Subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination.

I once applied for the same job as a few former colleagues when our job laid us all off. I knew I had more years experience, more developed skills, as well as a better attitude than most of them.

On the other hand, I'm overweight and not exactly the most handsome man. A former colleague who applied to that same job (with several years less experience, a record of constantly being late or not showing up to work, and he was a constant source of drama at our former employer), is tall, fit, and has one of those professional athlete smiles. Guess who got the job?

When they told me of their decision, they plainly pointed out that the other dude would provide a better "image" for their company and would be easier on the eyes to have to look at all day. This was an over-the-phone job, so the customers never actually see the people they're talking to. The decision was purely based on the fact that the woman doing the hiring would rather look at the other dude than me.