Congratulations! You have passed the written exam(s). Many individuals perceive the hardest aspect of the recruitment process to be the written portion. A common question I will address in this article is:
What should I wear?
Although most government employees wear business casual attire to work, I highly advise against this choice of clothing for your interview. To be honest, it is a very bad idea. Why? Because your competition will be wearing suits to their interviews. I have seen job candidates who have been inappropriately dressed and others that have been appropriately dressed. The latter group were taken more seriously at the oral interviews.
Business attire is the choice for both men and women. It is important to remember that you must present yourself in a professional manner – this includes your clothing. Do not take this advice lightly. As the expression goes: ” You only get one chance, to make a first impression”.
Women
Suit: Any style that complements you. I recommend a dark colour pants suit or a skirt suit.
Shirt: Any pale colour but no patterns or designs.
Shoes: Black business shoes, black pumps, or black short business boots (for pant suits only). Also avoid wearing high black boots with a skirt suit.
Men
Suit*: Style of your choice but with a modern touch. If you do not wish to purchase a suit, a clean pair of pants, with a matching top and tie will suffice.
Note: Colour should be black, navy blue,or gray.
Shirt: White or light blue.
Tie: Simple style that coordinates with shirt and suit.
Socks: Black business socks only.
Shoes: Black business shoes It is imperative that your clothes are clean pressed and in impeccable condition. Do not forget to shine your shoes, although you will not fail the interview for not doing this, it leaves a good impression.
* If your interview is with: the Privy Council Office,the Treasury Board, Finance or the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), otherwise known as the core agencies. I STRONGLY recommend wearing a suit. Positions in these departments have very competitive processes and the nature of the departments largely require a business attire for daily work activities. You must “blend in” with the department’s image as much as possible.
In my book I will give you detailed information on what men and women should and should not wear. If you do not feel comfortable dressing a certain way, it is your call. However, keep in mind that after years of experience and providing consulting services to others I have a VERY good sense of what will make a good impression and what will not.