Looking good a main priority for job seekers in downturn

Over a third of women spend between 1-2 hours getting ready for a job interview with only 24% of men spending the same amount of time, according to a new survey from specialist recruiter, Hays. Surprisingly more men (10%) than women (6%) say they spend more than 2 hours getting ready.

Despite Britainís reputation for being a dressed down culture jobseekers insisted that getting dressed for an interview is more important than a night out. A significant proportion, 90%, said they spent more time looking the part for an interview and only 10% said they would put in more effort if they were going to a club. Over a third of respondents said they spend more time on appearance due to the added competition for jobs in the downturn.

Surprisingly one in ten survey respondents believe that ìdressed down Fridaysî are not a good idea during the recession but would be fine normally.

Retailer Moss Bros has announced that suit sales remain strong with sales up 27% in the first 16 weeks of the financial year compared to last year. The UKís No.1 branded suit specialist says jobseekers are resorting to brands they can trust in a bid to impress prospective employers. Brian Brick, Chief Executive Officer of Moss Bros said: ìOur core competency of suit selling has seen considerable demand. People who have not got a job are smartening up to find one, and people who have got a job are smartening up to keep it. The business has quality brands at competitive prices and the customer resorts to businesses they can trust in the face of the worst recession in living memory.î

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, particular 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 Richard Hammond from BBCís Top Gear and model Agyness Deyn.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays, comments: ìThe added competition for jobs means that candidates need to pull out all the stops to secure a new position. Whilst appearance isnít 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.î