Does personal appearance play a part in career success? And I am not talking about fashion or grooming, I am talking about physical appearance.
Sometimes I feel that I get treated differently because I look young. I have a small frame, baby face and I look like I’m just out of nappies!
It’s true; sometimes I feel I don’t get taken seriously because of my appearance. I have actually considered growing a beard, putting on weight and drinking heavily (which apparently accelerates the aging process). Just because I am sweet, young and innocent doesn’t mean I can’t execute a killer PR strategy!
But let’s be honest, if the person managing your PR campaign looked more like they should be managing Barbie and Kens Dream House would you hire them? (Alas, managing that household isn’t exactly a walk in the park; especially with Barbie getting a new job every second week).
Comment me if you can relate.
And now for something completely different.
Working at PPR, I discovered that it is true what ‘Public Relations - real jobs, real people, real experience, Career FAQs’ says about working long hours within the industry. Many consultants in my placement started very early and left very late – myself included. I am not afraid of overtime -in fact, working in PR is fun and I treat it more like a pastime then a task that must be done. “For every job that must be done – there is an element of fun...” However, those of us with a family may find it more difficult. Working in a consultancy may be more suited to people like us; young, fresh, energetic graduates with no family obligations and plenty of time and big ideas.
However, it is not all work, work, work. PPR provides some great staff programs to boost morale and encourage social engagement. Every Tuesday they allow one employee to give an autobiographical presentation. This usually includes pictures of themselves with famous people they have worked with in the past such as Prime Ministers, Premiers, prominent media people, etc. And of course we have Friday drinks – a great way to relax at the end of the week. Does your organisation have any different or unusual activities for staff?
Happy Blogging,
Liam
3 comments:
Hey Liam
Sounds like you get a bit of a hard time. I do think personal appearance plays a role, even though it shouldnt determine whether a person gets the job, people tend to make their impression from face value. It definately isnt fair but just means you have to work harder and prove your credibility in other ways.
You seem like someone who is up for the challenge!
Hi Liam!
In terms of personal looks matters if taken seriously or not, I know you mean!I have the same issues sometimes as I look so young and people mistake me to not even have past the age of 18 whilst I am actually 24! I think it does matter a little bit, but only for a first impression.
I guess that only means we have to make sure we put in a little bit more effort and Zoe says prove that we are not that immature, cute and small as we look! ;-)
Good luck Liam, it seems like you have had a great experience working in PR and I am sure you will overcome the issues you have met on your way.
Nina
yes sure appearance plays a role, because when employing a PR the client expects this person to be the image of the company, to give an insight of who they are. and even if this is unfair, we as professionals are the more apt to understand that, people lie on visuals to form their idea and people and staff forms part of all this process. this job I'm sure will always bring along a lot of issues and difficulties but our training will definitely prove reliable then. the load of assignment we've sometimes needed to hand all of them at the same time, with the numerous oral presentation., for which we haven't has enough time to prepare. but we now are prepared to face these difficulties and even if sometimes I've been on the verge of crying all the tears of my body from tiredness, I know I'm now more than ready.
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