Woman Rejected From Corporate Job for One Reason Slams 'Double Standard'

A New York City job applicant recently shared how she believes that an unexpected detail prevented her from getting a job she wanted—the fact she wasn't wearing makeup while interviewing for the position.

Melissa Weaver was interviewing for a position in human resources when she underwent an interview process via Zoom. Despite feeling confident about her qualifications and the rapport established during the interview—she was shocked when she was told she hadn't made it any further in the hiring process.

"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."

But after the interview, she received the news they wouldn't be taking her application any further. "I left the interview feeling confident, so when I got an email from the recruiter a few days later saying I wasn't moving forward in the hiring process, I was dumbfounded," Weaver said.

When she asked for feedback, the interviewer was clear about the issue.

"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.

The way makeup impacts perceptions of women isn't new. A 2011 study by Harvard University in part with makeup manufacturer Procter & Gamble found that women who wear makeup were perceived to be more attractive, competent, likeable and trustworthy.

During the study people were shown pictures of women's faces for a matter of milliseconds, starting with women who weren't wearing makeup and leading to women wearing a glamorous full-face of cosmetic products.

Overwhelmingly, people responded more favorably to the women wearing makeup.

"I rarely wear makeup due to sensitive skin and eyes," Weaver explained. "I believe this was the only aspect of my appearance that could have been perceived as lacking effort."

Stunned, she explained this was the first time she had faced an issue with her appearance at work. "My previous companies didn't care about how people dressed in the office, so long as people weren't showing up in pajamas or workout clothes. No one ever commented on whether or not a woman wore makeup," she said.

TikTok Users React

Following the experience, Weaver shared what happened on her TikTok page in a video last month that has been viewed more than 600,000 times so far.

With thousands of comments, other women began sharing their 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.

"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.

While user sandyuhos commented: "Not reasonable. Do men get refused a job because they don't wear makeup?"

"it's wild she said that in an email to you-- this would never be said to a man," posted colleenery.

The difference between how men and women are treated was something that stuck with Weaver, too.

"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."