Recent years have seen a rise in bad habits and a decrease in traditional techniques and etiquette when it comes to interviews.

Back in the day, you wouldn’t dream of turning up to an interview late or in anything other than smart business wear. An interview is all about impressing a potential employer, yet it has now become a struggle knowing what to wear and how to prepare.

Is it acceptable to turn up to an interview in a buttoned-down shirt, sleeves rolled up and tieless? How about turning up late? Or even worse, unprepared knowing nothing about the company you are hoping will offer you a job?

Our experienced recruitment consultants here at Fawkes & Reece have given us some knowledgeable insights into these matters.

First impressions count!

Regardless of the company’s own dress code, we recommend smart business attire, ensuring you are well groomed and always err on the side of caution – it’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

Failing to prepare really is preparing to fail!

With the ease in which you can now access information online about a company and the people that work there, there really is no excuse to turn up to an interview ill-informed. Most employers will be impressed by some well thought out questions and notes jotted down. An employer will question your genuine enthusiasm for the job if you demonstrate little or no interest.

Cold feet? Always see it through!

Our consultants noted that occasionally, candidates can have some last-minute uncertainty about a company’s suitability or whether the job is right for them. However, we always advise to attend the interview. It can be hard to tell if the job or company is a good fit without seeing it with your own eyes and even if after that you still have doubts, it is good practice for a job that you really do want.

The advice is clear – interviews rely heavily on making a good first impression. Turning up informed, smart, prepared and professional shows your potential employer that you are serious about the role and would become a valuable member of their team. No matter how good your CV or references may be, there really is no substitute to the impressions made when you first meet with your interviewer, and it is very common for an underdog candidate to win the position over more qualified or experienced candidates for those reasons.

Written by Jess Weller