How a little too much cleavage can cost you a job interview

Turning up to a job interview in a tight top or with cleavage on display is the quickest way for a woman to blow her chances, according to research.

The next biggest dress-code mistake is a black bra underneath a white top.

The research also showed that men ruin their prospects most swiftly by turning up in a badly ironed shirt, high-waisted trousers or comedy tie.

The survey of 2,000 employers, commissioned by high-street clothes store TK Maxx, also found that a third of bosses make a decision in the first 90 seconds of an interview.

Experts warn today’s extremely competitive job market means it has never been so important to dress appropriately – with hundreds of people applying for each post.

A third of employers make a decision in the first 90 seconds of an interview.

And 65 per cent claim clothing could be the deciding factor if two candidates are neck and neck in other areas.

The survey of 2,000 employers was commissioned by high street clothes store TK Maxx.

Recruitment manager Kieran How, from national recruitment firm Eden Brown, said it was best to ‘play it safe’ at a job interview.

He said: ‘I have never known such a competitive job market. In some sectors there are hundreds of people applying for each job.

‘It is vital you give a good first impression by wearing the right clothes or you may have ruined your chances before you’ve even opened your mouth.

‘Some bosses may like to see a pretty girl in a tight-fitting top flashing a lot of cleavage but you rarely know who will be interviewing you.

‘It is advisable to play it safe by wearing well-fitted, ironed clothes in neutral colours.

‘Men should shave, avoid comedy ties and pay just as much attention to their appearance as women.

‘Recently I had one man turn up for a job interview wearing a stetson hat and cowboy-style tie because he thought it would be a good idea to stand out.

‘The client refused to take him seriously and sent him home after ten minutes.

‘Job interviews are not the place to try fancy dress or to show off your most revealing party clothes.’

Job seekers were marked down for wearing bright and trendy colours, with seven out of ten employers saying they do not appreciate people trying to be fashionable.

An overwhelming 81 per cent of employers said wearing a suit to interview suggests you are organised and efficient.

Helen Gunter of TK Maxx, which is stocking a new range of professional workwear for men and women, said: ‘The jobs market is competitively fierce.

‘One thing that can give candidates a boost of confidence before they even walk through the door is knowing they are wearing the right outfit.

‘We are receiving a huge delivery of smartwear for both men and women all at up to 60 per cent of the recommended retail price.

‘There really is no excuse for fluffing the interview before you’ve even answered the first question.’

Tags: Interview Tips

Posted by Daily Mail Reporter on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 4:46 pm.

Filed under Careers, News, Students, Tagged as: , Interview Tips.