14 DAY TRIAL // They say first impressions can be misleading, but this seems to be a golden, unwritten rule with many employers, who decide in the first seconds that a woman with too much of a cleavage is not right for the job.
A new study commissioned by TK Maxx and cited by British publication the Daily Mail reveals that most of the 2,000 employers questions believe a woman with too generous a cleavage has blown her chances for the interview.
Many employers act on an instinct and have become accustomed to “reading” people from minute 1, which explains why they can’t get past a woman’s décolletage at the interview or a man’s crumpled shirt.
Recession continues to make things difficult for employees as well, as more applicants go for the same position – which means they have to be extra careful when choosing what to wear for the interview.
Speaking of which, wearing a black bra underneath a (see-through) white top also counts as an interview faux pas, as do high-waisted pants or comedy ties for the gents.
“A third of employers make a decision in the first 90 seconds of an interview,” the Mail writes, which means one has to strive to make quite a great first impression to be given a proper chance.
“And 65 per cent claim clothing could be the deciding factor if two candidates are neck and neck in other areas,” the publication goes on to mention.
Recruitment manager Kieran How of Eden Brown underlines job interviews should not be regarded as venues for displaying one’s fashion sense, a thing many applicants fail to understand.
Playing it safe fashion-wise is best, while attempting to stand out one way or the other is not recommended.
“I have never known such a competitive job market. In some sectors there are hundreds of people applying for each job. It is vital you give a good first impression by wearing the right clothes or you may have ruined your chances before you’ve even opened your mouth,” How says.
“Some bosses may like to see a pretty girl in a tight-fitting top flashing a lot of cleavage but you rarely know who will be interviewing you. It is advisable to play it safe by wearing well-fitted, ironed clothes in neutral colors,” he advises.
“Men should shave, avoid comedy ties and pay just as much attention to their appearance as women. Job interviews are not the place to try fancy dress or to show off your most revealing party clothes,” How concludes by saying.