How to dress for a job interview

Interviews are never a pleasurable experience. You do not get a second chance at a first impression and however annoying that cliché saying may be, it is very true.

You can never be too smart for an interview. Well, maybe not top and tails but your interviewer will read into what you are wearing, it will tell them about you as a person. Sloppy clothes equals lazy worker. Smart, sharp suit means you take care in yourself, your work and have a professional attitude.

Do not try and dress as your dad.

The most important factor when choosing a suit is that it fits you properly. There are two routes when it comes to suit shopping, tailor made or off the rack. Tailor made will set you back at least £350. However you can purchase a suit measured to fit you from the high street.

The top of the high street is Marks and Spencer for well-made men's suits. Their trained staff will measure your collar, chest, inside and outside leg. The Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted Button jacket, £90 from Marks and Spencer with the matching trousers for £59, is a very smart suit that will sell you to any employer.

An alternative to this is the NAME Slim Fit Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted Two Button Jackets for £90 and the matching trousers for £59 from Marks and Spencer matching trousers for £59 from Marks and Spencer. This had a slimmer cut leg for a more fashionable men's suit.

For a less conservative suit for the younger generation Topman have the market covered. You will be able to purchase a smart men's suit for a reasonable price. They have the Black Liquid Ultra Skinny Suit, £150 from TOPMAN. They also have the Grey Herringbone Deconstructed Suit, £125 from TOPMAN . Their range is a perfect compromise between dressing for the interview, wearing something age appropriate and maintaining a sense of self. You can still look professional and hint at your inner indie side.

Your shoes need to match your belt, it is a simple rule for mens formal dressing that will never be out-dated. The best option for an interview is black. These shoes Breson Dylan Slim Broque in Black, £145 from Urban Outfitters are classic but still on trend for men's formal attire. A thin black belt would be ideal to tie this look together, look at the Black/Gunmetal Long Plate Smart Belt, £12 from Burton.

The last note when dressing for an interview is not to take your old sports bag or rucsake. This leather bag, Black Leather Briefcase, £70 from Next gives the perfect impression and even if it is only filled with empty notepads it will give the idea that you are serious and organsied.

Let your suit do the talking. You are smart, professional, young and enthusiastic but also reliable. And the job will be yours.