What are you wearing to your next job interview - Appearance and dress not regarded highly enough
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In a recent web poll conducted by PCS Executive, the UK’s
leading career management consultancy, appearance and dress was rated as the
least important factor in a successful interview, gaining only 7% of votes.
Results were collated from over 3000 mid to senior level job seekers.
Jo Rawcliffe, regional director of PCS, has stated that
this result is both shocking and worrying, since first impressions really do
matter. “Many people seem to be taking what they envision to be a more
contemporary attitude towards the job search and interview process. What many
forget that the people they are looking to impress are senior members of the
business, most of whom appreciate the traditional standards and values. You may
think that turning up to an interview dressed ‘smart/casual’ will be fine as
long as you can ‘talk the talk’, but really, when you first walk into that room,
the lasting impression that will linger for the rest of the meeting is that you
are slipshod – after all if you can’t make an effort for such an important
meeting, what does that say about your work ethic in general?
Participants perceived the most important success factor in
the interview process was interaction with the interviewer which gained 49% of
votes. Jo states that while this is a very important aspect of an interview, “it
really won’t matter that you both ‘speak the same lingo’, or even if you both
holiday in Venice, if your first impression drastically lets you down.”
Jo also spoke about the importance of researching the
company and role you are interviewing for and stated that she is actually
shocked that with 21% of the votes, this was voted the second most important
factor in interview. “Preparation is also key to interview success but I find
that so many people seem to leave it to the last minute or use time-constraints
as an excuse for not even doing any at all!”
PCS state that there is no strict formula to a successful
interview but using common sense will go a long way. Dress professionally,
research the company and the role thoroughly and prepare for any difficult
questions you may be asked.
PCS Executive are the UK’s leading Career Management and Outplacement
consultancy. All support offered through PCS is bespoke and tailored to the
individual’s particular campaign as they appreciate that each and every
jobseeker has a unique offering in the marketplace and also understand that
senior level individuals are fishing in a smaller pool than the majority of
jobseekers. As the only BS EN ISO 9001:2000 accredited company in the sector,
you can also be assured of PCS Executive’s commitment to quality.
For further information about the services that PCS Executive offers please
visit www.pcsexecutive.com
or call a member of the team on tel. 0844 8806690.
