For my first professional job, I didn't meet a single co-worker or boss in person until I walked in on the first day - and this was at Bank of America, not exactly a small company. They had no idea what I looked like.

As a small white female who is acutely aware of certain facts regarding physical appearance and likelihood to get hired this was actually reassuring to me: I knew I had been hired purely on the basis of my resume, experience, and interviews, as opposed to how I looked.

I would rather we as a society moved away from judging peoples appearances instead of "gaming the system" and faking appearances in order to get an "advantage." However, I can understand why someone may be motivated to fake it to get it.

I for instance am relatively young for my role and look even younger. I have been judged negatively for it in previous jobs and not been afforded the same opportunities as less qualified peers despite expressing interest in these opportunities. Shit sucks. Unfortunately, I can't whip on a fake beard to temporarily gain that advantage.

A lack of confidence regarding my appearance actually was a factor in my decision not to try and pursue teaching. I was very concerned about being unable to maintain discipline in the classroom because I look small and young and could be confused for a student.

Please don't think that was the only reason - really my problem was a lack of confidence in my ability to lead and discipline - but if I was 6" I wouldn't have those worries. At 25 I still sometimes am mistaken for "18ish." Sure this sounds like a first world problem - I just wish we could eliminate our job related appearance biases.

In general, overweight people are perceived as less effective at their job despite experience, (etc. isn't that awful?