Personal hygiene has been cited as a key problem among job hunters with 47% of recruiters questioned in a recent survey saying that they had received feedback from employers on this.
 
The survey, carried out by industry body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, was answered by over 200 recruiters who collectively interview thousands of candidates each day. Anecdotes resulting from the survey include:

• 
  
  
  
  • Dress to impress: One candidate turned up in a ball gown for an interview with a fashion company
• PC problems: When asked about computer skills, a candidate claimed he was very proficient on Sony Playstation
• Honest mistake: When asked to identify their biggest weakness, one candidate candidly replied: “my dishonesty”
• Sweet incentive: Several candidates tried to charm their interviewer by offering them sweets
• Seeing success: One candidate was too vain to wear her glasses to interview and mistook a cupboard for the exit on her way out 

Almost all respondents (93%) had received feedback from employers about a job hunter’s interview appearance with 16-20 year olds identified as the worst offenders for dressing inappropriately. Casual clothing was an issue according to 63% of recruiters with one in four (23%) mentioning inappropriate footwear, one in three (29%) citing revealing clothing and one in five (19%), excessive jewellery.
 
Commenting on the findings, Tom Hadley, director of external relations for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, says:
 
“The findings indicate that some job hunters are in desperate need of a makeover. Candidates often feel nervous before and during interviews, which can explain odd clothing choices and erratic behaviour but by taking the time to prepare, job hunters are much more likely to be comfortable and confident during interviews."
 
Hadley concludes:
 
“First impressions clearly count and the feedback from many recruiters suggests that many job hunters are being a little too blasé when it comes to preparing for interviews. With such a buoyant jobs market, candidates are very much in the driving seat when it comes to choosing their next role but it’s vital they don’t become complacent and miss out on that all important job offer simply because of their appearance and lack of preparation.”
 
Tips for interview success:
 
• Plan your outfit in advance and try on a selection of clothes to make sure you are comfortable
• Avoid excessive jewellery, make up and fragrances
• Practice interview run-throughs with friends and family to improve your confidence
• Do your research– be prepared to ask questions on the job role and company
• When in doubt, seek advice from your recruitment consultant on potential interview questions and interview etiquette