Fact: An interviewer’s first impressions are formed before the candidate has even said a word.

Study after Study has shown that dressing in accordance with the interviewer’s expectations significantly increases an applicant’s chances of getting the job. Recruiters utilising increasingly popular online interviewing tools also are put off by Poor Lighting and camera angles.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that Interviewers actually provide more information about the company and vacancy to those they initially judged favorably while simultaneously requiring less information from the candidate. Online interviewers are also put off candidates by poor lighting.

The Innovation in HR webinar series continues to bring together Recruitment and Career experts to frankly discuss issues relevant to all those involved in the hiring process.  In a recent event, one NY-based HR executive lamented: “Too many candidates don’t get how to dress appropriately.  It’s up to their supporter base – including recruiters – to wake them up.”

Another argued that that today’s corporate interviewers need to learn to overlook personal biases about Appearance, to a reasonable point, so that it doesn’t interfere with the selection process.

Perhaps. However, relying on a progressive client is dangerous. Recruiters are in the best position to tactfully inform applicants of a fashion faux pas, so they don’t repeat mistakes when meeting a client. Image isn’t everything, but the clear majority of clients will agree that it’s an indication of a recruiter’s suggested candidate’s personality, seriousness, and prudence.

 Image credit.

Filed under: Articles for Employers, Articles for Job Seekers, Articles for Recruiters