You only have one chance to make a successful first impression. Your hygiene, clothes, punctuality, and preparedness all play a vital role in shaping a prospective employer's initial opinion of you. The way in which you present yourself largely reflects what sort of employee you are and what impact you promise to make on a company. If you think that a small stain on your shirt can't ruin your chances with that big job interview, think again. A prospective employer often remembers and separates job candidates by what they wore to their interview. Here are some tips on your hair, personal care, and what to wear to help you land that coveted job.

CLOTHING
Perhaps the most important step in preparing for an interview is selecting the appropriate attire to wear. Clean,well-pressed business clothes reflect one's credibility and skill set. They also go a long way in helping to form a prospective employer's opinion of you within the first few minutes of a meeting.

For men, the standard dress is an ironed shirt and tie, polished shoes, and possibly a jacket or business suit, depending on the industry and position you are applying for. When in doubt, lean toward neutral colors, such as a white or blue dress shirt, and conservative patterns for ties. For women, either a simple business suit or a well-pressed shirt and pants or a long skirt are acceptable. As with men's attire, women's professional clothing should be of neutral colors and conservative patterns. Low pumps or polished shoes are appropriate footwear.

The way your clothes fit also tells a lot about what kind of employee you promise to be. Clothes that are too tight may suggest someone who cares about the body more than professional achievements. Conversely, clothes that droop and sag may create the image of a lazy or reclusive employee. Perhaps a recent weight change has made your professional wardrobe unflattering and uncomfortable. Muster up the courage to face a changing room mirror and get clothes that hang well from your body. You should be able to move freely. Anything less or more than that could undermine your qualifications and give a negative impression.

HAIR AND HANDS
While not the end-all, be-all of first impressions, hair and grooming do play significant roles in one's appearance and confidence. Men should be prepared to arrive at interviews with facial hair that is neatly trimmed, or with a clean-shaven face. For everyone, hairstyles should lean toward the conservative. A good rule of thumb to use is to look well-groomed and, most importantly, to feel comfortable. You should wear your hair in whatever way gives you the greatest confidence about yourself. You always want to put your best foot forward with first impressions, but beware. An outrageous hairdo may not just put your best foot forward; it might send you out the door before you have a chance to introduce yourself.

Equally important to an initial meeting is the handshake. Make sure your hands are clean and dry and that your fingernails are trimmed or polished. Since the handshake marks both the beginning and end of the interview, clean hands and kempt nails should not be an afterthought when heading into an interview.

MAKEUP AND SCENT
Another thing to consider is applying makeup moderately and perfume or cologne sparingly. The same rule of thumb should also be applied to jewelry and accessories: don't wear anything too flashy. You don't want to have your accomplishments and skills eclipsed by excessive face paint or a waft of overpowering scent. Too much makeup or scent can cloud the business at hand and give a prospective employer a negative impression.

PREPARDENESS
With the great variety of computer software and platforms to choose from these days, it is rare that you and your prospective employer will share the same program you used to create your resume. Furthermore, more and more companies these days are seeking to thwart computer viruses by asking candidates to include their resumes within the body of emails, thereby omitting any formatting that can make your resume stand out more. So, for every job interview you have, be sure to bring along a few copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other items that may be applicable to the position (writing samples, portfolios, etc.).

You should also prepare for the interview by researching the prospective company, its products, and its customers. By doing your homework, you display motivation and interest for the company and position. And by being prepared for the interview with your resume and credentials, you show that you anticipate situations and put your best foot forward.

PUNCTUALITY
Showing up on time or even a little early for a job interview reflects that you respect your potential employer's time schedule, as well as your own. It also shows that you are dependable and professional regarding business matters.

Try to arrive at the interview five to fifteen minutes early. If you are running late or cannot make the meeting at the designated time, phone ahead to give the interviewer sufficien time to reschedule the meeting. This small consideration can go a long way in a potential employer's opinion of your professionalism.

AFTER ALL, YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE AT MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION
The most important aspect of the job interview is ascertaining whether or not you are the right fit for the company and vice versa; if you have the appropriate experience and expertise, you are a solid candidate for any position. But creating a favorable first impression based on your hair, clothing, punctuality, and preparedness can ultimately mean the difference between a job opening and a job offer.

Courtesy - Resume.com