Watch: Woman Rejected From Corporate Job For Not Wearing Makeup

Melissa Weaver, a New York City job applicant, recently shared a disheartening experience that she believes cost her a job—she wasn't wearing makeup during the interview. Despite her qualifications and a strong interview performance via Zoom, Weaver was stunned to learn that she was not moving forward in the hiring process for a human resources position.

"The interview was engaging and informative," Weaver told Newsweek. "We delved into the role, responsibilities, and the company's growth plans. I was confident I met all their expectations." Yet, a few days later, she received an email stating that her application would not proceed further. Weaver was perplexed.

Unexpected Feedback

Seeking clarity, Weaver requested feedback from the interviewer. The response left her in disbelief. "She told me that while my experience was exactly what they were looking for and my personal values aligned with those of the company, she was concerned that I hadn't put enough effort into my appearance given I was interviewing for a VP-level role," Weaver recalled.

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The Influence of Makeup on Perceptions

The issue of makeup impacting perceptions of women is not new. A 2011 Harvard University study, conducted in collaboration with makeup manufacturer Procter & Gamble, found that women who wear makeup are perceived as more attractive, competent, likeable, and trustworthy. Participants were shown pictures of women's faces with varying degrees of makeup, and even brief glimpses influenced their perceptions.

Weaver, who rarely wears makeup due to sensitive skin and eyes, believes this was the only aspect of her appearance that could have been perceived as lacking effort. "My previous companies didn't care about how people dressed in the office, so long as people weren't showing up in pyjamas or workout clothes. No one ever commented on whether or not a woman wore makeup," she said.

Social Media Reactions

Following this experience, Weaver shared her story on TikTok, where her video has garnered over 600,000 views. The reaction was overwhelming, with many women sharing similar experiences. "As I've read through the comments on my TikTok video, multiple people have said that their bosses have told them that they need to wear at least a little makeup. There have also been a number of people who've agreed that it's expected for women to wear makeup at work," Weaver said.

A Broader Conversation

Weaver's story sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on women in the workplace. "Even though we are moving towards a more progressive work environment in a lot of ways, this isn't one of them," wrote TikTok user Kiki. Another user, sandyuhos, commented: "Not reasonable. Do men get refused a job because they don't wear makeup?" 

The Double Standard

Weaver also reflected on the double standard between men and women regarding appearance in the workplace. "There is a double standard for men and women in how much effort they need to put into their appearance," she said. "Makeup should be an option for women—not an expectation, and it shouldn't make a difference in how women are perceived in the workplace."

Melissa Weaver's experience highlights a persistent issue in corporate culture: the expectations & double standards that pit women against failure. This expectation not only perpetuates a double standard but also represents the superficial criteria that can unjustly influence hiring decisions. It is crucial to challenge and dismantle these norms, ensuring that professional opportunities are based on merit rather than appearance.