Men try harder with appearance for job interviews, research shows

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Men may make more of an effort with their appearance and etiquette than women when it comes to job interviews, according to new research from CV-Library.

The job board’s survey of over 1,500 men and 1,500 women found that men are more eager to please, with 42 percent of men calling ahead of the interview to check the dress code compared to 29 percent of women. They are also willing to spend more money on their interview outfit, with 61 percent prepared to invest over £100 compared to just 10 percent of women.

Lee Biggins, managing director of CV-Library, comments:

“It’s great to see both men and women paying particular attention to their appearances for an interview. While a CV will indicate a candidate’s suitability for a role, a job interview provides businesses with the opportunity to learn more about an individual’s personality. Someone that has clearly spent time preparing for an interview demonstrates commitment and is likely to value both their profession and employer.”

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The research suggests that employers should pay attention to the minor efforts of prospective employees for a greater insight into their character.

Other findings included:

  • Focused on the detail, a staggering 93 percent of men shine their shoes, with 69 percent paying particular attention to their socks
  • 86 percent of men would get a haircut before an interview, compared to just 79 percent of women
  • On average, men take only nine minutes less time than women to get ready for an interview, showing little difference between the genders when it comes to primping time
  • 1 in 10 men give themselves more than two hours to get ready for an interview
  • 68 percent of men would still wear a suit jacket on a hot day, while a lesser 55 percent of women would brave the heat

Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.

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