“Your first impression has a lasting effect.” We have heard this spoken since the day we started to dress ourselves. How you present yourself for the first time is remembered for the rest of your relationship with the person.

We always put in the extra effort to look good when we go out for a that “special dinner”. “Dress to impress” or “knock-‘em-dead.” We should apply the same attitude when we are attending an interview.

How you dress and carry yourself leaves a vital first impression with your potential employer. Its always recommended that you dress professionally, regardless of the culture or environment, for the first interview. It shows that you’ve put in that extra effort and the role is important to you.

Even if the dress code for the position is casual, it’s best to dress smartly. It’s always better to be over dressed, than under dressed.

Make it a rule to have your clothes ready the night before so that you’re comfortable and everything fits well. If you’re travelling to an interview from your current job which is a casual dress, keep a change in the car. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes, some job seekers have arrived in jeans and sneakers with an excuse “sorry I was at work.” You risk losing your advantage of the first impression and it’s more than likely, if the person arriving after you is well presented, then they will, of course, leave a more favourable first impression.

If your clothes need to be dry cleaned, ensure you leave yourself enough time to have them cleaned and returned before your next interview.

While it may be acceptable to dress more casually for a second interview, you should still be dressed professionally. This demonstrates respect for yourself, the interviewer, and the hiring organisation. You may not have to dress like this every day, but you are more likely to be taken seriously when you present yourself in a professional manner and you have demonstrated an attention to detail.