London - Getting a new job is thought to come down to a winning CV, experience and ability.
But if you’re a woman, it seems impressing an employer is can be more about having a flawless manicure and a blowdry.
Recently a panel of professionals admitted that they judged interview candidates on their appearance.
Speaking at the Vogue Festival in London, the magazine’s editor-at-large Fiona Golfar said: “I think you can add a million dollars to your look if you get a good blow dry, get your colour done, get a manicure.
“You think about dressing for success and it’s not just the clothes you put on, it’s the whole picture. And I think having good hair is a very easy thing to do, having your nails look great.”
Executive fashion editor Serena Hood added: “Whether you want to admit it or not, you do form an opinion about someone the second they walk through the door.
“There are times when girls come to see me in mini-skirts and crop tops. And as much experience, and as great as they might be, I think to myself if they can’t come to the interview with a certain manner of respect for it, maybe Vogue isn’t the right place for them.”
Headhunter Moira Benigson said there were no second chances. An interviewee had 30 seconds to make an impression “and the rest of the meeting hinges on that”.
Fashion model Laura Bailey described a trip to the salon as a “shortcut” to making a good first impression.
The Guess and Jaeger model, who is also a Vogue contributing editor, said: “It’s not about having a huge budget, it’s about finding those things that make you feel safe. It’s having your roots done, your nails done and just celebrating the best of yourself.”
Daily Mail