Posted: Friday 7 January 2011
Does Wearing Glasses Improve Your Career Prospects?
For many employees, New Year resolutions include going after that dream job, planning for that promotion or even just looking to make a better impression and be noticed in the workplace.
We are all familiar with the stereotype of the bespectecled intellectual, however a recent study by the College of Optometrists suggests that the association of spectacles with intelligence and professionalism may have a surprisingly real impact on the recruitment and promotion process.
The research found that 43% of people consider that glasses make the wearer appear more intelligent while 36% think that frames make the wearer appear more professional. These perceptions are so entrenched that, apparently, 40% of people would consider wearing spectacles with clear, non-prescription lenses to look the part at work. Further statistics show that 16% are already sporting glasses unnecessarily to look more intelligent, as are 10% in a bid to appear more professional.
Employers be warned - don't let the glasses distract you from the candidate! Right... where did I put my specs...
