In a recent incident that has sparked outrage, a woman was reportedly turned down for a job because she chose not to wear makeup during her interview.
Melissa Weaver's experience shows how personal looks can affect job opportunities and has sparked a debate on this issue.
Melissa Weaver, a 30-year-old woman searching for a job in New York, used TikTok to share her unexpected experience and draw attention to the problem of discrimination in the workplace due to appearance.
Weaver had applied for a vice-president position in the HR department of a tech company.
Even though having the necessary qualifications and being well-prepared for the interview, she was shocked to receive a rejection based on her appearance.
The recruiter claimed that she hadn't put enough effort into her appearance, especially by not wearing makeup.
After Melissa Weavr's video was uploaded, some of her supporters encouraged her to take legal action against the company.
However, in another video, Ms. Weaver explained that although it is illegal for recruiters to discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, or sexuality in the United States, employers are allowed to take appearance into account when deciding whom to hire.
In the viral clip, which has garnered over 700,000 views, Weaver posed a thought-provoking question: "If women choose not to wear makeup for job interviews or at work, does it imply a lack of effort or dedication to their job?"
She emphasized that her qualifications and background aligned perfectly with the company's requirements, making the rejection solely based on her appearance even more perplexing.
After being rejected, Weaver sought feedback and discovered that her choice to not wear makeup played a role in the employer's decision.
Despite wearing a blazer, earrings, and styling her hair, she had only applied Chapstick instead of makeup.
Weaver explained that she doesn't typically wear much makeup due to personal preferences and skin sensitivity.
Some argued that this decision can be seen as a form of discrimination and questioned its legality.
However, there were also differing opinions, with some suggesting that appearance plays a role in forming first impressions and projecting professionalism in the workplace.
If it's a make-up company then I would get it… or model or fashion but anywhere else no you don't makeup. I don't wear make-up because it is heavy and bad for my skin, one user said.
I was once turned down for a job for not dressing appropriately. Apparently, a mankini wasn’t appropriate, the second said.
Jealous. She has beautiful skin and doesn't need makeup. Good hair too. I don't know what job she applied for, but I'm sure a lovely personality would be No. 1, another commented.
It would depend a lot on which job you were being interviewed for, someone wrote.
She was obviously too good for them and doesn’t need to change, another said.
