The effects of facial hair on first impressions of job applicants

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of facial hair on consultants’ first impression of job applicants. It used a quantitative research design, using a printed questionnaire as a research tool. A hypothetical hiring scenario was created, together with a photo of an individual, either bearded or non-bearded. A between-subjects design was conducted, whereby participants were randomly assigned to either the bearded or the non-bearded conditions. Participants were consultants working in recruitment agencies in Malta. A total of 59 participants took part in this study, with a mean age of 33.53 years, ranging from 21 to 56 years. Participants included 45 females and 14 males, with an average of 3-4 years of experience in recruitment. This study found that the bearded applicant was significantly perceived as more mature, dirty, unattractive and masculine, and as less likeable and less well-groomed. Furthermore, this study did not find a significant difference in impressions of task ability and in the likelihood of recommendation between the bearded and non-bearded conditions. A positive and moderate relationship (r = .445) was found between age of consultants and the likelihood of recommendation of the non-bearded applicant. Furthermore, a significant difference was found between consultants with 1-2 years of experience and those with more than 6 years of experience, such that the latter were more likely to recommend the non-bearded applicant. No significant differences were found between males and females in the likelihood of recommendation and in ratings of applicant’s competence. The main findings implicated that although some first impressions differed as a result of beardedness, these did not affect the likelihood of recommendation of the job applicant.