Most British bosses would decide whether or not to hire a candidate over their dress, according to a survey by management careers site TheLadders.co.uk.

The research shows that 76% of British bosses would decide against a job candidate because of poor attire.

The survey also shows that 37% said that they had recently decided against hiring a candidate because of the way they dressed, while 67% of bosses surveyed say that a good interview outfit should cost in excess of £300 and 94% said they were unlikely to hire a candidate in an obviously cheap suit.

Derek Pilcher, managing director of TheLadders.co.uk, says: “So much time is spent looking at what to communicate verbally in an interview suit and yet candidates often rummage at the back of the wardrobe for the old interview. What you communicate non-verbally, your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed form an immediate impression with your interviewer. These first impressions are nearly always impossible to reverse or undo. Your suit sets the tone for the interview so make it the right one.”