China’s official media has released a series of guidelines for would-be civil servants, warning them to dress modestly.

Candidates were told they should wear “light and elegant” suits, and men were advised to get a haircut. Women were told to have clean nails, avoid jewellery, complicated make-up and make sure their hair did not cover their ears or eyes.

Competition for civil service jobs – traditionally seen as an “iron rice bowl” because of the security they offer – has intensified in recent...