Article
The Influence of Job Candidates’ Physical Appearance on Interview Evaluations: A Prototype Matching Model
Journal of Personnel Psychology
(2019)
Abstract
The influence of a candidate’s physical appearance on interview evaluations is well documented. However, few models exist that explain how and why specific components of physical appearance influence interviewer perceptions. We address this discrepancy by identifying the primary components of appearance and integrating findings from the appearance literature to explain the relationship between candidate appearance and interview evaluations. We propose that interviewers compare traits inferred from a candidate’s physical appearance with traits associated with their prototype for the job position. Interviewers perceive a strong person-job fit when these traits align, which is indicated by a prototype match. By detailing this progression in the proposed conceptual model, this paper answers calls from recent research and provides new directions for future inquiry.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April, 2019
DOI
10.1027/1866-5888/a000223
Citation Information
Graham Lowman, Peter D Harmes and Maura Mills. "The Influence of Job Candidates’ Physical Appearance on Interview Evaluations: A Prototype Matching Model" Journal of Personnel Psychology Vol. 18 Iss. 2 (2019) p. 55 - 70 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/grahamlowman/2/