What Not To Wear - Bosses Blab on Worst Dressed Job Seekers

So you're getting ready for a job interview and you want to dress to impress. What shall you wear? That blanket on your couch might make a good shawl. You could wrap it over that new sparkly swim suit. Or those acid wash jeans will pair perfectly with that old Star Trek T-shirt. Don't laugh, some applicants really dress like this, according to a survey of 670 HR managers by employment agency OfficeTeam.

Managers in Canada and the U.S. say applicants have turned up to job interviews wearing pyjamas and slippers, jeans with suspenders, tube tops, gothic wear, plastic skirts, spandex, leather pants with cowboy boots and yoga wear. It turns out that some people are seriously clueless when it comes to selecting an appropriate outfit.

Sure, everyone has different styles and tastes when it comes to clothes, but if you want to impress your future employer it is best you leave the leather-vest-with-no-shirt-look in the closet. A micro-mini skirt and fishnet stocking may look hot on a night out on the town, but it has no place working the carpet of an office. Likewise, it is best to try and keep up with the times. The 80's and 90's were fun, but tie-dye shirts and MC Hammer pants should be only worn at fancy-dress parties.

Die-hard sports fans should know that it's not OK to turn up in a basketball jersey, or any jersey for that matter, nor should they wear that jogging suit, baseball cap or those tennis shoes. Once again, I'm not making this up -- these are all real examples.

Furthermore, if your previous job had a uniform, your prospective new employer does not want to see it. This is not show and tell.

"Although these examples seem absurd, it's easy to make more subtle mistakes when selecting interview attire, particularly among those new to the job hunt," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Ultimately, you want to project professionalism and confidence, and ensure your outfit isn't distracting or causing employers to question your judgment." To make it easier for the fashion illiterate, here are OfficeTeam's do's and don'ts of job interview attire:

DON'T

• assume you can dress down for an interview because the company has a casual atmosphere
• wear anything that is uncomfortable
• show up in clothing that is wrinkled, stained or torn
• over accessorize

DO

• err on the conservative side and wear a suit or blazer. If you're applying through an agency, ask for a dress code
• test drive your outfit before the day to make sure it fits properly
• layers work well and allow you to adjust your look to be comfortable in any temperature
• don't forget to check to make sure your hair, nails and shoes are presentable
• choose simple jewellery and don't cake on the makeup, perfume or cologne. It gets distracting