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 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
‘I wish every consultant was as lovely and engaging as you!’ Lois, 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
‘Prior to raising my family I worked fairly consistently with PP over many years and can’t remember a time when I was concerned about not being able to work. Years later I contacted the girls … Five minutes later I had a casual position ready to start the next day. Not only have the girls kept me in constant work in varied and interesting positions but they have been great friends to me on a personal level – always supportive and understanding. I have never registered with another agen… Read more
‘Fujifilm are proud to have had a close working relationship with Peninsula Personnel as a preferred supplier of both contract (temporary) and permanent employees for more than 18 years. They have worked extremely hard on our behalf to ensure the quality of candidates meet all of our needs and their systems for interviewing, testing and induction ensure that candidates arrive with a full understanding of the standards required of the position they have been recommended for.’ Human Resources, Fu… Read more
‘Peninsula Personnel and ITS have a very successful working relationship, spanning over six years. PP always provides a prompt, efficient and cost effective service resulting in a number of excellent quality temporary staff being placed with us. PP have an excellent understanding of what we do, the culture of our company and who can do the job for us. Lisa and her team are straight forward, dedicated and act quickly to our requests. No matter who picks up the phone you know you are going to get … Read more
‘Without Peninsula Personnel I wouldn’t be where I am today – and I thank you so much.’ Loretta, 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
‘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
‘I must thank you all at Peninsula Personnel for making my work experience so rewarding, and placing me in the most fabulous companies! Your clients are a testament to you company Lisa, and I cannot rave higher about PP in DY!!!’ Loretta, candidate‘