New survey reveals widespread bias toward physical traits in hiring decisions
A newResumeTemplates.com survey of 882 U.S. hiring managers finds that many are factoring candidates' physical traits-such as attractiveness, body type, race, and hair color-into their hiring decisions, sometimes over qualifications. More than half (53%) admit these traits influence who they hire.
Hiring managers admit to choosing appearance over qualificationsOf the hiring managers who say physical traits play a role in hiring:
— 40% would choose a conventionally attractive candidate over a more qualified one
— 85% form impressions about a candidate's competence based on physical traits
— 34% say considering physical traits helps assess cultural fit
— 53% look up candidates' photos before interviews, with some rejecting candidates based on their photo alone
— 48% say the political climate makes them more comfortable factoring in physical traits
“Bias toward physical traits is often subtle and goes unnoticed unless someone has received training to recognize it,” says JuliaToothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com. “For many, this bias operates under the surface until it's brought to their attention.”
Body type, race, and hair color influence hiringAmong hiring managers who consider physical traits, more than half say body type or weight (55%) and facial attractiveness (47%) have impacted their decisions. About one-quarter (25%) cite height, 22% race or skin tone, and 21% hair color. Of those with racial preferences, 86% favor white candidates-a form of direct racial discrimination prohibited by federal law.
Why physical traits matter to hiring managersWhen asked why they consider physical traits, more than half (54%) say they reflect professionalism or attention to detail. Others believe they help make a strong impression on clients (43%), signal how well someone will represent the company (40%), or indicate confidence and leadership potential (35%).
Hiring managers also acknowledge assumptions based on looks, with 28% admitting they make personality judgments based on appearance. Employment law experts caution that “cultural fit” can serve as a cover for unlawful bias when it excludes candidates based on protected traits.
Political climate influencing hiring biasNearly half (48%) say the current political climate has made them more comfortable factoring physical traits into hiring. This comes amid recent executive orders dismantling federal DEI programs and reversing affirmative action requirements for federal contractors.
This survey was conducted in August 2025 via Pollfish among 882 U.S. hiring managers who met specific demographic and screening criteria.
The full report is available here: https://www.resumetemplates.com/survey-1-in-5-hiring-managers-favor-great-genes-over-great-resumes/
Under U.S. federal law, it is illegal to make hiring decisions based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information. Some states and cities also protect against discrimination based on traits such as weight, height, and hairstyle. While some traits discussed in this survey are not universally protected, they may still lead to unlawful discrimination if they serve as a proxy for a protected category.
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SOURCE ResumeTemplates.com
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