What Suits you? Interview Attire doesn’t have to be difficult

When searching for a new job, hundreds of things are racing through your mind – but initially is Interview dress-code one of them?

Well, according to a recent study, “Most employers still believe job applicants should wear suits to an interview, although a minority said it would count against a candidate”.

This is of course something every applicant should take time in deciding in the lead up to their first interview, but does it have to be an either/or option? – we don’t think it does.

For example, an Automotive Technician is essentially “back-office” and not seen by many customers or members of the public, so should they need to wear a suit? Possibly not. Do they have to look presentable? Absolutely.

We deploy a theory, as stated by Chron.com in which “A general rule when dressing for an interview is to aim two levels higher than the normal dress code for the company and the job” meaning you can yourself plan your dress code according to this process. For example - Technicians normally wear overalls so 1 level up may be casual and the next level, smart casual, meaning a buttoned shirt and/or smart jeans or formal trousers will suffice when you meet your next employer.

This “rule” of course works on every level of role, a further example of this is, a shop foreman applying for a promotion – usually seen in a company branded polo and work trousers, may actually need to step into his/her suit or formal attire due to the position they are currently in.

Therefore, the dress code of choice shouldn’t be exclusive and a one choice option but instead picked based on the role you are currently in and the role you are applying for.

For us, the most important thing above anything else is turning up “smart” in general, by this we not only mean what you dress in, but how you look and how you prepare – if these pillars of preparation are met, any interviewer will score you high and it will in no doubt help you in gaining offers and employment opportunities you have initially set out to achieve.

According to Robert Walters Group CEO, Robert Walters “First impressions can have a lasting impact on peoples' feeling about you as an employee, so the first 30 seconds of an interview are arguably the most important”

Therefore, dressing a certain way is worth noting, but turning up “smart” is the key.