When you really get down to it, not much about the ‘good old days’ was truly very good - but you did at least know you’d be expected to wear a suit to an interview.

Formality may have been stifling, but it took the agony out of the interview wardrobe dilemma. These days, it’s all Converse in the office and open-necked shirts in the boardroom. Not to mention that half the population seems to sport huge tattoos or experimental hair.

In an ideal world, our talents and experience would count for everything. But it’s not an ideal world, so what the devil should you wear to a job interview in the modern workplace?

The answer isn’t simple, I’m afraid: it depends on the job.

We took a straw poll of various industries and asked what’s the in-thing for their sector.

Secondary school teacher: ‘I went a good 20 years between interviews! I used to wear a suit - but in my latest job interview I wore a black dress and cardigan with medium heels - quite conservative. Don't go for a teaching job unless you look fairly conservative I'd say. Men would definitely be expected to wear a tie.’

Special needs teacher: ‘I moved jobs earlier this year and wore a trouser suit although I took the jacket off for the actual lesson as it comes across as too formal. Now I’m actually teaching there, I wear old jeans, t-shirt and trainers but that's because of the nature of the job, which involves crawling around on the floor, lots of messy sensory learning activities, some dealing with bodily fluids and waste.’

Human resources manager: ‘When I worked for a huge infrastructure company  I would definitely expect candidates for management positions  to come wearing suits. Now I work in a design agency, where they definitely wouldn't wear a suit!  However I would still expect some level of decorum. Leather skin tight trousers or hot pants don't impress me much. That aside, designers may still get the job based on their portfolio but for account managers something like that would be a step too far.’

Local government officer: ‘Suit and tie for men would be expected - but possibly without the jacket. Women would wear smart trousers or skirt, with a suitable blouse or jumper. Depending on the exact job, some individuality might be OK but wacky hair would probably be out! The dress code refers to "natural appearance".’

Hotel manager: ‘I’d expect anyone applying at  management level to wear suit and tie - or a smart top with trousers or skirt for women. For roles such as housekeeping, I’d only ask them to be clean and with a reasonably smart top, plus trousers or a skirt. Chefs I definitely wouldn’t expect to come in a suit - just a shirt and trousers, but I would look for them to be very clean. My attitude to visible tattoos would vary according to the job. Neck upwards would probably bother me - especially for customer-facing roles - but nothing else would. But having said that, other managers might be less tolerant on that front.’

Head chef: ‘I’d always wear a suit - not necessarily a tie, but always a suit. Mind you, I don’t expect interviewees to come to me in a suit - but I’d be looking at their fingernails, to check they were clean and trimmed. And I always check their shoes. If they came in scruffy shoes, I’d never employ them.’

So, there’s a wide range of expectations. If you’re still confused, we’ve come up with a few golden rules to make sure your appearance is an asset, rather than a distraction, when you go for that interview.

1. Find out about the dress code.

Analyse the job advertisement and specification for clues. Look at the company website, including any including pictures etc. If you’re still not sure, simply phone up and ask.

2. Guidelines for women

Trousers or skirt are fine. The accepted skirt rule is no more than one biro length above the knee. Take it easy with pattern, but a splash of colour is great. Don’t go too crazy when it comes to heel height. Don’t wear anything too tight or low-cut - you don’t want to give the wrong impression. Dresses are the easiest thing to wear - a great dress always looks slick and it means you don’t have to co-ordinate anything.

3. Guidelines for men

Linen is lovely in the summer but it creases too much for interview. Dark colours are safest. If you’re wearing a suit, the rule is black shoes with black or grey suits, brown shoes with brown suits, either with blue.  Garish or (the horror) comedy ties or socks are a no-no.

4. Business casual

I don’t care if you’re applying for the most casual - or most hipster - job in the world. I’d never, ever advise wearing jeans. Or a t-shirt. Or trainers.

5. Dress for the job - plus one

If you remember nothing else, remember this: dress as you would for the job, but one notch smarter.

Good luck!