Job Hunt Makeover: How Far Should You Go?

May 14, 2009 — -- When Victoria Zamensky decided to look for an office job this year after working for herself for a decade, she didn't just polish up her resume and interviewing skills. She polished up her smile and smoothed out a few wrinkles too.

Besides revamping her hairstyle, the 38-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, sprung for teeth whitening at her dentist's office and Botox injections from a cosmetic surgeon.

"I'm a single mom of two kids. I often look harried," Zamensky said. But since the Botox, she says she now looks "younger and refreshed."

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"It gives you a bit more of an edge," said Zamensky, who's always worked in appearance-conscious fields like sales and marketing. "That old adage of first impressions really is true."

Zamensky's no anomaly. Thanks to our beauty- and youth-obsessed culture, buying a new suit is the tip of the makeover iceberg for some job seekers. Instead, some are turning to personal trainers, dermal fillers or facelifts.

In April, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported that 75 percent of its members have patients asking for cosmetic surgery to stay competitive in the workplace.

Considering that study after study shows preferential treatment of workers with Hollywood looks, it's hard to fault those job seekers with financial means who are willing to try anything to give themselves a (sculpted, toned and tanned) leg up on the competition in this tricky job market.

But when you're in the interview hot seat, will a few less pounds or wrinkles really make a difference? Or can those of us who look more like Susan Boyle than Scarlett Johansson take solace in the fact that talent really does rise to the top?