Hang On Don’t Put Those Joggers On Just Yet!
Have you ever had a candidate turn up in something ‘different’ than you were expecting? Did the thought run through your mind that their ‘interesting’ look wouldn’t work for your client?
It’s a common occurrence for recruiters and yet never easy to tackle with candidates. That is the subject of today’s article and we thought we would share some historical data about why what your candidates wear really does matter.
Feel free to print this off and use it as a crib sheet the next time you have the ‘dress code’ conversation with a candidate.
The world is changing and so it seems is our dress sense and code. As I write this the weather here in London is getting warmer; the urge to wear shorts and dress casually to the office seems to have popped up everywhere.
Casual dress in a business setting is a hot debate. What is or isn’t acceptable can be industry specific.
There is no doubt the casual look is in and on the rise for both men and women and, it seems within every age group. But is the ‘casual look’ really OK for an interview? Not really; so what is and does dress code really matter?
Well the evidence says that it most certainly does. As human beings we have many different preferences and personality traits. One key aspect is the way we process information. Some of us are more visually orientated whereas others prefer to listen. This becomes significant when you look at data that approximately half of the human population are visually orientated. In other words, the impact of what you are wearing will have an effect the minute you walk into any interview situation.
On the upside most candidates get it right over eighty percent of the time so take hope in that!
So make it work for you. No matter what our own personal opinions are on the subject a potential new employer will take your appearance as a signpost to who you are and how you might approach work. It is about getting the balance right. Ideally your ‘dress’ should tick the first box of the interviewers unconscious checklist.
Psychologically your new employer has a mental image of what a new hire will look like, as long as you fit that broad frame both parties can them move onto uncovering the value you can bring to them and vice versa. Think about it; the likes of John Lewis, IBM and M and S all have a brand image which they will want you to fit into. If all goes to plan within a matter of weeks you will be representing them as a member of their staff. Confused about how this might practically work? Here are a few suggestions to clear away the fog.
Look good and feel good
That does not mean that you need to buy the latest fashion or spend thousands on a new outfit. Wear something you know looks good on you which; incidentally will psychologically, have the effect of making you ‘feel’ confident. If it is a senior role, it goes without saying that you need to dress for the part and demonstrate you understand the importance of the role with the quality and style of what you are wearing.
Take care of the basics
I am sure that everyone knows this and for completeness I will still mention it. Anything; short, too tight or too revealing is a no; as is too much aftershave, perfume or makeup. There are many other ways to stand out. The subject of shoes? This has a significant impact; especially in a negative context if they are scuffed, dirty or the height of fashion. There is nothing wrong with heels! Just make sure you can walk in them!
As recruiters we know dress is important. Remember we are doing this everyday; our candidates aren’t so give them some help.
Till next time,
Cheryl