January is the time of year for making a new start and that often means looking for a new job and going for interviews. As Oscar Wilde said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.

Research has shown that 90% of people will decide what they think and feel about you within the first 10-40 seconds of meeting you. This is based on:

• What they see – 55%,
• What they hear – 38%
• What you say – 7%

The main thing to remember is that you need to feel comfortable in your choice, otherwise you will worry about it and feel self-conscious. Here are our top tips to help you on your way:

WOMEN

Wear a skirt or trouser suit in a neutral colour (black, grey, navy or taupe).

Choose the correct options for your body shape – a softer shaped jacket with wider legged trousers would be the choice for curvier figures, structured jackets with straighter legged trousers would suit straight or angular figures.

For skirts, if you have larger hips then an A-line or flared skirt will sit better. If you have no hips as such, then go for a pencil skirt.

Ensure your trousers are hemmed to the correct length – this can be done free of charge in-store or online.

Choose a shirt that injects a bit of colour either plain or patterned, whilst
complementing the choice of suit colour. Alternatively, a crisp white shirt will always work well.

Wear tights or stockings in a neutral colour.

Shoes with heels look more sophisticated than flats, but teetering in killer heels will reduce professional impact. Make sure your shoes are clean.

A little make up goes a long way towards creating a groomed and confident look. Lipstick or lip gloss alone can achieve this in some cases.

Jewellery and cufflinks express individuality, but too much dangling or clanking will be distracting so keep it discreet.

Remove any facial piercings and cover any tattoos

Do not wear too much perfume.

Follow these simple steps and you will look the part - the only thing left for you to wear is a smile. Good luck!