Why Investing in Your Skills Beats Chasing Looks for Career Success

You may have come across a TikTok clip where a career coach claims that getting a nose job is a better investment than earning a degree when it comes to landing a job. This idea sounds surprising, even shocking. Yet, the fact that many people are paying attention to this advice makes it necessary to take a closer look at the reality behind it.

I’m Khumbudzo, founder of Khumbu Digitals. I help professionals enhance their digital presence to attract genuine career opportunities, not just online views. In this article, we will explore the research on beauty bias in hiring, explain why relying on looks alone won’t build a lasting career, and share what you should focus on instead, such as refining your LinkedIn profile and CV. By the end, you will have a clear plan to move forward.

The Myth of “Just Look Pretty”

First impressions do matter. Studies show that people who are conventionally attractive sometimes get a slight advantage in hiring, promotions, or earnings. But this advantage is small, inconsistent, and often disappears once the interview begins.

A 2024 meta-analysis by Bortnikova, Havránek, and Irsova reviewed 67 studies and found that the average beauty premium in earnings was about 3 to 4 percent. When correcting for publication bias, this dropped to roughly 2.9 percent. More importantly, when the researchers accounted for cognitive ability and productivity, the effect of attractiveness became negligible. This means that the advantage of a “pretty face” fades or disappears when skills, experience, and performance are taken into account.

So, when a coach advises skipping education in favour of plastic surgery, they are promoting a myth that risks wasting your time, money, and self-esteem.

What the Research Actually Examines

Most studies focus on the initial stage of hiring, which involves sending CVs or applications with attached photos. For example, one field audit study found that applicants with attractive photos received more callbacks than those without. However, this effect was limited to the early screening phase.

Once candidates reach the interview stage, employers focus more on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and how well they fit the role. Attractiveness plays a much smaller role here. Employers want to hire individuals who can perform the job effectively and make valuable contributions to the team.

This means that relying on looks alone is a short-term strategy at best. It does not guarantee long-term career success or job satisfaction.

When you invest in your skills, your CV, and your LinkedIn, you don’t chase opportunities; they find you.

What You Should Invest in Instead

The best investment you can make for your career is in your skills, experience, and professional presentation. Here are some practical steps to focus on:

• Build relevant skills

Take courses, attend workshops, or earn certifications in your field. Skills that match job requirements increase your chances of getting hired and promoted.

• Craft a strong CV

Your CV is often the first impression employers get of you. Make sure it clearly highlights your achievements, skills, and experience. Tailor it to each job application.

• Optimise your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job searching. Use a professional photo, write a clear summary, and list your skills and accomplishments. Engage with content relevant to your industry.

• Gain real experience

Internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects can help build your portfolio and demonstrate to employers that you possess practical knowledge.

• Prepare for interviews

Practice answering common questions, research the company, and demonstrate how your skills solve their problems.

Investing in these areas will provide a stronger foundation for career growth than focusing solely on appearance.

Real Examples of Skill Investment Paying Off

Consider Sarah, a marketing assistant who spent six months learning digital marketing tools and improving her writing skills. She updated her CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect her new abilities. After applying to several jobs, she landed a role with better pay and more responsibility.

Or James, an IT technician who earned certifications in cloud computing. His new skills enabled him to transition into a specialist role within his company, resulting in a salary increase and enhanced job satisfaction.

These examples show that skill development and professional presentation lead to tangible career benefits.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Chasing looks instead of skills is a risky and often unhelpful career strategy. Research shows that while attractiveness may provide a slight initial boost, it does not replace the value of genuine ability and experience.

Focus on building your skills, crafting a strong CV, and optimising your LinkedIn profile. These efforts will open doors to meaningful opportunities and long-term success.

If you want support, consider investing in a professional CV template or LinkedIn profile optimisation service. These tools can help you present your skills and experience in the best light.

Your career is worth more than a quick fix. Build it on a foundation that lasts.