TipTopJob Blog

In our latest research, TipTopJob found that the majority of jobseekers that gain an interview, will turn up "extra smart". This involves wearing, for example, suits and ties, to make the best first impression possible.

2% of jobseekers however would turn up to their interview wearing "dress down" or "casual" attire. This includes for example, t-shirts, flip-flops, ripped jeans and caps. It depends on the job you are going for and the industry as to whether you would chose to attend such an important event in your career like this but it always better to air on the side of caution and to look the part over making your interviewer think that you cannot be bothered.

18% would wear "smart casual" and 34% "smart".

Interviews are all about first impressions and the way you dress yourself has a huge bearing on this. If the interviewer sees that you have made an effort and that you take pride in your appearance, it will reflect on how you will take pride in representing their business. It is not about spending a fortune on new, expensive clothes but it is about taking care to present yourself professionally.

Although expected dress in businesses varies, especially from industry to industry and role to role, it is still expected that for an interview the same level of professionalism is taken.

There are some additional tips on how to best dress for both men and women that can be found in a separate article in our career centre but here are the 10 top tips for women: -

1. Skirt
If you are going for a skirt, avoid anything above the knee or a skirt that is too tight and uncomfortable to sit down. You do not want to be showing too much leg and distract the interviewer.

2. Suit
A classic suit is always a good option – particularly a grey, black or blue one as it will not be over bearing and always be a smart, professional option.

3. Shirt
If wearing a shirt, avoid anything see-through or short that may reveal any skin. You do not want to have any of your bra showing and particularly avoid wearing a black bra under a light coloured shirt.

4. Shoes
Your shoes should be smart but also comfortable. Avoid wearing shoes you are not used to walking in and find you waddle or trip up in.

5. Make-up
Your make-up should be neutral and not over the top. Avoid fake eyelashes, red lipstick or any brightly coloured eye shadow.

6. Hairstyle
Your hair style needs to be conservative and not over done like you are going on a night out. Sometimes having your hair swept back into a tight ponytail can stop any distractions with hair getting in your face and distracting the interview.

7. Jewellery
Avoid wearing any jewellery that clinks and clanks and can be over bearing, for example, large hooped earrings and heavy chunky bracelets. Keep it simple.

8. Tattoos
If you have tattoos and are able to cover them, try.

9. General
In general, do not be too flashy, sexy or over the top.

10. Colours
Try to match your colours and go for the elegant, sharp, professional and smart look.

If you can follow the above advice, then you will at least have eliminated any concerns the interviewer may have about your appearance. How you decide to dress is well in your control and can be planned in advance. If you have any queries about the dress, you can always ask ahead so as not to go wrong.

Read this article on our website in the Career Centre and more.

Have you read the article in our Interview Advice section of the Career Centre around the most common interview mistakes? If you have an impeding interview, it is advisable to read this advice to ensure you do not make them....as they are quite easy to make.

Here are the Top 5 mistakes but you can click through to the article to read the rest .....

1..
Talking negatively about anything in the interview - this can be about yourself, your current job and giving negative answers.

2..
Arriving late!

3..
Mobile phone going off.

4..
Being unprepared - in terms of the answers to common questions, e.g. what are your strengths, where do you see yourself in 10 years etc and in terms of the questions to ask at the end of the interview.

5..
Forgetting to do any research and attending without any knowledge of the company, what job you are actually going for etc.

Find the article by clicking on this link here: Most Common Interview Mistakes.

After finding out in a recent survey conducted by TipTopJob that most people worry about what questions they will ask at the end of the interview, we thought it would be useful to put together some questions to think about choosing to use.

Asking good quality questions after being interviewed for a new role can highlight your interest in the company and role, show your motivation, ambition and intelligence.

You must not forget that an interview is a two way street and it is just as much about you deciding whether the job is right for you as it is the company working out if you are right for them.

So with this in mind, what sort of questions could you ask?? Here are some ideas that you can take with you…..

What are the biggest challenges of the job?
This will help you decide if you are up for the challenges and how far you are willing to push yourself should you take on the role. It can also help you to prepare for any further interviews you may be invited to as well.

How many other people are you interviewing?
This will help you to gauge what competition you are up against and possibly how long you will need to wait to hear from the hiring manager about how you have done.

When are you looking to recruit?
This gives you a stronger idea on timescales and how long you will need to wait to hear if you have another interview or if you have got the job. It shows you are keen and want to know when the position can potentially be yours!

Why is the job available?
This can help you to understand why someone may have left from the role or why the role has been created. The answer to this question can help you determine what to expect from the job and if it is suitable for you.

Are you confident that I am suitable for the role?
This puts the interviewer on the spot and shows your confidence. It can help you to gauge how well you have performed and if you are in for a good chance. It could be the opportunity, if negative, to find out what you have not done right and how you can work on improving certain areas before any other interviews.

What do you love and hate about working for this company?
This can give you a great idea of the positive and negative factors relating to the company and what someone else likes/dislikes. Hearing from someone who actually works at the company is one hundred times better than reading a company website or brochure. You will get a much better feeling about the truth.

What are the most and least enjoyable parts to this role?
By asking the positive and negative you may get a more rounded answer. Although it is the opinion of the interviewer, this will still help you to understand the good and bad aspects and whether this is something you agree with and want to take on.

What training do you offer?
This shows you are interested in increasing your own skills which is something a company will be keen to see.

Is there scope for promotion?
Again this shows you want to develop yourself and that you are keen. It is another classic question to ask!

So, now you have some ideas, maybe think about those that may be most suitable to ask for your interview coming up. Good Luck!

What do you worry about the most when preparing for a job interview?

Our latest survey found that 36% of people worry most about the questions they have for the interviewer at the end of interview. Being able to hold decent eye contact came out as the least worrying aspect. The other options included getting to the interview on time, what to wear, knowledge of the company and knowledge of the role.

The results were as follows: