P&G study finds that appearance matters in employment

An employer survey carried out by consumer giant Procter and Gamble has found that men that are well-groomed are more likely to land and keep their jobs in Illinois.

According to a survey carried out on behalf of P&G by Zoomerang Research, 79 percent of hiring managers in Illinois rate physical appearance of male job candidates as one of the most important factors in making a good first impression at a job interview.

Climb that ladder

On top of that, six in ten hiring managers in Illinois say that well-groomed employees are more likely to climb up the corporate ladder faster than those who are not well-groomed.

Another finding of the survey, which was conducted in Illinois between August 25 and September 6, is that 78 percent of survey respondents believe that well-groomed candidates have more confidence.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the Chicago rate is at 10.3 percent, and P&G believes this is evidence that making a good first impression can be a critical factor in getting hired and/or keeping a job in a tough job market.

Growing demand

It is this trend that has prompted P&G to partner with CVS/pharmacy to respond to the growing demand for men’s grooming products.

Market research firm Nielsen has predicted the $2 billion men's grooming business will grow to $3 billion by 2012, and this has prompted P&G and CVS to create a prototype men's grooming aisle at a store in Tinley Park.

The new ‘Guy Aisle’ has been designed to make it easier for men and the women who shop for them to find the specific products they need.

"Men are buyers, not shoppers," said Michael Norton, communications director, Gillette. "They can find all the products for their grooming needs in one aisle, it makes shopping easier, quicker and simpler."