All this talk of casual wear has me quite astonished, I must say. Here in Britain, it's practically de rigeur to be business formal at any interview. The only real exceptions are things like dustman (Trash collector) where the interview goes along the lines of, "Can you lift a dustbin?"

Every job I've ever been interviewed for, which is quite a few, I've worn a suit to. Never have I got the feeling I was overdressed for the occasion. That goes for civil service and private company jobs. Even the ones where you can be casual in the office.

We seem to have the ethos of creating a good impression first off, no matter what the status of whoever we're trying to impress.

It does make things easier, I must say. Choice is reduced to, "Should I wear this serious tie or that comedy Disney one?" and, "Blue shirt or white?"

Bea"Civil Service interviews... *shudder*"sty