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Looking good is a priority
Potential staff take time to look their best
Britain's jobseekers are just as conscious about appearance when going for a job interview as ever according to a new survey from leading specialist recruiter, Hays.
Over a third of women spend between one and two hours getting ready for a job interview with only 24 per cent of men spending the same amount of time.
Surprisingly more men (10 per cent) than women (six per cent) say they spend more than two hours getting ready.
Astonishingly, when asked how long jobseekers took getting dressed for an interview compared to a night out, sensible Brits opted for the interview.
A whopping 90 per cent said they spent more time looking the part for an interview and only 10 per cent said they would put in more effort if they were going to a club.
Equally, more than a third of respondents said they spend more time on appearance due to the added competition for jobs in the downturn.
Not only is looking good a priority but having a good luck charm in an interview is just as vital for some jobseekers. The most common is jewellery, particularly necklaces that have sentimental value, although other common charms include religious symbols, pendants, stones and crystals.
But perhaps the most bizarre consisted of a lucky tie, a Chinese rat charm, lucky underwear, a garter belt, a piece of volcano and even a picture of The Stooges front man Iggy Pop.
Although UK jobseekers are keen to dress up for work a little light relief at the end of the week is also preferable.
Two thirds of respondents agree with 'dress-down Fridays' with one in ten saying they aren't a good idea during the recession but would be fine normally.
Charles Logan, director at Hays, said: "The added competition for jobs means that candidates need to pull out all the stops to secure a new position.
"Whilst appearance isn't the deciding factor, it can help to put a decision in your favour and in times like these jobseekers should be doing anything they can to put themselves at an advantage."
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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