Want that job? Don't rely on your lucky but unwashed pants.....

This survey from employment law specialists Peninsula came across my desk this morning - oh, what a laugh!

Of the 3024 workers interviewed, the survey found that......84% of respondents wear what they believe is, something lucky to get them through a job interview with 6 in 10 of these wearing lucky underwear. Additionally 73% of respondents admit to checking their horoscope immediately before an interview believing it will be an indicator of whether they get the job or not.

The top 10 lucky charms candidates take with them to a job interview were.......

Lucky Underwear (sometimes unwashed!)

Lucky Jewellery

Brooch

Lucky shoes (polished, one hopes...)

An object from Childhood, i.e. blanket/teddy

4 leaf clover

Key ring

Lucky stone

Lucky Pen/Pencil

Lucky photograph of someone i.e. boyfriend/relative

So, if you don't want to rely on lucky (but unwashed - Yuck) pants, here are some thoughts on how to get that job......

1. Luck doesn't start with your pants on the day of the interview. Employment starts with reading adverts, which results in (perceived) luck!

2. Pick jobs in which you meet the basic skills requirements, which is more true for Government posts over commercial work. NEVER LIE from this point forward in an application, to your potential future employer or yourself - NOTE: 70% of applicants do: wonder if that's the same 70% wearing unwashed "lucky" pants???

3. Read their website, and make some notes on where the company is going/what it has acheived

4. If there is a telephone number to ask questions before applying - call it! Do some preparation first, and make sure to have three questions which can't be answered by reading the advert or their website alone

5. Now, specifically adjust your CV to bring out the skills you have for that job, ie - pull certain points forward which the job asks for; if it asks for Xyears experience of Y, show you have X+ of Y+

6. Write a cover letter which shows you have those skills. Pull them out specifically as bullet points if necessary (max of three core skills)

7. Two days before your interview, prepare by re-reading the job advert, their website and your CV/Resume. Prepare five questions for them. Check your travel plans and timings - including scheduled road works - and allow an extra 30mins

8. The day before the interview, make sure your clothes are prepared and clean - Ladies: no overt cleavage showing; Gents - clean shirt and tie, and polish those shoes. Re-check those travel plans

9. On the day of the interview - shower thoroughly! Read the advert, your website notes and your CV on the way there

10. After the interview, what ever the result, ask for feedback - it makes you more prepared for the next interview, or know what they like/expect of you in post