Stereotypes about attractiveness: When beautiful is not better

The present study investigated the effects of attractiveness and gender on people's perceptions of jab competence. Trained interviewers telephoned 907 residents of eastern North Carolina, read a description of two job applica nts, and asked participants to evaluate the applicants on dimensions of job ability. We hypothesized that men would be favored over women of similar a ttractiveness and that attractiveness would benefit female applicants on hi rability, but harm male applicants. Results showed a slight preference for women over men, but a more powerful preference for unattractive people over their attractive counterparts. In addition, participants typically preferr ed applicants believed to have a more difficult time in obtaining a job. Re sults also indicated that participants felt "people in general" would act u pon typical stereotypes regarding gender and attractiveness, but participan ts themselves were exempt from the stereotype.