What should I wear when handing in job applications?

BetterThanThou

I'm currently looking for a job, I have no qualifications, so the jobs I'm looking for will all be quite unskilled. I've been sending in CVs to as many places as I can online, and I'm about to start handing them in physically to shops. But I'm not quite sure how I should dress. I've heard some people say just go with casual jeans to avoid over doing it, I've heard others say dress professionally in slacks and a work shirt, I've even heard some people say I should suit up. Or would it depend on where I'm handing it in? if I'm handing in a CV to Lifestyle Sports or JD should I just dress casually, or professionally? Also, when I'm handing them in, should I ask for the manager? Or would the manager appreciate me not taking up his time and just asking a shop assistant to hand it in to him?

irishmover

Clothes, preferably.

But seriously, I always wear suit pants, black shoes, nice belt and a decent plain style shirt. Has never failed me yet.

SeaFields

BetterThanThou wrote: »

Also, when I'm handing them in, should I ask for the manager? Or would the manager appreciate me not taking up his time and just asking a shop assistant to hand it in to him?

Ask for the manager. Dont give it to a shop assistant. It'd probably just get left by a till and binned eventually. Managers by and large wont mind. It makes for a better impression to briefly ask can you submit a CV for any positions.

Tzardine

SeaFields wrote: »

Ask for the manager. Dont give it to a shop assistant. It'd probably just get left by a till and binned eventually. Managers by and large wont mind. It makes for a better impression to briefly ask can you submit a CV for any positions.

Agree with this 100%. Ask for manager, say you are sorry to disturb them but thank them for their time. Practice what you want to say to them. You have about 30 seconds before they will lose interest.

Keep it short, and be yourself.

Good luck with the searching.

Mrs OBumble

Try and be a little better dressed than the people current working there are. Not too much, just a little.

If they wear a uniform, then aim for a little better dressed than people who wrok for their competitors.

Suited-and-booted is probably OTT for most shops, but not all of 'em.

qwertyabcd

My mum works as in management in a Nursing Home, she has always told me that if possible to meet the manager/ person in charge so they have a face to put to the CV, she tries to do it if she has time. Dress wise smart shirt/trousers combo and you should be fine. Don't forget to relax and good luck job hunting.

2Mad2BeMad

I always go casual
but depends on the job if im honest
if its like a sales assistant, then go casual, if its for been a bar man in a pub or waiter then go black slacks and shoes with a shirt
if its an it position go full suit etc...
really just dress as how you feel their employees would dress

despot

Always ask for and give your CV to the manager.

Friends who work retail (two in high end stores) tell me when handed CVs they just end up in the bin.

olliesgirl55

First impressions count so you should dress business casual even for the shop assistant jobs. For the higher end jobs go with a suit. Always ask to speak to the manager and if none available find out when they will be working and go back.
Above all be confident.