will a more attractive person have a better shot at a position than a less attractive person?
I remember being at a job fair a few years ago and meeting a woman who was certified to teach IB Chemistry, but couldn't even seem to land an interview. She couldn't figure out why, since many schools had the position listed. She happened to be very heavy. I do feel like there is some discrimination in hiring, especially towards women.
But based on the replies I have heard so far, perhaps I am mistaken
Hard to say why she couldn't get an interview.
Heavy? How heavy? So heavy you'd worry about health, sudden heart attack or stroke and whether she'd be able to walk from car to classroom? Or just an aesthetics issue?
Very possible there was something in her file that you wouldn't know about, possibly even she didn't really realize, like bad references. True, DP chem positions are usually hard to fill, but still, some experienced DP chem teachers aren't actually any good. Or she could have had a health history that was so severe it kept her out of the classroom for long periods and suggested continuing issues.
We've hired some fairly heavy people along the way. Quality matters more. But if there is a real health issue, schools won't be too eager to jump.
Heavy? How heavy? So heavy you'd worry about health, sudden heart attack or stroke and whether she'd be able to walk from car to classroom? Or just an aesthetics issue?
Very possible there was something in her file that you wouldn't know about, possibly even she didn't really realize, like bad references. True, DP chem positions are usually hard to fill, but still, some experienced DP chem teachers aren't actually any good. Or she could have had a health history that was so severe it kept her out of the classroom for long periods and suggested continuing issues.
We've hired some fairly heavy people along the way. Quality matters more. But if there is a real health issue, schools won't be too eager to jump.
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Cheery Littlebottom
- Posts: 207
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 8:32 am
I'm with Sid on this. I would be astonished if weight was the only issue.
Ways back when I taught in a different international school, we had a teacher who was very, very big. Tall AND heavy. He was a wonderful teacher. The school actually partially subsidised his travel in business, as economy was a bit of a nightmare for him. He was not desperately unhealthy, just built very wide. He was definitely worth the extra as the students benefited enormously from his input.
Chemistry is for sure a shortage subject, but it is not a guarantee. Who knows what was in the ladies file. Maybe she was unlucky in the openings, late to apply, or (you mentioned certified) not experienced enough.
Also, the health issue is a biggie. There's a reason you get asked how many days sick you've had. Plus if you've bailed in the past, or have only been in places where it is "easier" to live as opposed to a "hardship" post. All these things factor in.
There is, of course, the possibility that she was a total wanker as well. God knows I have met a few of them! Moaning, entitled bastards! I know of one teacher who complained about her timetable on the grounds that it took her 25 seconds to go to the nearest bathroom and 25 seconds back and how could she use the facilities in the remaining 4 minutes?? Apologies if I am doing the lady a disservice, but there are many reasons why a person doesn't get a job, and looks will not be one of them.
Look professional, prepare for your interviews, make your recruiting materials top notch, network shamelessly, be flexible and go for it! Good luck!
Ways back when I taught in a different international school, we had a teacher who was very, very big. Tall AND heavy. He was a wonderful teacher. The school actually partially subsidised his travel in business, as economy was a bit of a nightmare for him. He was not desperately unhealthy, just built very wide. He was definitely worth the extra as the students benefited enormously from his input.
Chemistry is for sure a shortage subject, but it is not a guarantee. Who knows what was in the ladies file. Maybe she was unlucky in the openings, late to apply, or (you mentioned certified) not experienced enough.
Also, the health issue is a biggie. There's a reason you get asked how many days sick you've had. Plus if you've bailed in the past, or have only been in places where it is "easier" to live as opposed to a "hardship" post. All these things factor in.
There is, of course, the possibility that she was a total wanker as well. God knows I have met a few of them! Moaning, entitled bastards! I know of one teacher who complained about her timetable on the grounds that it took her 25 seconds to go to the nearest bathroom and 25 seconds back and how could she use the facilities in the remaining 4 minutes?? Apologies if I am doing the lady a disservice, but there are many reasons why a person doesn't get a job, and looks will not be one of them.
Look professional, prepare for your interviews, make your recruiting materials top notch, network shamelessly, be flexible and go for it! Good luck!
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schoolcounselor
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2010 2:28 pm
Appearance DOES matter in hiring
While I don't believe (or maybe don't want to) that weight and physical attractiveness would be a deal-breaker for any candidate with a great CV, experience and references, that may indeed be the case more often than not. It is unrealistic to think that appearance is not a factor and research certainly supports this is even a greater factor for women than men. A recent study revealed that women deemed "too attractive" also had a harder time securing employment in some fields.
We humans are visual creatures and often make judgements & assumptions quickly based on what is before us. Principals are looking for quality people that they feel some rapport with and can see fitting into the faculty community.
That said, an up-to-date polished appearance, self-confidence and a genuine smile makes everyone more attractive. You may want to consider some professional coaching or counseling to boost your self-confidence and help you feel more prepared to show your best self. Change the things you can and most important, learn to accept and love the things you cannot change.
Seemingly small things like whitening your teeth and getting a stylish haircut & color that really flatters you undoubtedly will make you feel better, which will translate to the person interviewing you.
Best wishes!
link to a Forbes article on the subject:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudre ... ppearance/
We humans are visual creatures and often make judgements & assumptions quickly based on what is before us. Principals are looking for quality people that they feel some rapport with and can see fitting into the faculty community.
That said, an up-to-date polished appearance, self-confidence and a genuine smile makes everyone more attractive. You may want to consider some professional coaching or counseling to boost your self-confidence and help you feel more prepared to show your best self. Change the things you can and most important, learn to accept and love the things you cannot change.
Seemingly small things like whitening your teeth and getting a stylish haircut & color that really flatters you undoubtedly will make you feel better, which will translate to the person interviewing you.
Best wishes!
link to a Forbes article on the subject:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudre ... ppearance/