Fri, 20 Jun 2014‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ is how the saying goes, but when it comes to candidates and their job-based decision-making, a more fitting saying would probably be ‘don’t judge an employer by its reception area’.

Research from job board Monster.co.uk has revealed an interviewee’s first impression is impacted by everything from the reception area to what they think of the interviewer’s handshake and fashion sense.

More than two-thirds (70%) of jobseekers would turn down a job if their first impressions were sub-standard, while 35% of interviewees say they wouldn’t take a job if they didn’t like the reception area.

The interviewer is another big factor, with 50% of potential employees saying they would be swayed by the interviewer’s dress sense, handshake (60%) or quality of banter (58%).

Andrew Sumner, managing director of Monster.co.uk in the UK and Ireland, said that those involved in the recruitment process have to be “just as attentive and engaged as they expect candidates to be”, otherwise they risk missing out on the “best talent”.

According to 59% of job applicants, even the way an interviewer wears make up could negatively affect their impression of a potential employer.

So recruiters, next time you’re in line to conduct an interview, you should probably firm up that handshake and make sure you dress to impress.