Wearing 1 thing to interview could cost you job, Steven Bartlett says

Job seekers typically do everything possible to appear “perfect” at interviews, but entrepreneur Steven Bartlett has suggested this approach might actually jeopardise your chances. When searching for new employment, you’ve likely attended interviews where you’ve made considerable effort to present yourself immaculately, hoping to impress the hiring manager and secure the position.

It’s widely acknowledged that appearance plays a role in interview assessments, regardless of whether we’d prefer otherwise, which is why most candidates choose suits, smart dresses and other formal attire to demonstrate they’re suited to the corporate environment. However, according to former Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett, there’s one particular item you should avoid wearing to a job interview.

Steven, who founded Social Chain and Flight Story, revealed he would never employ someone who turned up to an interview in a suit, because while it’s considered the clothing you “must” wear, he considers it insincere if you’re not typically someone who would dress that way.

Speaking on his Diary of a CEO podcast to English-American writer Simon Sinek, he shared: “I flashbacked to an interview I had last week in our company where a young kid walks in wearing a suit and I thought you have no idea who you are, because that’s not you.

“I know that you don’t wear a suit. You’re 22 years old. You do not wear a suit, so I have no indication … I have no clues as to who you are, and therefore, I have to figure out if you fit in here.

“What he tried to do there is show up perfect, how he thought perfect was and in some ways, to hide who he actually was.”

Despite Steven’s apparent intention to offer useful guidance to job seekers, commenters on an Instagram video sharing the clip were far from complimentary. Many highlighted that while Steven himself may not hire candidates who wear suits, the majority of employers will, making it rather poor advice to encourage applicants to turn up in whatever they please.

One person said: “It’s called professionalism and respect, good kid.”

Another added: “I am on the side of the guy in the suit. He is not pretending to be something he is not. He took this interview seriously and showed you and the company respect. Good for him.”

A third wrote: “A suit is what you normally wear in an interview. Give the guy a break. You should have specified not to wear a suit or to come smart casual?”

Nevertheless, some rallied behind Steven’s viewpoint, with one supporter arguing: “It sounds like he felt his outfit was too flashy and not authentic. Many people have been in that situation. It’s perfectly fine to wear an affordable suit from a store like Primark or MandS for a first job.

“However, showing up in a £5,000 Armani suit and £10,000 crocodile leather shoes can come across as trying too hard and might give the impression that someone isn’t genuine.”

The most effective approach to determining appropriate interview attire is to review any guidance you may have received alongside your interview invitation. Typically, you’ll be informed whether complete formal dress is required, or if smart-casual attire is acceptable.

Should you not have received this information and wish to create a positive impression, you can also contact HR or the hiring manager beforehand to enquire. Not only will this provide you with a definitive answer, but it may also help your name stand out amongst other candidates as someone who took additional initiative in their preparation.