Looks and the hiring process

[hangman]

How much does someone's looks play a role in getting hired?

Do departments generally only hire good looking people?

[PhilipCal]

Pretty general question. We're not looking for movie stars or pageant contestants, but good grooming, dressing appropriately, demeanor, all go a long way, and are positives.

[Challenge Coin]

I've met a whole lot of cops that ain't pretty to look at (myself included!) but they look professional. That's what matters.

[Iowa #1603]

The guy with gauges through his ears and nose with FTW tattooed on his forehead is NOT going to get hired

[CCCSD]

^^^this^^^

[tanksoldier]

Do departments generally only hire good looking people?

If you mean attractive, no... I got hired.

If you mean well groomed, well dressed, etc... then yes. A tidy personal appearance reflects self-discipline and an orderly mind.

[Lady Blue]

Neat, well-dressed, groomed...these are all things are all things that are plusses.

[retired]

When I interviewed candidates, the females that were selected for some reason were all very attractive.

[CharlesInCharge23]

Similar question, possibly a silly one. In the academy we got a note about making sure your fingernails are neat and trimmed... I have an awful habit of biting my nails... how bad would that really effect getting hired if I'm squared away in other regards?

[DWinsRespect]

If I posted a video of myself, "good looking" is not what would be used to describe me. What you would notice is someone with a neat haircut, clean shaven face, good posture, a decent physique, and someone who is well spoken and generally professional in appearance. I make sure my uniform is ironed and wrinkle free, my sleeves are crisp, the pleats on my pants could cut paper, my brass is shiny, and my boots are clean.

I have actually been told by arrestee's before that they didn't put up a fight because I "didn't look like I was f'ing around". Another thing you'd notice is that I'm not the biggest guy, either. Appearance goes a long way in this job.

[wutzcrack3n]

look like a slob, get treated as one.... look professional, get treated as one.

[tj05]

How much does someone's looks play a role in getting hired?

Do departments generally only hire good looking people?

Yea looks are really important in cop work. My department was ranked 15th out of the country in looks for police departments by playboy. It doesn't matter how you do the job it only matters how you look while doing the job.