First impressions are extremely important. We all know that we categorise people after the first few minutes that we meet them. During a job interview you have a handful of minutes to impress your prospective employers and convince them that if they invest on you, you will be an asset. Your boss will most likely be in the panel who will be screening you, so be smart! Take those extra couple of steps to put yourself in the best light.

You have worked hard to qualify for the job. You have toiled for days at your resume and now after weeks of trepidation, you have been called for the interview that is the final step to make it to your dream job ... and then it hits you, your wardrobe is made up of jeans and t shirts and the last time you wore a suit was for your aunt Martha's funeral. What should you wear to increase your chances of getting your dream job?

Before we go further one should keep in mind that your prospective boss has no time to waste. You are already in a good position. Most probably your prospective employer has already streamlined the list of candidates,and you are one of the short listed ones. He or she knows about your qualifications and experience, and thinks that you might fit the role. You have come a long way from the slush pile of job applications. If you prepare your self to give it your best shot, your chances of getting what you want increase drastically.

Think that you badly want this job. Whether you are applying for an office job for the first time; you want to re-enter the business world after years of absence; or you are looking for a well paid job which helps you pay the bills.You want this job and are willing to invest time and energy to do your research and prepare for your interview, but at this point you have to think that you have to win over the interviewer not only with your knowledge and experience, but also with the way you present your self.

If you are going for an entry level vacancy don't invest in a Hugo Boss outfit. If you are aiming at a company where the atmosphere is informal, dress in a smart casual way but don't over do it. If you are asking yourself how will I know what the dress code is, if I have never been in that place before?Use your common sense. If you are applying for a job on Wall Street, formal business attire is the norm, but if you are aiming for a more creative field at a lower level then, you can safely take it down a notch.

Let's come to the nitty gritty of this hub, what outfit will help me get the job that pays good money?

Go for a smart dark outfit- it doesn't have to be a business suit, if the job does not request it, and it doesn't necessarily have to be a designer outfit that costs a fortune. The important thing is that whatever you are wearing makes you look like a mature, reliable person who will be an asset for your company.Dark suits instantly pull out the professional look , so it is an easy choice. For a less informal meeting a silk camisole and a pencil skirt in a dark color will do the trick for a woman, and a smart shirt with a neck tie and smart trousers are a good bet for a man. If you are still reluctant about dark colors, and you are harbouring the idea of wearing your favorite pink ensemble, just think about the added benefit of a dark skirt with a high waistline which makes you look thinner than the same design in a lighter color.

If you don't have the time and money to invest in new clothes, be creative. You can shop your closet to find that long forgotten pencil skirt, borrow a jacket, or simply revamp the suit you have put on for aunt Martha's funeral with a nice silk scarf or a lovely brooch.

If you are revamping an oldie, try the outfit a couple of days before the interview, so that you have time to make the necessary alterations. The most important part of preparing for an interview is to highlight the qualities that make you look your best. If your jacket is too snug and the buttons need to be taken out, don't leave it for the last minute as you never know what might happen. Trying your outfit a couple of days before also helps you choose your accessories.

To an attentive eye a man's belt, neck tie, socks and watch say more, than his resume.Many times the people in the interviewing panels have done hundreds of interviews and know what to look for. The details about you, reflect not only your tastes and inclinations, but also how well you prepare for a meeting. Try to match your belt with your shoes and the rest of your outfit. Go for a classic tie (with no cartoon characters on, if possible) and leave your white socks for your soccer match.If you want that impeccible look that will get you the job, make the extra effort and show your prospective employer that you are a person who minds the details.

Now for the ladies - even if chunky jewelry has come back into fashion, try to keep it level. If you must wear big hoop earrings, wearing a twenty strand necklace can be too much. Same thing goes for too many bracelets and rings. A couple of rings and a bracelet are fine but keep in mind that less is more. If you are going for a professional look, you could take out that nice string of pearls with matching stud earrings. It is certainly not your usual funky style, but here we are selling a mature business version of you so, be very conscious of your choices when it comes to jewelry.

One of the biggest unconscious personality statements that one makes about himself is the shoes he wears. A fashion diva will not be caught dead in grandma style flats, and someone wearing expensive Italian loafers is not likely to be on a budget. If you need to add those extra inches to your height go ahead for a good heel, but if you are already well over six feet lose the added height.The style, and condition of the shoes you wear, is a good indicator of what your personality is. A professional interviewer will scout for these details. Smart clean shoes with a round toe are an appropriate choice for an interview. Again remember that it is not only the amount of money that you are investing but the condition of your shoes that is talking about you. See to it that your shoes are polished to a shine and that they match the rest of your clothes.

Now that we have finished with the outfit let's briefly analyse another essential part of preparing for an interview.

For the guys - Remember to get a good shave before going for an important appointment and tame your tresses with a good haircut and/or the appropriate products. Check your nails to see that they are well trimmed and clean. Dirty nails and sweaty hands could detract points when you shake hands with your interviewer.

A note on sweaty hands. One of the most unpleasant things when you shake hands with someone, is touching cold sweaty hands. Unfortunately many people seem to have them and there is little one can do to totally over come the problem, but many times if you discreetly wipe your hands with a wet wipe when you are waiting for your turn to go in, your condition will improve.

Same goes for ladies with chipped nail polish and shabby hair. If going to a hair-salon for a professional blow dry is too much trouble, see to it that your hair is clean and neat. If your locks rebel on the day, tie your hair back in a neat bun at the nape of your neck or a pony tail, and go for a sleek professional look that fits you. Check your nails and take off your nail polish if it is chipped.If you have time you can apply a fresh coat of paint - but be sure that you do a good job.Smugged nail polish is just as bad as chipped and worn out manicure.

Make up can be a woman's best ally to camouflage blemishes and wrinkles, and draw attention to the good traits on her face. But that is where it should stop. I hate to state the obvious but don't over do your makeup. Once I was part of an interviewing panel and one of the prospective candidates wore dark purple and green makeup that just did not do her justice.Though she had good qualifications, the comments when she left the room were not nice.

If your job entails coming in contact with clients, many companies have strict policies on piercings and tattoos. If you are going for a formal job, remember that piercings might be frowned upon by your superiors, so simply take them off. When it comes to tattoos, you can always wear long sleeves to hide tattoos on your arms and if they happen to be on your wrist, a watch or a bracelet will be a good cover up.

When you go for an interview, remember that you will be talking for a long time. Watch out for foul breath and yellow ichy teeth. You don't need to go for a professional whitening, but remember to brush your teeth if you had garlic for lunch, and be sure to dazzle the interview panel with your smile. It will win you points over your competitor who has forgotten the basic rules of hygiene.

An extra tip that will win you points with your panel is to have an extra copy of your resume and your reference letters. Many interviewers come prepared for the meeting, but sometimes resumes get lost or mixed up and if you are prepared, you are more likely to leave the positive impression of an organised individual.

Though an interview for an important job can be a nerve wrecking experience, if you manage to keep in control and make a positive impression on the interviewing panel, your chances of nailing your dream job are very good even though competition may be fierce.