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People don't tend to employ me. I'm the wrong personality…

“People don't tend to employ me. I'm the wrong personality type. Or rather, people do tend to employ me for a short time and then they sack me. A film broker once told me, as she terminated my contract, that I have a misleading sort of face. "You're pretty", she complained. "Your features are…” quote by Marian Keyes
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““People don't tend to employ me. I'm the wrong personality type. Or rather, people do tend to employ me for a short time and then they sack me. A film broker once told me, as she terminated my contract, that I have a misleading sort of face. "You're pretty", she complained. "Your features are symmetrical and there was an article in Grazia that says human beings are programmed to find those with symmetrical features more pleasing to they eye. So this isn't my fault, I was simply responding to a biological imperative. You've even teeth, so when you smile, you look...sweet, I suppose. But you're not, are you?" "I hope not," I said. "You see, there you go again. You're a smart-arse and you've no ability to filter your thoughts---" "And my thoughts are often abrasive." "Exactly." "I'll just get my brushes and sponges and leave." "If you would.””

Marian Keyes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker feels repeatedly dismissed due to appearance and personality, attributing it to societal bias toward symmetry and superficial judgments.

In simple terms: People judge and reject based on looks and demeanor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge superficial biases.

Themes

identity bias self‑perception employment appearance

Mood

frustrated defensive reflective

Type

personal critical observational

When to use this quote

  • job interviews
  • networking events
  • performance reviews
  • self‑branding
  • career counseling

Key Concepts

social psychology self‑esteem stereotype threat

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you separate self‑worth from external judgments?
  • What steps can you take to showcase competence beyond appearance?
A Different Perspective

Bias can be deep‑rooted and hard to change in hiring practices.

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