‘What should I wear to my assessment centre?’

You probably weren’t born but Liverpool footballers worse a beautiful cream suit finished with a red and white striped tie in the build up to the 1996 FA Cup Final at Wembley (the original).

Probably best to avoid something like that.

Better to be formally overdressed than the latter.

Good luck in your AC!

As an assessor, I would say a smart outfit is a must, but please make sure it is something you feel physically comfortable in – e.g. if you’re female, please don’t feel you need to wear heels if you are not going to be comfortable in them. It will be quite a long day and it’s distracting for you if your feet are aching! Likewise, please don’t worry if your suit is pretty basic and inexpensive; no-one is expecting a trainee to dress in Saville Row gear. But I think you do need a jacket rather than just a blouse/shirt.

Bear in mind that you may be in a meeting room all day with a load of other people, so you may get quite warm. If ever there was a day for the Mitchum extra strength, it’s the assessment day.

I personally think it’s helpful for your outfit to have a bit of colour/personality to help the assessors remember you, but it depends whether you feel confident doing that in a business-appropriate way. If in doubt, keep it smart and simple.

I always say err on the side of caution because you will never be looked down on for wearing a suit / blouse and blazer, or something to that effect. I interview a lot of vac scheme / TC candidates and I never wear a tie or jacket (because I don’t in the office) and I can’t honestly say that I have ever cared about what a candidate wore (if someone turned up in a white blouse, black skirt and shoes with no jacket I wouldn’t think that was anything out of the ordinary) – but the vast majority are dressing pretty smartly to be honest!

Don’t wear heels if you don’t want to (nobody will care either way), and don’t worry about getting anything expensive, I had a £40 M&S suit and tie that I wore as my AC uniform back in the day!

Either way, you can make a great first impression on an interviewer with a smile and a confident hello. Good luck!

Assuming from the stock photo on the post and that you’ve said ‘blouse’, you’re a woman.

The best advice I received was that your outfit should be forgettable. Plain is the order of the day!

Full trouser/skirt suit and blouse, or suit jacket with matching dress (sold as a set like a trouser or skirt suit would be). Dark navy blue or very dark grey are the preferred colours, with a plain light blue or white shirt/blouse. Black is ok for a women’s suit but avoid a white shirt with a black suit or you’ll look like a waiter. If that’s out of budget then a smart dress that’s structured, knee length or slightly longer with a different colour smart blazer/suit jacket also works.

If you’re wearing a skirt or dress then add tights, black or flesh tone. Shoes should be smart, closed toe with a full back, dark coloured or flesh tone and if you do want to wear heels (definitely not essential) then keep them 3″ or under. A smart loafer, structured flats that aren’t flimsy ballet flats, smart boots under trousers or smart heels all work well. Tidy hair and plain nails, minimal jewellery and minimal makeup. Smart bag.

Have a look at the suiting from Hobbs, LK Bennett and Jigsaw for some inspo that you can then look for in more budget-friendly brands.