Graduates need to look sharp at interview as almost nine out of 10 bosses have admitted to hiring the most attractive candidates they interview.

The evidence suggests graduates called in for interview could face indirect discrimination, and employers are putting themselves at risk of a tribunal if found out.

A study of more than 2,000 UK recruiters by employment law firm Peninsula revealed 88 percent had at one stage chosen one candidate over another because of looks rather than skills and experience. Similarly 92 percent said appearance can influence their decision.

David Price, Head of Diversity for Peninsula said: "The overweight, tattooed and unattractive are not currently specifically protected by discrimination laws but employers should beware of breaking disability discrimination if appearance of being overweight is due to illness. Some employers see being overweight as an example of lack of discipline and current legislation does not protect perfectly capable people. Employers could be missing out on the best candidate because of their prejudicial attitudes.

"Employees at interview should be themselves, use the interview to sell yourself on your achievements and qualifications, look smart and presentable and most of all be positive."

Peninsula warns society will never be free of discrimination even though the person not given the job may be the best candidate. Employers who discriminate are could find themselves at employment tribunal because of indirectly discriminating.

Price continues: "It seems that many interviewers are guilty when it comes to looks influencing their decision. I was surprised at the number of people who have based an employment decision on looks and it’s turning into a new form of modern discrimination. Using such a strategy is not without legal risk. Most employers know better than to base employment decisions on appearance that is related to legally protected factors such as race, age or disability but it seems occasionally these factors are abandoned."

He adds: "Am I surprised at the survey findings? No not at all, people not only look at qualifications but they buy into the person; therefore appearance and attractiveness can have an influence on who you employ. However the decision should be based on qualifications and experience. I can understand that employers want to choose candidates that fit in well within the company but recruiting an individual on looks alone is clearly not acceptable."