Here's how to... dress for an interview (and other little tips and tricks to bag your dream job)

There comes a time in life when we need to dust off our special attire and go for that all important job interview. I know many of you beauties will be going for your interviews soon, fresh out of uni, school or just having a career change. It can seem daunting, having to prove your worth to people who've been in the business for years, so having the basics behind you when it comes to an interview is very important.

It takes fewer than 10 seconds to make an impression. When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on non-verbal data, like appearance and your body language. Only 7% is influenced by the words you speak. So making a brilliant first impression is vital. And today I want to share some of my tips, including how to look the part, when it comes to getting that all important job.

What to wear

No matter what company or role you are applying for, you need to dress to impress. So if you're applying for an admin based role or similar, play it safe with a black pencil skirt or trousers, teamed with a nice blouse/top/jacket. I'd steer clear of wearing all black, but you can't go wrong with fairly neutral colours. And wear shoes that are comfortable yet classy. No scuffs.

If you're going for something more creative, like PR, or advertising you can afford to be a bit more daring and show some personality. In fact, it's encouraged. Although wearing that festival garland with denim dungarees, jellies and crop top is probably taking it a step too far.

I love this quote from Lauren Conrad on dressing for interviews: 'Always dress nicer than you think.'

Make up and beauty bits

This is always a touchy subject when it comes to interview make-up. I mean, do you wear a full face? No make-up? Barely there? Or do you just stay with your signature look? Personally, you can't go far wrong with your signature look, but tone it down. For instance, my day to day look is a cat eye with bronzer and a bright lip. For interviews however I slim down the cat eye, apply a dashing of bronzer and wear a BB cream instead of foundation with a nude gloss on the lips. It says I've made the effort, but I'm not trying too hard. Oh, and unless you wear falsies every day, leave them off.

Nails are another should you, shouldn't you. I can safely say after having been in a number of interviews with nail polish both on and off I would advise no nail polish. In my experience, employers - for some reason - don't like to see it. So unless you're applying to be a nail technician or admin at Nails Inc, just keep them neat and filed.

The paperwork

Always have your CV, portfolio and any references to hand, kept neatly in a decent folder. Not only does this make you look prepared, it gives the impression that you have nothing to hide (even if you haven't!) Another point to consider for having references to hand is to make your potential employer's job a little easier. Every little helps.

A few more tips...

So you're looking the part and have given a great first impression. The rest is up to you. There is nothing worse than being dishonest in an interview (trust me it will come back to bite you). If the interviewer asks you a question and you genuinely do not know the answer, then admit you don't know but emphasise  you want to learn or simply ask if they can explain the question in a different way (you may know the answer but the wording may have been confusing).

If you have had gaps in your employment, or have no experience for the job you're applying for then explain why and that you want to gain experience in the industry. Hype and work experience you've got, and skills that will make you an asset to the team. Mention you're open to training and get excited for the role you may possibly get.

The aftermath...

It's all in the follow through. After you've left the interview send an email thanking them for their time and state how serious you are about the role. Even better, if you felt you had something in common (like an affinity for a certain book or film or similar) mention this. Trust me, this is not sucking up. It's simply showing the employer you paid attention, you're keen on the role and, most importantly, want to work for their company.

Well beauties, I hope this information can help you out a little for that all important interview and please let me know how you get on below or at @sixoutoftenmag!