A professional appearance is one of the key elements of a successful interview. Below are some tips on looking good for your interview.

• Dress appropriately in professional attire. A good business suit demonstrates a positive attitude towards professionalism. Invest in a suit if you don’t have one. Men should wear a tie with their shirt. Casual clothes e.g. jeans, polo shirts or a plain business shirt are not acceptable.
• Shoes should be polished and clean. Cracked or scruffy shoes are not acceptable and take away from the professional look of the whole outfit.
• Excessive piercings such as eyebrow and tongue piercings should be removed. Earrings should be conservative – elaborate earrings shouldn’t be worn.
• Hair should be well groomed.
• Jewellery should be kept to a minimum.
• Don’t smoke immediately before an interview, no matter how nervous you are. The stale smell of smoke can be off-putting for an interviewer.
• Don’t apply too much aftershave or perfume, in case the interviewer is sensitive to smell.
• Never chew chewing gum during an interview – it’s unprofessional and disrespectful.

Have you read our other guides to help you prepare for interview?

• Working with your recruitment consultant
• Telephone interviews
• Points to note prior to an interview
• Points to note during an interview
• Tips on dealing with interview questions
• Competency-based interviews
• Behavioural interview questions
• Second interviews
• Equality at interview