By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
In the current tough job market, you want to eliminate anything that could hurt your chances at getting a job. Unfortunately, when it comes to succeeding in interviews to get the job, your facial scar or birthmark just may keep you from making the impression you want, according to a study by researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston.
In a study published in the March 2012 Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers looked at how interviewers regarded and rated job candidates both with and without facial marks, such as facial scars and birthmarks. They used eye-tracking software to determine the amount of time interviewers spent looking at scars and birthmarks, then evaluated both information retained from an interview and the ratings given to candidates.
Their research showed that, on average, the 171 interviewers not only remembered less about interviewees who had facial marks, they tended to rate them lower. This held true in both the first phase of research, where interviews were conducted remotely via computer screens, and when the interviews were conducted in person. It even held true among 39 highly experienced managers.
If you feel that your facial scarring is harming your chances at getting the job you want, we can help. We offer several treatments that can reduce the appearance of facial scarring, such as Active FX and Fraxel. We also offer treatments for pigmented skin, including Fraxel with Thulium and PDT treatment, which can significantly reduce uneven facial pigmentation that lasers cannot treat.
To learn about the best treatment for your facial scar or bookmark, please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today for a consultation at our San Diego-area practice.