​For some, the Spring Carnival season is not just about racing, it’s more about fashion! From the latest trends in colours and styles to the most outlandish head gear. While there’s no need for job seekers to put an inordinate amount of time in deciding on a fascinator, there are some tips on dress sense that can be learned from racegoers for your interview.

Many years ago, a business suit was a staple for a job interview. But society has evolved to be less conservative and more relaxed in today’s corporate world. While a suit is still the preferred option in certain industries, there are others that are a little less conservative and more casual.

So how can you ensure that you are dressed appropriately for your interview? As we have all heard the importance of a good first impression, what you wear to your interview could be more important than you think. Many recruiters will try to visualise the candidate in the role that’s on offer during the interview. Looking the part will certainly help your chances by creating the right impression.

While there’s plenty of tips and resources out there about dressing for your interview, here are 3 behaviours job seekers can borrow from Spring Race enthusiasts and apply to their next interview.

Research

Racegoers are known for putting a lot of thought and planning into their outfit weeks in advance, learning about the season’s fashion trends and colours. As a job seeker, research is paramount to your interview success. Not only should you know about the company you’re interested in, but observe what the dress code is or don’t feel shy about asking the person handling the recruitment for the organisation.

Test drive

After deciding on a particular outfit, racegoers would want to wear it and spend a few minutes in it. While you would have tried your outfit at the store prior to making the purchase, it’s probably not a good idea to have the second time you wore it be at your interview. Instead, give it a test drive at a different occasion or at the least, wear it for a few minutes at home. It is worth getting a feel of walking, sitting and standing in your new outfit to ensure you are comfortable, relaxed and at ease.

Accessories and Grooming 

While accessories are important to complement a professional outfit, make sure they’re not too distracting. You want to ensure the hiring manager has your full attention while you answer those questions you’ve practiced without any interruptions. It’s always best to be conservative with jewellery or other accessories – less is more.  The key is to appear professional and that you’ll fit right in with the company’s image and culture. As obvious as it may sound, you should be paying as much attention to your grooming as you do to your outfit. The best outfit will fall short if you neglect to pay attention to the little things.

When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution!