Congratulate yourself for getting this far! You’ve made it over the first hurdle towards finding a new job, and your hard work has paid off. Like most job seekers in your position, you’re excited yet anxious, confident yet unsure…

How to dress for success

It’s a fact that you will be judged, at least partially, by your appearance. Your clothes and your attitude should therefore reflect the calibre of position for which you’re interviewing. Conservative colours in various shades of blue and grey are best. Wearing black to an interview can be viewed as too serious, but if you do, make sure that there is another colour near your face to soften the look. Always change your outfit’s look for a second interview by wearing a different colour shirt, scarf or tie.

An interview is not the place to make a fashion statement, though those in the arts/creative fields can be more adventurous. Everyone else should opt for a conservative look. More and more companies are returning to a traditional professional dress code and, as a personal assistant or executive assistant, it’s suggested you do so for any first interview.

Whatever you wear to an interview should accent the fact that you’re an ambitious, confident professional who’s ready to get started in a new job. It’s easy to avoid fashion blunders that could damage your chances of getting to the next level in the process.

Here are 10 dressing faux pas to avoid at the interview stage:

• Wild nail polish: Nails should be groomed, and a softer nail polish colour for females is best.
• Jewellery that jangles: Don’t wear more than two rings per hand or one earring per ear. And no face jewellery or ankle bracelets.
• Shoes: Open-toed or backless shoes and knee-high boots with short skirts should be avoided in a corporate environment.
• Bare legs: Always wear stockings, even in summer weather. Stockings should be in neutral colours.
• Out-of-date suits: Wearing out-dated clothes make people think you are slow to react to new procedures and opportunities. This applies to accessories and hairstyles.
• Short skirts: Hemlines should not be above the knee. Capri pants, jeans and leggings are also out. Printed or trendy handbags: Handbags should be conservative and inconspicuous.
• Bright coloured or patterned briefcases/compendiums: Briefcases, purses and shoes should all be conservative in colour and in good condition.
• Make up/perfume: Natural make-up and subtle perfume will always impress over heavy-handedness. The same applies to aftershave – less is more!
• Smoking: Try to avoid smoking beforehand, as it can leave a less than positive impression.