First impressions dressing body language for success 

• Conservative dress is still the rule of thumb for interviews. It is not the time to make a fashion statement. Aim for subdued rather than glaring colours, a business suit in a subdued color is best.

• For men, a conservative dark suit with a long-sleeved white shirt with an in-style but traditional tie will ensure best impressions.

• Jewellery should be minimal and traditional, regardless of your personal taste.

• Make-up should be in good taste and lightly applied for daywear, not applied as it might be for an evening event.

• Check the fabric of your clothes; linen creases badly and silk marks easily. Keep your accessories simple, floating scarves and clinking jewellery may be fashion statements but they are obstructive in an interview.

• A small handbag or briefcase look organized and save you the embarrassment of scrambling around for five minutes to find your notepad and pen.

• Shoes should be polished.

• Don’t fidget. Body language can account for over 50% of communication.

• Be comfortable with your posture and create positive body language.

• Undo your jacket – you will feel less restricted and your body will look more relaxed and confident.

• Maintain positive facial and hand-movement cues; a tilt of the head shows interest, a nod indicates you understand what is being said.

• In a panel interview, distribute all contact between the entire interviewing panel.

• Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language.

• As you leave the interview don’t forget to smile and once again, the firm handshake.