How important is looks in getting hired as a sales assistant
My friend applied to a temporary sales assistant position at Superdry and she got a team tryout interview. She is absolutely stunning, she models as well. Social skills are good as well. She got rejected and I was so shocked because all I’ve heard was for sales roles looks play a high importance. 12 people were interviewed and 3 positions so chances were high. In your experience for the position she applied for how much importance is placed on looks?
Hopefully recruitment is on merit for the role and it was assessed on potential to bring in sales for Superdry. Although not to say that physical attractiveness isn’t of benefit in a sales role and that pretty privilege doesn’t exist. Don’t worry you learn something from every interview and she’ll get a role
To work in Superdry as a temp? I'd say looks play very little importance.
Original post by StriderHort
To work in Superdry as a temp? I'd say looks play very little importance.
What’s your reasoning? Aren’t people more likely to buy something if you’re attractive?
Original post by tsr_account
What’s your reasoning? Aren’t people more likely to buy something if you’re attractive?
Possibly marginally more likely, but plenty people also don't want to be bothered while shopping (esp clothes) and some actively dislike pretty people *shrug*
If they want someone to model those clothes for shows etc then yeah they might call your friend, but for a temp retail position they're more likely to care about experience, rota availability and how well they came across at interview. Looking good won't hurt but isn't a game changer When you think about it, if there were 12 applicants for 3 roles that's not really a high chance as 75% of those interviewed aren't getting the job. You mentioned a lot of positive things about your friend, but work experience wasn't one of them?
Original post by StriderHort
Possibly marginally more likely, but plenty people also don't want to be bothered while shopping (esp clothes) and some actively dislike pretty people *shrug*
If they want someone to model those clothes for shows etc then yeah they might call your friend, but for a temp retail position they're more likely to care about experience, rota availability and how well they came across at interview. Looking good won't hurt but isn't a game changer When you think about it, if there were 12 applicants for 3 roles that's not really a high chance as 75% of those interviewed aren't getting the job. You mentioned a lot of positive things about your friend, but work experience wasn't one of them?
If they want someone to model those clothes for shows etc then yeah they might call your friend, but for a temp retail position they're more likely to care about experience, rota availability and how well they came across at interview. Looking good won't hurt but isn't a game changer When you think about it, if there were 12 applicants for 3 roles that's not really a high chance as 75% of those interviewed aren't getting the job. You mentioned a lot of positive things about your friend, but work experience wasn't one of them?
You make a good point
The thing is if she got to the interview stage doesn’t it mean the experience was fine else she wouldn’t have gotten to that stage. They said they were judging personality during the interview so it was probably her personality. I think probably something like harrods they care more about looks
Original post by tsr_account
My friend applied to a temporary sales assistant position at Superdry and she got a team tryout interview. She is absolutely stunning, she models as well. Social skills are good as well. She got rejected and I was so shocked because all I’ve heard was for sales roles looks play a high importance. 12 people were interviewed and 3 positions so chances were high. In your experience for the position she applied for how much importance is placed on looks?
In as much as it should be on qualifications,looks are very important
Original post by tsr_account
You make a good point
The thing is if she got to the interview stage doesn’t it mean the experience was fine else she wouldn’t have gotten to that stage. They said they were judging personality during the interview so it was probably her personality. I think probably something like harrods they care more about looks
The thing is if she got to the interview stage doesn’t it mean the experience was fine else she wouldn’t have gotten to that stage. They said they were judging personality during the interview so it was probably her personality. I think probably something like harrods they care more about looks
'sort of' Getting the interview means you've met their minimum standards in terms of experience and qualifications. Listing it on your CV is one thing, but being able to talk about it, answer questions and convince interviewers that the experience translates into their needs while under a bit of pressure is a higher bar.
You also need to consider that other applicants might just have longer or even more relevant experience, it's entirely possible some of the applicants were temps last Christmas for them too which obv puts them ahead of many others as they can slot straight back in.
I get where the stereotype of pretty sales staff comes from, but body positivity is a big deal now and a lot of brands are keenly aware of the backlash if they sideline more average staff or customers etc, you must have seen this reflected more in advertising by now. I dunno about Harrods... I can see them possibly caring more about aesthetics than some other retailers, but they've also got like 20+ allegations of staff being sexually abused by the owner which might explain that policy
Original post by tsr_account
My friend applied to a temporary sales assistant position at Superdry and she got a team tryout interview. She is absolutely stunning, she models as well. Social skills are good as well. She got rejected and I was so shocked because all I’ve heard was for sales roles looks play a high importance. 12 people were interviewed and 3 positions so chances were high. In your experience for the position she applied for how much importance is placed on looks?
When it comes to being hired as a sales assistant, looks aren’t the main factor, but how you present yourself can matter. Employers often prioritize customer service skills, enthusiasm, communication abilities, and a positive attitude. However, since sales assistants represent the company and often interact directly with customers, a neat and professional appearance is typically expected. This doesn’t mean adhering to a specific standard of beauty, but rather dressing appropriately for the brand, maintaining good hygiene, and demonstrating confidence and approachability.
Ultimately, personality, reliability, and customer engagement skills will weigh much more heavily than appearances in determining your success in the role.
Hope this helps.
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