CPA Practice Advisor - 17

A YEAR IN THE LIFE: PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT

Is a Business Suit Still Recommended for Job Interviews?
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Managing Editor

WHILE CASUAL DRESS codes are gaining
ground in the workplace, job applicants
shouldn't put away their power suits just
yet, according to new research from global
staffing firm Accountemps. In a survey of
senior managers, 37% of respondents said
candidates should always wear a formal
suit when interviewing for a job. A similar
percentage (36%) felt proper interview attire
depends on the position or department at
the company.

Almost all respondents agreed how someone dresses
for the job interview is significant: 52% reported it's very
important, and 42% said it's at least somewhat important.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the research also shows recommended job interview attire varies by industry: Suits are
more often preferred in finance, insurance and real estate
(46%) than construction (28%) or retail (26%).
"Know your audience before going into an interview to
ensure you not only look your best, but also look the part,"
said Michael Steinitz, senior executive director of Accountemps, a division of Robert Half. "It can be uncomfortable
if you're underdressed - or extremely overdressed - for an
interview. Whether the office environment is jeans and
T-shirts or suits, ensure your outfit is one step above the
hiring company's usual protocol in formality."
Steinitz added, "Ask your professional network, HR
contact or recruiter, if you have one, for tips on what to
wear. Staffing experts can provide coaching on creating
a great first impression."
Additional findings
■■ Cities where you should suit up: Miami, New York and
Washington, D.C. (54% each) have the highest percentage
of managers who said a suit should always be worn to
job interviews.
■■ Smart casual cities: Phoenix (45%), Minneapolis (43%)
and Charlotte (42%) have the most managers who said
whether a suit should be worn to a job interview depends
on the position or department at the company. Austin
and Seattle (32% each) are the top markets where a suit
may not be necessary if the candidate looks professional.
■■ Size matters in suiting up: At least 40% of managers
at companies with more than 250 employees prefer
candidates wear a suit to job interviews. In comparison,
31% of managers at organizations with 20 to 99 employees
expect to see applicants don formal wear.
Steinitz noted, "Managers can improve the interview
experience by removing the guesswork and letting
candidates know the recommended attire ahead of time.
That way, everyone around the table can concentrate on
the substance of the interview, including whether the
applicant's knowledge, experience and personality are a
match for the role and company."
For more advice on how to dress appropriately
for and ace a job interview, visit the Robert Half blog
(www.roberthalf.com/blog). ■

OCTOBER 2019 ■

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