The CT hits the streets: Your appearance and its effect on your professional success

Q1: How might judgment of someone’s appearance lead to discrimination?
Q2: What do you think are some physical characteristics that can turn an employer off?
Q3: How do body piercings and tattoos affect a job interview?
Q4: How is your VCU experience preparing you for a professional appearance?
Q5: What is available at VCU to help students avoid missing a job opportunity?

Candace Thompson, 18, freshman, forensic science/chemistry major
Q1: Judgment of a person’s style can lead to discrimination.
Q2: Sloppy dressing, facial piercing, not well-groomed
Q3: Severely
Q4: No preparation
Q5: None

Mandie Pelletier, 19, sophomore, forensic science major
Q1: Employers can choose the best-looking person rather than the individual that is qualified.
Q2: Any type of genetic defect
Q3: Somewhat prepared
Q4: None
Q5: No response

Tsegaye Assefa, 21, senior, marketing major
Q1: Racism based on what you wore.
Q2: Overweight, not being well groomed
Q3: Severely
Q4: No preparation
Q5: Career Fair

Darion Stuart, 21, senior, accounting major
Q1: Can cause them to predetermine someone’s socioeconomic background.
Q2: Language (slang) use, vernacular, hairstyle
Q3: Severely
Q4: No preparation
Q5: None

Kim Jamilla, 18, freshman, engineering major
Q1: Ethnicity may be a factor in deciding what position you start off with.
Q2: Someone that isn’t put together.
Q3: Severely
Q4: No preparation
Q5: Pre-engineering program/VCU 101

Michelle Ortizz, 20, junior, education major
Q1: Race can lead to stereotypes.
Q2: Facial hair
Q3: Severely
Q4: Somewhat prepared
Q5: None