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.
‘I would really like to thank you for all your support over the past five years and for providing such dedicated and professional service. You are the only agency I know of that treats the candidate and the client with equal importance and respect. Thank you for recognising and acknowledging my contribution. I am very grateful to you for ‘keeping me off the streets’ and placing me in such rewarding roles.’ Sharon, candidate
‘I wish every consultant was as lovely and engaging as you!’ Lois, candidate
‘Thank you to you and your team for taking me on and having confidence in me. I really do appreciate the efforts you have gone to, not only for me but for all your temps. I’m so glad that I was given your name a year ago as someone who I could turn to. I know that Jenny Lawson has the ultimate respect for you and the success of your business.’ Caroline, candidate
‘Peninsula Personnel – what can I say – what a great agency to work for. Some 20 years ago I was a client of Peninsula Personnel. Now I am a one of their regular temporaries. The consultants at Peninsula are extremely professional and have a long-standing top client base. They know their employees’ strengths and by doing so they ensure they always match their client’s needs with the best possible candidate for that position. I have only praise for the girls at Peninsula. Thank you Penins… Read more
‘I would like to extend my gratitude to you and your team for helping me out in the last month or so. It really helped me to get myself motivated and to gain my confidence back.’ Melanie, candidate
‘Micros Fidelio Australia has employed the services of Peninsula Personnel to fill a number of complex and demanding roles within our organisation over the past five years. We have found Peninsula Personnel to be very helpful and professional. The candidates they have supplied have been of the highest calibre.’ Peter, Micros Fidelio
‘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
‘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
‘I just want to say a BIG thank you to all of you. You went above and beyond trying to find me work and I am so grateful! I was really struggling to find work and your resume and interview tips really helped with my applications and interviews. Peninsula Personnel is truly the best recruitment company I have ever been with.’ One very happily employed Haylee, candidate
‘If we have short-term employment opportunities, we would use your services …very happy. We have found your temps to be friendly, polite and professional in their manner, always ready to help staff and co-workers above and beyond the call of duty … a wonderful reflection on your business.’ HR, Fossil