No pony tails. No jewellery. No make up or nail polish that is not natural looking or in natural tones for women. And no beards, handlebar mustaches or goatees for men.
They’re the new appearance standards for members of the Victoria Police and, well, they’ve caused a bit of a stir. Officers have been told to abide by the laws, or risk disciplinary actions.
This from The Herald Sun:
A rebel band of officers say banning beards and ponytails is a breach of their human rights.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission will investigate whether the force’s new appearance standards are discriminatory after receiving complaints from rank and file force members.
The Herald Sun has learned about a dozen officers have complained in writing to the commission.
They have been exempted from the new policy, which came into effect on January 1, until the issue is resolved.
The officers against the rules say that they are members of the police force, but they’re also members of the community. And that having to shave off their beards is, well, just too much.
So should employers have a right to tell workers how they can and can’t look?
It begs the questions of whether a person’s appearance affects the way they do their job. Would a female police officer take her job any less seriously is she was wearing red nail polish or a hint of glitter eye shadow? Or would members of the public be less receptive (or more receptive for that matter) towards a male police officer with a handlebar mo?
Meanwhile. in another dress code crackdown, the new boss of Channel 10, James Warburton, has also implemented tighter dress codes for employees. It’ll be ties on for “mid-ranking and senior staff” at the network, replacing a previous culture of open-collared shirts. Mr Warburton has reportedly said the move will show the station is “open for business.”
Interesting.
But what’s appropriate for one industry, can be completely inappropriate for another. If someone walked into the Mamamia office in a tie we’d LAUGH. A lot. But then again, if a lawyer walked into a firm in some of the rather casual clothes we sometimes wear to work, well…
And speaking for lawyers… Have a look at this from a law school in the US. It’s their advice to students on what to wear and what NOT to wear to a job interview. These are not a joke. There were pages and pages of (serious) recommendations sent out to students. Have a look.
- Patterns are okay. Just keep them very understated. Go for a classic suit. We recommend you purchase a suit, pants and jacket in the same fabric so you can mix and match. Pant suits are fine for interviews. Suit skirts are more traditional.
- Do not dry clean clothes too often; the chemicals will cause the fabric to deteriorate and lose its luster. While we’re on the subject of cleaning, consider purchasing a steam cleaner.
- A few rules on blouses: 1) never ever should it be low cut; 2) we mean that; 3) watch out for bows and ties, they usually look messy; 4) no wrinkles and 5) no low cut.
- You probably need pumps. Preferably not patent leather. No peep-toes, no sling backs. No platforms (even just a little platform). Watch out for a too-high heel. Not only is it going to get uncomfortable, is also is often too exciting for an interview. That being said, shorter people can get away with taller shoes. Consider something less than three inches.
- We also think that over pointy shoes are a “don’t.” And break in your shoes before interview day.
- If you’re wearing a skirt, you should wear hose… No patterned hose. No hose with a seam up the back. Opaque tights are not allowed for an interview.
- Do not wear a white bra under a light coloured shirt. Wear a nude bra or, in a pinch, a dark bra. Consider getting fitted for a bra.
- You really do need to wear make-up. Keep your makeup understated and neutral.
- Do not tan the week before. Consider whether you should put your makeup or blouse on first. Stay away from anything shimmery. Be realistic about your skin.
- Avoid overly smelly lotion. As a general rule, we say no to perfume.
- Do wear deodorant.
Ummm….. You can find the rest of those recommendations here
Have you ever had to deal with work dress codes?
Comments
167 Comments so far
I had a job interview a few years back that involved a field component so couldn’t wear the standard suit and heels. So I wore a pair of tailored culottes (might have to climb a fence), sensible flats and a brand new cardigan. All went well until a got home and took off the cardy only to find the tag still on it! MORTIFIED do not know to this day if the tag was on the inside or the outside the whole time. Didn’t get the job either – came second – dont know if I could have taken it if I had been offered the job. Would have always been wondering if people knew about it and we’re laughing behind my back.
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Sorry, what’s the issue with tattoos?
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Do not wear a white bra under a light coloured shirt. Wear a nude bra or, in a pinch, a dark bra. Consider getting fitted for a bra.
Ummm…are they telling you to wear a black bra under a white/light coloured shirt? Isn’t that a little inappropriate?
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I agree with female Police not having Pony Tails – it gives the ‘bad’ people something to grab and yank hard causing major pain and possible muscle/ligament damage – even a potential broken neck.
I agree with no Jewellery – for the same reasons and it can be easily torn off & stolen. Pierced earrings can be grabbed and ripped out by ‘bad’ people, or just plain lost in fracas and chases.
I agree with clean shaven faces for the very same reasons – would you like to be grabbed by yr beard/moustache & have it ripped from yr face by a ‘bad’ person? Clean shaven also looks a whole lot better. Please guys, take the BIG hint from women – give up the facial fur, we prefer it that way, too.
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In 1974, I wore Hot Pants with a white smock to work. The fashion was Hot Pants & lots of girls wore them to work (we had great legs back then). My Boss accused me of wearing No Pants and ordered me home to put on ‘something respectable’. Office staff had no contact with the gen.public.
I felt it was unfair.
Attending an Employment Agency Interview for work in 1983, I was told by the Agency owner that my shoulder-length straight hair should be in a Bun! That was worse than the Hot Pants issue.
In 1973, I was the first female banned from the Stock Exchange Trading Floor for wearing Boots, so I took them off & walked the Trading Floor in stockinged feet – that was no problem. Today, females wear some really appalling stuff and have facial piercings & tattoos – now that I really have a hard time handling!!
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when I was studying and doing clinical placements, there was a whole list of clinics that we could go to, under the heading, ‘dress code’ most either said nothing or ‘business’, one had this to say – “Overtly sexual attire is not allowed – this includes clothing that is excessively revealing, such as low necked tops, exposed midriffs and excessively short skirts. In men, shirts are to be buttoned up. Ragged or “work” clothing is banned. This includes jeans, work boots, T-shirts, thongs and sandals, etc.
Some people are offended by an overt show of wealth by a clinician. Therefore it is recommended that clinicians dress moderately. Women are recommended to wear a skirt, although this is not compulsory.”
We had an awesome time laughing over this one! hahaha what is an over show of wealth? haha
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I work in a hotel where the uniforms are supplied on a daily basis (amazing perk!!) As I am a service staff member, they don’t enforce (but prefer) that I don’t wear a ponytail and have my hair tied in a bun instead and that I wear some make up each day. I was fine following this rule until I noticed some of my colleagues and supervisors don’t do this.
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I worked as a receptionist for a business centre who required me to wear a skirt at all times, pants were completely unacceptable, and worst of all heels. All. The. Time. Not to mention the see through blouse…
It was pretty obvious my only real purpose at the business was to act as eye candy for the male clientelle.
awesome.
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I am an early years teacher in a primary school. I consider myself well dressed with a professional appearance each day. That means black tailored pants and a short sleeved blouse, or a knee length wrap dress etc. I consider my look to be smart, trendy and professional.
However I think a contributing factor to the loss of respect the teaching profession has suffered from students and parentsover the past 20 years is because of serious drop in dress standards. It might seem superficial, but we all judge books by their cover. There are some teachers at my school who wear denim 3/4 pants, thong style shoes and singlet tops. They look like they are ready for a day at the beach, not a day of inspiring hearts, minds and bodies. I don’t know how they can instill in students pride in uniform and appearance, when they are not demonstrating that themselves.
Sure, it’s not the most critical of challenges facing the teaching profession, but a smarten up in dress standards in all schools could go a bit of a way toward reminding students and parents that teachers are dutiful, respectable professionals.
While not wanting to incite a public vs private school debate, I have a friend who teaches at the private school down the road. They have a very strict dress code for employees. I have been to an assembly there. It’s impressive. Teachers look so professional, and just their appearance alone gives them an air of authority.
Food for thought……
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I teach at a private school and we have a strict dress code and everyone looks professional – never really understood why public schools don’t adopt the same policy….if you want to be treated like a professional – dress like one!
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‘They look like they are ready for a day at the beach, not a day of inspiring hearts, minds and bodies.’
I really admire your obvious passion for your job, Lolly. It’s kind of unrelated to the topic, but schools need more teachers like you!
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I dont Think the police dress codes are too outrageous. A ponytail or beard is a great handle for an arrestee to pull at and I don’t think I’d have the same respect for an officer with ‘out there’ makeup or nails
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I have a few different jobs and all of them are mostly casual dress.
I work at a Tafe in Marketing, and it is the slackest office ever!! We all wear jeans and whatever we want. I’ve worn band tees before, spaghetti straps, everything. The only rule is if we’re doing a school tour or something we can’t wear jeans and have to look nice, professional. I have seen one of my bosses duck into the storage room to change into a nicer dress before a meeting!!
I also work in social work, and my dress code has deminished in the four years I’ve been there. In the beginning I made such an effort to look professional but now I just chuck on anything… including thongs, low-cut tops. If I’m going into the office, I put on closed-toe ballet flats and make more of an effort (I hardly see any staff members when I work; I’m usually on the road with clients), although most of the other social workers are really casual as well.
Sometimes I really miss working where there’s an uniform. If I’m doing days and days in a row at either job (I’m a casual at both) it can be annoying trying to think of new clothes combinations.
I used to work at a bookstore: black skinny jeans, singlet top, company shirt, black cardi if cold. EASY!!!
Speaking of uniforms: it’s really shitting me lately how kmart employees seem to not have uniforms anymore! Mostly because it looks crap but also I CAN’T TELL WHO IS A STAFF MEMBER AND WHO IS THE PUBLIC SHOPPING. You can barely see the tiny name badges and everyone looks the same. Annoying!
I used to work at Kmart (for all of three months between jobs) and my boss asked me to iron my shirt. I almost laughed in her face. Iron? For KMART?! Get stuffed! I told her I didn’t have an iron and she said buy one, I wanted to say I can barely afford rent with the crap wage you’re paying me! I never did iron that shirt….
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My housemate used to work in debt collection – a call centre temp worker who called on behalf of the Tax Office amoung other companies – and he was fully decked out in a suit and tie every day.
I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY.
the only people who saw him were fellow co-workers and his boss, is his abilty to yell at people about their unpaid bills hindered by the fact his in trackies?! It all seemed like a giant waste of effort and money for nothing.
Fair enough if he was seeing clients but his whole department purely made phone calls.
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Dress for the job you want, not the one you have!
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I find when I’m well groomed and make an effort I feel more positive and achieve more in my day. When I loaf around in trackies and no makeup I end up being really lazy all day.
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My brother-in-law works in childcare. He just started a new job, and he’s the only male there. Two weeks after he started, a memo was sent around to say that no employees can have beards. LOL (he’s pretty hairy)
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Having worked in banking for 20 years, the law school tips sound pretty obvious to me. Unfortunately, it isn’t obvious to everyone or they wouldn’t need to issue it.
Dress codes make sense where safety is a reason – wear steel-cap boots in a factory or warehouse; wear a hat, sunnies, long sleeves when working outdoors – but regulating nail polish colours and facial hair is insane. Some say ponytails and beards can be grabbed, but so can arms, noses, short hair, unpierced ears and shirts.
Ultimately it’s about whether the person can effectively do the job. My partner used to be in the IT industry (mostly in helpdesks and database design) and sometimes says that, if he were to go back there, he’d offer to take $10k a year less if he could wear trackies and jeans to work.
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If I were a male I would like to work in Hawaii. Because everyone (excpet police and defense personnel obviously) gets to wear aloha shirts every day.
Love that concept. One day I will go to hawaii- from what I hear of the casual attire, for women as well, i may never come back,
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Jetstar sale. Will get you there cheap! Enjoy!!
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In the meantime you could always go anywhere north of Townsville. Less aloha shirts but I’m sure you could get away with one!
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In the military, we call it “command presence” and fluro nails or a wacky mustache does not assist in portraying it.
Army women can have nails from clear through pink to red, minimal, natural makeup, and must have their hair in a neat bun or above collar length, with a fringe out of their eyes. No jewelry except one small stud per ear, a plain watch, and wedding rings. I think it’s an excellent idea that keeps minds on jobs (instead of ducking into the loo every break to check on appearance) and continues on the uniformity of the clothing uniform.
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There’s nothing surprising in those law interview recommendations, although surely in the middle of winter opaque tights would be ok?
I think no perfume is great advice, I’ll remember that.
I find some beard styles really scary on men but then again probably the police uniform and ID would be enough to counterract that. But you can see where the idea comes from.
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As a manager I have introduced (and enforced) two dress code rules.
1. No flip flops in the office (for fear of someone losing a toe)
2. No leggings as pants
The second point had to be reinforced THREE times after one staff member turned up repeatedly in black leggings with a strip of lace all the way down the side, paired with a tiny singlet top while we had business partners in for meetings.
I’m all for a business-casual work environment, but this relies on staff having the capability to determine what is and isn’t appropriate for the office environment. At least the above dress codes set a clear standard of what is considered professional in that particular environment.
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I am all in favour of a no facial hair dress code!
The law advice is very sensible for all students entering a corporate environment – I am so sick of seeing grads dressed like they’re about to go clubbing!
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Absolutely, dress how you like when you go out but dont go to work looking like you’re on your way to a party!
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it was 1984 and another woman in my office told me off for wearing trousers. Mind you I was in the back office, at a desk, not seen by public only the solicitors we worked for. One of my first and fleeting jobs. Moderation in all is good but do we have to have such a prescriptive life?
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I’ve seen a judge tell off a lady solicitor for wearing trousers. In 2009.
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Umm, that list pretty much reads like any Cosmo or Cleo or Madison about job interviews. It’s all sensible advice, am I supposed to be outraged?
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To be fair, if a policeman turned up at my front door with a handlebar moustache, I’d expect him to start stripping.
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Love this! So true!!!
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I totally agree with the new dress code for police officers. I don’t want to be pulled over by a copper who looks like a Hell’s Angel, or a policewoman with fluoro orange nails. It’s not professional and unfortunately does affect public perception. They’re in a very visual, very public profession, where a lot hinges on them commanding respect. Rightly or wrongly appearance matters.
I also think the “rules” above for dressing for interviews are extremely sensible and pretty much no-brainers. A bit more detailed than these lists normally are, but no surprises there.
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I know a children’s librarian who wears sun-dresses with no bra underneath, so always has pointy nipples happening in the air-conditioned libraries. When she does story-time we always seem to get more dads bringing their kids along – funny that. Her attire is a joke among the staff, and it makes a lot of us uncomfortable. I don’t know why she’s still dressing like that when she’s recently turned 50 – meaning that she should know better by now. I’m surprised nobody within Council has implemented a ‘shoulders covered’ policy that would hopefully put a stop to what she wears.
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Sounds like the blonde girl on The Librarians – she’s the kids’ librarian!
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I can see why dress codes apply in certain industires, but just quietly (or loudly) I am SUPER happy I don’t have any! I’m a youth worker so if anything, the traditional ‘office gear’ looks a bit stiff to a client. I usually wear dresses or jeans or whatever I desire, as long as it’s modest. To be completely superficial for a moment, it’s refreshing to have fun dressing for work every day.. currently wearing a black maxi skirt, white singlet and denim jacket with cute strappy sandals. Yeeha!
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What are everyone’s thoughts on bright colours in the workplace? I’m loving all these bright colours that are in fashion right now but feel like in a corporate environment where majority is black and grey that bright colours are a bit inappropriate (even if the clothing items are modest).
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How about a bright top under a grey jacket?
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or maybe bright accessories? Are bright shoes are no-no?
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I personally think bright shoes and most bright accessories are tacky as hell. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bright blouse (preferably silk, looks more polished) under a suit.
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Hahahahahahahaha!
So many older Police men have moustaches!
How funny that they now need to shave them off!
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I wish there were more office dress codes. I cant stand the way that casualwear has slipped into being normal office attire. I have worked in professional firms for most of my career and there was always an unspoken dress code, especially when you were seeing clients.
Now I am working for a very large industrial company I am often amazed at the get ups that some younger women and men think are office appropriate. Much to my relief an optional corporate uniform has been introduced recently and most of the younger staff are wearing it. I personally hate wearing uniforms (12 years at a private school will do that to you), but it has lifted the standard generally, even for the people who choose not to wear it.
I think that you are taken much more seriously in an office environment if you dress in the same manner as the senior executives of the company. And if there is an optional uniform, either wear it or wear something of equivalent standard.
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In the past nobody thought twice about such rules. I remember my first job in a merchant bank in around 1991. My supervisor was an older lady who was nearly retirement age and she had firm grooming rules for the office. I’m thrilled I had her because she really did set the bar high. She insisted on stockings, skirts at a respectable length, no sling backs or open toe shoes, males werent allowed to wear those hideous cartoon ties, and short sleeved shits were a no-no. Nobody thought twice about it. Though casual Friday was a bit stressful because we didnt know what we could get away with so most of us just ignored it and kept wearing normal work clothes. The fact that expectations for respectable grooming is causing a fuss shows how far our standards have slipped and how relaxed we have become regarding appropriate professional dressing.
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If you don’t like the dress code, don’t work for them. If someone is paying you to do a job, then they also have a right to ask that you uphold a certain image that the owner of the company prefers. Don’t like it? Go somewhere else. And no, I don’t own a company or small business.
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But what if the rules are new? Is it fair to expect people to resign over a new dress code?
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Yes. How you feel about your work is so important (since most people spend so much time there). If you’re totally uncomfortable with a new dress code and you find it doesn’t agree with your choices for your life then I would definitely advise someone to find an environment they feel comfortable with – even if it means moving to a new job/company etc. I just think that being happy and comfortable with almost all aspects of your job is so, so, so important.
Some people don’t mind being told what to wear, some do. It’s up to the individual to apply for jobs in places they are comfortable in.
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I think loose rules like ‘modesty’, ‘neatness’, ‘no sandals’, etc are ok, but if it gets too detailed it can be unfair. Overweight people often have to spend more to get clothes that fit in with some guidelines, for example.
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no, but I expect that anyone who resigns over a new dress code (unless that code infringes on moral/religious beliefs, OHS or is just impractical/unworkable) is chucking a bit of a childish tanty.
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I am grateful to have gone to a school with extremely strict uniform rules, pretty much anything is now an improvement. I look quite young so probably make more of an effort than some, but am SO pleased I picked a suit-free job. Our main wardrobe rules are safety ones eg. enclosed shoes.
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I think having a dress code is essential for any work place, especially in regards to safety. I work in a state high school, and there is no set dress code – which means some people seem to think it’s ok to wear sneakers & track pants (seriously – and they’re not PE teachers). I would love a higher standard of professional dressing, but the fact is, we don’t have air conditioning. Try dressing in a professional manner when you’re in a 40 degree classroom with sweat trickling down your back! While I don’t resort to strappy singlets & shorts, it’s pretty tempting!
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I work in biotech which is an industry where no make up and nail polish is permitted. People often are shocked when I mention this, but it makes sense.
Mascara especially can flake off, the same with chipping nail polish. Would you like some mascara in your life saving medical product? Of course not.
The police I would expect to be held to the same standard especially in a role where collection of forensic evidence is required. It’s hard enough to prevent contamination as is, without adding the issues of hair, make up and nail polish.
At my workplace we have to tie back hair and wear a hairnet. Men must be clean shaven and any stubble must be covered with a beard net.
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I work in early childhood and while we don’t have a Dress Code, we do have standards – such as no open toe shoes (OH&S), no singlet straps on tops (Sun Safety Policy), no offensive logos on clothing (which I think is a standard – working or otherwise!) but other than that it’s fairly relaxed… whatever you feel comfy in that enables you to move around easily, and clothing you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on, or playdough stuck too! I wear my hair up all the time because it’s more comfortable for me that way and I usually wear some kind of accessory. Sometimes I think I’d be in big trouble if I ever had to work in a more formal office environment because I just don’t have the attire for it!!
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I’m glad your experience of working in childcare is so relaxed. We follow similar guidelines- we have a colour we need to dress in for tops and bottoms, and follow the whole thing about sensible enclosed shoes. That’s a given.
We must have sleeves on our tops, no sleeveless tops (as opposed to no strappy singlets), in fact, even small capped sleeves are not ok, they must go halfway down your arm.
We are not allowed to wear anything that remotely shows our chest area- i don’t mean “no low cut”, that’s a given, its nothing that shows the chest. I understand no cleavage, but I am finding it hard pressed to find something to wear in summer that covers my whole entire chest like winter cothing.
Nothing tight fitting, which is fair enough, I agree with this, however it means nice fitted tailored trousers are also out.
No short skirts, i agree again, but somehow this includes nothing that shows any leg at all- I wore a skirt that sat just below my knees, free fitting so i can move about easily, but it was not allowed. It was such a lovely skirt too.
Oh and no shorts above the knees. At all. Not even long shorts that sit a couple of centimetres above the knee. Apparently our knees are not allowed to be seen.
I just wish they’d give us a uniform and be done with it! I’m all for following approrpiate dress standards and guidelines for work, but with mine I am finding it super hard to put together an outfit that still looks smart. I know I work with children so it shouldn’t matter what I wear, but it does matter to me how I present myself to families. And at this stage baggy trousers, and a baggy polo top buttoned to the collar seems to be all i can wear. UNIFORM UNIFORM UNIFORM, I want a uniform!
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Why don’t you lobby to get uniforms? I’ve been doing the rounds of childcare centres the last few months and they all had uniforms – usually a polo shirt with the logo then plain shorts (like 3/4 length cargoes) on the bottom. That’s what I’d wear – 3/4 cargo shorts. Got pockets as well – very handy!
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Try lorna jane’s 3/4 flashdance pants. They’re cool, comfortable and cover the knee. Stylish too!
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My first thought with the Vic Police rules is that it was more for safety than anything else. An offender can grab a ponytail, a beard, earrings, etc, and render the officer less than able to complete the task at hand.
I don’t have a problem with those guidelines for the job interview. After however many years of slobbing it at uni, getting shoved into the real world is shock enough without realising you have no idea how to dress professionally.
As a teacher, we have broad dress codes (no jeans being the main one), but some are obvious. Cleavage in a high school with boys? Thongs? The funny thing is, the grads are usually the better ones. There are a few 30-somethings (and 40-somethings, even) running around primary schools with shoulder-strap (i.e. bra showing) dresses and backless shoes. For the most part, I keep my two wardrobes separate.
The group I would like to see with an improved dress code are checkout assistants, particularly younger ones. I’m all for self expression, especially at that age, but blouses that pull apart at the buttons (without a singlet underneath) and G-strings that hang out over pants (which usually don’t meet the blouse) are just not kind to the eyes of the public they are serving.
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For the life of me I can’t understand why teachers cannot wear jeans. Jeans are practical and (mostly) protect modesty.
I think it would be far more appropriate to see a teacher in jeans, a polo shirt and sneakers than in a floaty sundress and strappy sandals.
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I’m a checkout chick and mostly agree. My work blouse is far too tight but I wear a singlet underneath. The reason so many people have too small shirts at my company ‘a leading supermarket chain known for it’s alleged fresh produce’ is that they are really badly made and shrink so much (like about 2 dress sizes much). They’re also really expensive to buy new ones and you have to pay. Like about $50. And I know they’re tax deductible but most people like me who are only working as much as they can to support themselves while studying don’t make enough for that to matter because we can get all tax back anyway. I just don’t feel like I should have to keep paying $50 (a few hours work for me) for their badly made clothing.
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I am a teacher and frequently wear jeans…mind you they are tailored black or very dark denim jeans and I always dress them up with a more formal top or a blazer.i have never been questioned about it once because the overall look is professional….and I refuse I wear clothes that inhibit my practice.you can’t sit on the floor and interact with kindy kids if you’re in a dress and high heels.
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Over the years, I’ve worked in a law firm, a professional services firm and more laidback media organisations – so dress codes have run from business to more casual. However, over time, I’ve noticed young interns and juniors rocking into the office in denim short shorts, sequinned mini skirts, singlets, boardshorts, platform sandals, thongs, etc. Looks that would be better seen at the beach or in a nightclub. Admittedly, it was a “casual” workplace, but it’s business casual, not weekend casual.
In my opinion, they were doing a disservice to themselves. I don’t think they need to wear pantyhose and three-piece suits, but should give thought to the impression they are giving. It’s hard to imagine promoting someone who presents themselves without any strategy. Particularly when you’re just starting out in your career.
The old adage: dress for the job you want next, not the job you have now!
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in both my previous jobs I was in charge of hiring, and wearing appropriate attire to a job interview made a HUGE difference. However, i was never that strict, i think its common sense for example;
no thongs, trackpants or jeans (unless theyre super dressy jeans with a blazer etc).
ironed shirts, hair done, appropriate makeup.
ive had middle aged women show up for job interviews without a bra…
common sense people! you only get one chance at a first impression
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One woman showed up to interview for the job I was leaving – she had huge sprayed hair, a leopard-print sleeveless top, and had just come from a boozy lunch with her girlfriends! She literally stank of wine!
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I totally agree with the guidelines from the uni – and subconsciously this is how I dress for interviews. I have been to about 30-40 interviews in my life and been offered all but about 3 jobs – obviously I didn’t take them all, but I see interviews as my chance to find out whether I want to work for the company in question. The only rule I break for my daily work wear is the opaque stockings one – I wear stockings every day and I would rather not spend my money on constantly replacing sheer stockings because I have put holes in them. Opaques last longer!
I also mostly agree with the police force rules. They are there to project a professional image to the public, one that will encourage respect among all citizens.
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I think the US legal tips are OTT but if stripped down to the basics, would be quite sensible advice. I am a lawyer and lucky enough to work in a field and at a firm that is reasonably relaxed and allows a certain latitude for personality to shine through (so I have quite brightly dyed hair and a penchant for black suits with bright accessories, like shoes, nail polish, lipstick etc) The only time I’ve come in for criticism for the way I dress was when I worked in a different office of the same firm, but out in the country – and even then I wasn’t disciplined for my comparitively outlandish dress, I just received snide comments from my ultra-beige boss that “it wouldn’t be what I would wear to court”. I stood out (and was often made uncomfortably aware of that fact through such snide remarks) but knew that I would stand out when I chose to continue my usual style and basically took the risk of wearing high heels, bright make up and brightly dyed hair in a conservative rural community. (The upside? Clients may forget your name but they remember the clothes or hair. Makes it easier for admin to book them in for an appointment with the right lawyer!)
Personally, I think the current VicPol rules are laughable. I particularly like that female officers are not allowed to have pony tails but must have their hair tied back… so… what? Lots of time with bobby pins making a bun that won’t unravel when running after a suspect?! Although I can see how a ponytail or long beard can be an OH&S issue and could be grabbed – but forcing male officers to shave off close clipped beards or moustaches is overkill. Instead of having a general “be sensible in your attire and grooming so that you do not put yourself at risk” (which is what we have – don’t wear scarves to interviews with clients, could be choked etc) they’ve instituted this ridiculously strict policy.
Stipulating a dress code that says you must be neat, tidy and appropriately attired for your job, that’s fine. Making an order that your employees must look like regimented clones is farcical. Is it a human rights issue? A more controversial point. Could be said to be tied to the freedom of expression, one of the fundamental rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I think it’s one of those pick-your-battles scenarios – is it worth arguing the high moral ground of fundamental rights when you could just argue against the nonsensical rigidity of such a policy.
Personally, I think police officers who look human are more respected and engage better with their communities than those who look like they just fell off a production line at the Academy. This policy is going to cause Ken Lay more trouble that it’s really worth. And frankly? Your average juvenile offender is going to be far more receptive to a down to earth chat from a cop with a bit of a ‘stach and some tattoos visible than a 1950s clean cut, short back & sides style corporate officer. (in case it isn’t obviously, the field of law I work in that is a bit more relaxed is criminal law. Criminal lawyers are, by and large, a little bit more relaxed in attire than our corporate compardres. It’s to do with the nature of our work – bit more down to earth. There’s also the client factor – clients want their lawyers to look the part, but are also put off by a really restrictive professional attire. It places too many barriers between you and the client – you don’t look like you can relate to someone whose life is a shambles if you look like you just stepped out of a Prada catalogue.)
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My father stopped wearing his wedding ring after nearly losing a finger when it got caught on a tractor he was jumping down from. Safety should always come first!
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My father worked in a metalworking factory; neither he nor anyone he worked with wore a wedding ring for this reason.
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I work in the entertainment industry so luckily we’re quite relaxed with dress codes. Haviannas are fine on stinking hot days, for example. We all like to dress up a bit, but sometimes just can’t be arsed. For those days, there are several pairs of heels under desks, and emergency outfits scattered about the place. Just in case there’s an unplanned meeting, or an event we have to go to that we’d forgotten about!
Having said that, when I interview staff, their attire has an impact. I expect interviewees to show enough respect to take a little step up from what would be expected. I look at hair, nails and shoes.
You can be hip and creative without being a slob. I hate slobs.
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i remeber a girl once came for an interview where I used to work and she followed those rules exactly – unfortunately turning up to a mine for a field job u look like a bit of a knob
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Absolutely stay away from perfume and aftershave! I’ve had to go to the doctor and have days off (usually I work from home) more than once due to allergic migraines brought on by collegues perfumes and aftershaves! Also from the scents used in those automatic sprayers and scent sticks used for deoderising rooms! I’m not the only one either, I know of a number of other people with the same reaction.
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I think employers have every right to demand a dress code, They are the boss! The dress code is part of the job, don’t like the dress code don’t apply for the job, go do something that allows you to wear what you want. Might as well complain about that boring paperwork you have to do, it’s part of the job, get over it.
If an employer’s dress code is too over the top, no-one will apply and they will have to loosen their code to fill vacant positions. Oh wait, that virtually never happens, because dress codes are actually usually pretty reasonable.
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I know it’s kind of comical but I actually think people (young people especially) need to be taught about what is appropriate work attire and what is not, particularly in the corporate world. I have worked with so many people who just have no idea, so I don’t have a problem with employers having strict guidelines or students being taught.
Having said that, I think the VIC police ones might be going too far. I can understand if it is a safety issue (e.g. ponytail) but no beards seems a little excessive. My partner gets extremely bad shaving rash every time he does a clean shave and we have tried EVERYTHING to fix it. So he doesn’t have the terrible looking shaving rash every day, he chooses to have a bit of growth, which is the best option for him. What if there were people in his position in the vic police.
Re the make up and nail polish etc, it might be a little extreme but thats their rules and if you would rather wear nail polish to work, perhaps you should look for other employment.
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I totally agree! I am 23 and my parents were the type who wouldn’t let me out of the house if my school uniform or uniform for my casual after-school job were not spick and span. And I thank them for that.
Because now I show up to work and don’t look like many of the other ridiculously-dressed young workers I see at work and on the train.
In my mind, it’s totally OK to wear prints (heck, I’m wearing a floral shirt today!) but you also need business pants or a skirt and you just need to look…presentable.
I do not know when tights (with a suit jacket, wtf?!) became appropriate work wear for an office environment, nor do I know how those tight bandeau-type skirts (think Supre and Cotton On) became acceptable. But they should be banned, because they hurt my eyes.
I do think employers have the right to tell employees what to wear – to an extent – because they are the face of their business. When external people look at the employees of a company, they judge the whole place on that.
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I don’t have a problem with any of their advice, it seems pretty sensible to me and I am sure many of the students would need it!
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I think a business owner has a right to decide how they want their business represented. If you don’t like the business’s standards, find a new job.
Cheers
Shann
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if employers want a certain dress code they should supply it, if not employees should be allowed to wear what ever is their choice….BUT…not if its too casual, trashy or unprofessional for a work place….
a police officer having facial hair, nail polish or make up on is not going to effect my respect for them…..
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While the rules for interviews sound painstakingly over-the-top, I see them as a bit of a security blanket for nervous interviewees – it’s hard enough thinking about the questions you’ll be asked without wondering if the interviewers are all writing you off for being inappropriately dressed.
I’m lucky enough to be in an office that sounds a bit like the MM office when it comes to dress. We all wear what we like, and enjoy the differences that throws up. I don’t even own a suit for interviews!
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I don’t find the dress code advice to students are joke at all… I find it sensible advice. Honestly, securing a job is not about how you dress and you want people to be focused on what you are saying, not an over the top outfit. Of course, I don’t think people would miss out on a job because of this, but why draw attention to something other than you?
The Police dress codes with the moustache – ridiculous. People have had beards for years and to have them shave them off would be like someone telling me to cut my long hair for work.
Going for lots of interviews, what the company people wear do give you and instant feel for what the culture is like. It is an indicator of what to expect. If they want to build an image or brand, why not? If you don’t want to do it, maybe you are not right to stay at this place if you are not going with the change of culture. As long as employees are not put at over the top expense to comply.
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I actually think those rules are really good.
I hate in The Devil Wears Prada when Andy turns up to the interview looking like something the cat dragged in her her hair all messy, a crappy jumper, and smelling like an onion bagel. Ugh. Make an effort!
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