Dressing for the workplace
We recommend that your work wardrobe suits your personal style and body shape while also being comforable, clean, and appropriate for the role and company.
If you're unsure what to wear or unfamiliar with the company's dress code, try to visit them prior to starting work to see what their employees are wearing.
Every company has their own dress code, however we've recommend the following: no visible underwear, revealing midriffs, outlandish nail polish (neutral or a clear gloss is always safest), or multiple body piercings on show (one pair of earrings is preferred). Jewellery should not affect your ability to perform your work tasks, hair should be neat and tidy, and makeup also kept to a minimum (natural tones are safest).
Accessories can make and complete an outfit! Traditional fashion etiquette recommends that handbag, belt and shoes be the same colour. Talking about shoes, most importantly, they should be clean and polished.
Today, unless you are required by the company to wear a uniform or protective wear, they can not dictate whether women, or men, wear pants, skirts or dresses. It is therefore personal choice as to whether you wear pants, skirt and dresses. Whatever you choose to wear, we recommend that it is clean and ironed.
At many companies, suits - and ties - are optional, however we recommend to wear dress or tailored pants with a collared shirt. We believe it's always better to over dress rather than under dress for a first meeting or interview.
All clothes should be clean and ironed and in good condition (ie. no holes, stains, fallen hems or loose threads).
We believe it's always a good idea to try your interview outfit on the day before to make sure you're perfectly happy with it.
Make sure your mobile phone is switched off or on silent.
Don't fidget or play with your hair or nails. Sit straight, make eye contact and whatever you do, don’t yawn!
If you have a cold or cough, excuse yourself at the beginning of the interview and ask if you may have a glass of water, which may help you stop coughing.
Look interested and ask if you may be able to take notes, which will show you are interested (only take down vital points, not everything they say).
In an interview, how you communicate, particularly your word choice, tone and inflection, can have a big impact on the impression you make so consider how you come across when talking with others. Do you sound confident or a bit arrogant? Do you give the impression that you are distant, surly or too quiet? Do you speak clearly or mumble? Also, try to speak politely and confidently.
Using slang or swear words is not acceptable in an interview.
Answer questions clearly and honestly, stay focused, and try not to drag your answers out. Try to always be aware of what you're saying, who you're saying it to and the message this sends to the person you are talking to.
Body language is important in an interview so always sit straight, stand confidently and shake the hand of the person interviewing you while also looking them in the eye.
Let your personality shine through! The employer is not just looking for the right skills, they are looking for an employee who is the right fit for their company's culture.
‘Peninsula Personnel has been working with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance since its inception in 1995. PP is like an extension of our recruitment team as they always take the time to understand our needs and leave no stone unturned to exceed our expectations. The owner and founder of PP, Lisa Bousfield, has built a team of professional and customer focussed recruiters who embrace Lisa’s positive ‘can do’ attitude and desire to deliver only the best candidates to their customers. I recom… Read more
‘I would like to thank your wonderful team for keeping me up to date with roles and always being so friendly and professional … you are a wealth of information and support. I have recommended Peninsula Personnel to some friends as well as businesses that have requested assistance …’ Fiona, candidate
‘I really appreciate everything you and all the gorgeous ladies at PP have done to help me and just how wonderful you have been to deal with. You have been so generous, thoughtful and caring – well beyond what anyone would expect from a recruitment and temping agency. You go the extra mile and build personal relationships, not just professional ones and that’s where PP really stands head and shoulders ahead of the rest.’ Rachel, candidate
‘I have been so blessed to work for your agency, which has truly taken care of myself … Love your work GO PP!!’ Elaine, candidate
‘When I knew I was going to be returning to Sydney I contacted PP and was working almost before I had unpacked my suitcases. The PP team somehow always managed to find positions that suited me perfectly, including an ideal permanent position once I had decided to settle. I have found Lisa and Leigh extremely friendly, always professional and unbelievably efficient. For example, when my situation changed recently and I required temporary assignments again, I forwarded my updated CV to Lisa… Read more
‘Right from the start, and unlike so many other agencies, the team has done their upmost to make me feel welcome, appreciated, informed and most importantly– they have promptly placed me in enjoyable assignments! I first registered my interest online and was swiftly contacted by Lisa with regards to popping into the office for an informal chat and some standard skills testing – after this it was only a matter of days before I found myself in my first role! Being new to the country I ha… Read more
‘It has been lovely working with you, Leigh and Lorraine over the years and I am sure this will be my forever job (it will be a total surprise if it is not) so I am sure it was the last return to Peninsula, which have been many over the past 20 years. Thank you for being wonderful and inviting.’ Michele, candidate
‘I would like to thank you for your time, persistence and help with all my temporary work and now my new job with Glenda, Alex and Elders … Also thank you for the lovely welcome to the job package. It was so very touching to have received that during the first week. Your company has always done an exceptional job at making us employees feel a part of your team.’ Marla, candidate
‘You all do a wonderful job and your temp staff all think so highly of the service you provide. Well done girls. I’ll be nominating you for the best business awards next year. I really appreciate the support & friendship you all provide. You are all so lovely to work for.’ Kerrie, candidate