Skills v Looks When Hiring: 89% of Gen Z Women and Men Say Appearance 

16,554 GenZ women and 6,303 GenZ men were questioned on their attitudes towards employment. The poll, commissioned by the global student affinity network UNiDAYS, reveals that 89% of GenZ women, but also 89% of GenZ men, now believe physical appearance plays a role in getting a job.

76% of women asked feel gender is still an issue when it comes to being hired. However, 94% of the GenZ women quizzed do expect equal pay and 65% believe women make better bosses than men. 

"In this age of social media, filters and celebrity, the pressure on women and now also men, to live up to societal expectations of physical appearance has never been more acute - with 89% of both GenZ women and men agreeing looks play a factor in getting hired. But thank goodness attitudes are slowly changing towards equality, diversity and inclusion. We are all judged on first impressions, intentionally or otherwise, however there is a groundswell of awareness that is pushing back on rampant prejudice.” Viviane Paxinos, GM, UNiDAYS

Of the 6,303 GenZ men questioned, only 49% feel gender is an issue when it comes to being hired. 84% of GenZ men expect equal pay and 80% GenZ men believe men make better bosses than woman.

Matilda, 19 from Newcastle said: “I think there will always be a stigma surrounding women and the workplace, even if attitudes seem to be changing. Without conscious thought, most people care about how they look so will be aware that other people are making these judgements too. Therefore, looks definitely still contribute to job success but with younger people now becoming the bosses and the employers, I do think that gap is closing, and it is less of a factor now than it once was.”

The survey was commissioned as part of UNiDAYS launch of the Student Woman of the Year award, a worldwide search for female identifying students that have bought positivity, light or change to their friendship group, community, job or neighbourhood. The awards now in their fourth year showcase the best female talent and is partnered this year by AllBright, the global female-only professional networking platform.

“The survey shows that gender equality is still work in progress. Women must be their own champions. UNiDAYS are calling for female-identifying activists, carers, fashionistas, entrepreneurs and creatives to nominate themselves for an award that will see them mentored by some of the most successful business-women in the world.” Viviane Paxinos, GM, UNiDAYS.

To enter Student Woman of the Year click here.