As we saw on tonight's show, "lookism" has led to a new cosmetic surgery trend amongst middle-aged members of the workforce. Many go under the knife for a competitve edge over younger upstarts.
Facial Plastic surgeon Dr Michael Zacharia uses a combination of medical and surgical techniques to achieve the best results for his patients.
"I think lookism does exist and there's no doubt that the industries — be they cosmetic, injectables or surgical industries — are contributing to it," he says.
We saw Khristine brave the cosmetic procedure. Here's what she had done:
8 x Anchored threads to lower face & neck: $4,400 inc gst
Botox to forehead and crows feet: $660 incl gst
You can find our more information about these procedures at Dr Michael Zacharia's website:
www.drzacharia.com.au
A recent study of nearly 200 fashion retailers found lookism is rife in the retail industry where physical appearance far outweights work experience. And experts are warning tourism hospitality and telecommunication markets are equally as guilty.
Former Sydney Swans full-forward Warwick Capper — who also ran for Gold Coast Mayor — says his latest credential gives him the edge over his competitors.
"[I] had a bit of botox. All girls love that... so do the guys but they won't admit it," he says.
He now stars in his own Capper Chat segment on sports channel, 1HD.
"Why not try and look your best? You're only here once. If you can prolong your face and body, get off the couch, keep your guts flat and you can be a movie star like myself and a footy star," he says.
So is lookism really becoming part of the job industry? Maurice Parker from Scoop International thinks not.
His job is to prepare people from all walks of life for job interviews, and he wouldn't recommend going under the knife for the sake of a job.
"Presentation and positivity will pull you across the line rather than someone spending money in an attempt to get a job by going underneath the knife," he says.
"I'd hate to see a CV which said yesterday I had plastic surgery to get this job."
He suggests concentrating on being positive to nail that role.
"It's your personality, it's what you're worth as a person inside and how your CV reads that's going to get you the job," he says.
And if you're an older member of the workforce?
"You have life skills, you've been there and done that, you've probably got qualifications you are probably better in many ways in dealing with relationships with employer work colleagues," Maurice says.
Maurice also suggests taking pride in your presentation.
"Most retail stores have fashion consultants you can have a chat to who will give you advice on what you can do and the way you can dress," he says.
"[And] this sounds really simple... ask your partner 'what do I need to change the way I look?'"
You can email Maurice Parker here: mauricep@scoopint.com
