{"id":191,"date":"2009-11-09T13:56:00","date_gmt":"2009-11-09T13:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/career-advice\/want-the-job-dress-for-the-part\/"},"modified":"2019-10-04T06:33:31","modified_gmt":"2019-10-04T13:33:31","slug":"want-the-job-dress-for-the-part","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/want-the-job-dress-for-the-part\/","title":{"rendered":"Want the Job? Dress for the Part"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"robert_half_tech\"<\/p>\n

Transmitted by CNW Group on : January 21, 2009 10:59
\nWant the Job? Dress for the Part<\/p>\n

CIOs Weigh In on What They Consider Interview-Appropriate Attire, Survey Finds<\/p>\n

TORONTO, Jan. 21 \/CNW\/ – IT professionals often dress casually on the
\njob, but those looking for work may want to step up their style, a new survey
\nsuggests. More than four out of ten (43 per cent) chief information officers
\n(CIOs) polled said tailored separates are the most appropriate interview
\nattire. Another 29 per cent cited a formal business suit as proper apparel,
\nfollowed by khakis and a collared shirt, with 22 per cent of the response.<\/p>\n

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology<\/a>, a leading provider of
\ninformation technology professionals on a project and full-time basis, and
\nconducted by an independent research firm. It was based on telephone
\ninterviews with more than 270 CIOs from companies across Canada.<\/p>\n

CIOs were asked, “What is the most appropriate interview attire for
\nsomeone interviewing for an IT job with your company?” Their responses:<\/p>\n

Tailored separates (e.g., skirt and blouse, jacket and dress pants) …………………..\u00a0 43%
\nFormal business suit …………………………………………………………………………………………..\u00a0 29%
\nKhakis and a collared shirt ………………………………………………………………………………….\u00a0 22%
\nJeans and a polo shirt ………………………………………………………………………………………….\u00a0\u00a0 3%
\nDon’t know\/no answer ………………………………………………………………………………………….\u00a0\u00a0 3%
\n—–
\n100%<\/p>\n

“Job seekers who choose proper interview attire not only project
\nprofessionalism, but also demonstrate to prospective employers that they fit
\nwith the company’s corporate culture,” said Sandra Lavoy, regional vice
\npresident of Robert Half Technology. “Finding a job is challenging in today’s
\neconomy, but IT job seekers who wear the
right interview attire<\/a> can gain a
\ncompetitive edge over candidates with similar skills.”<\/p>\n

Lavoy added that, when in doubt, candidates should consult an insider who
\nworks at the company to get advice on the employer’s work style and preferred
\n
interview<\/a> attire. “If you’re working with a recruiter or an HR representative,
\nask about the dress code and what would be appropriate.”<\/p>\n

Robert Half Technology offers additional tips for selecting proper interview attire:
\nChoose something comfortable<\/strong>. You want to look as relaxed as possible, so avoid uncomfortable clothing. If you buy something new, wear it a few times before your meeting to make sure it fits well and you feel confident in it.<\/p>\n

Pay attention to details. <\/strong>Don’t overlook the less visible – but no less important – aspects of your appearance, like your shoes, socks and accessories. Make sure your outfit is free of wrinkles and stains, your hair and nails are well-groomed, and your shoes are polished.<\/p>\n

Don’t overdo it. <\/strong>Ultimately, you want your experience and skills to be the focus of the interview – not your outfit. Avoid any distracting clothing, big jewelry, or excessive perfume, cologne or makeup. Also, remember to turn off any electronic “accessories,” such as a cell phone or BlackBerry, before the meeting.<\/p>\n

About the Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n

The national survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading
\nprovider of information technology professionals on a project and full-time
\nbasis, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on
\nmore than 270 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of Canadian
\ncompanies.<\/p>\n

About Robert Half Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n

With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a
\nleading provider of information technology professionals for initiatives
\nranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network
\nsecurity and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job
\nsearch services at
www.rht.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Related to Want the job?:<\/strong><\/p>\n