Give yourself a pat on the back. After all, you did it. You got that call that you have a job interview coming up, and a long stressful preparation lies ahead of you.

“What do I need to study? What am I going to be asked?”

These are just some of the questions you probably ask yourself.  The first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly meaningful and important. Regardless of the work environment, it’s important to dress professionally for a job interview.

You only get one first impression. Therefore, having the perfect outfit is the key to a successful job interview. If you look the part, your employees will already be impressed. They’ll be more likely to see you as the right candidate for the job. Here are a few tips on how to dress well for your work interview.

Have good hygiene

Be as clean as possible. Bad hygiene can ruin the world’s best outfit. It’s absolutely crucial for you to take the time to have a clean and fresh body before you walk into an interview. Always shower the day of your interview. Even if you’re busy before the interview, take the time to wash your hair and body as close to the time of the interview as you can. Not only will your skin look clean and fresh, but you’ll feel better because you’ll be more refreshed. Wash your hands right before the interview. It’s likely that the first thing you’ll do when you walk into the interview is shaking hands.

Be well groomed

Pay attention to your hair. It’s important to show up with clean, well-brushed hair so you look as put-together as possible. Your hair should be dry and you should avoid any excessive products. Make use of anti-dandruff shampoo as that always does the trick. Have a fresh haircut. If your hair is too long or limp-looking, you may appear sloppy or unprofessional. Avoid spiking your hair or putting gel it in a distracting manner. If you have long hair, you should avoid loud hair clips or other hair accessories and wear your hair down. Before your interview, check your shoulders for dandruff, especially if you’re wearing a dark colour.

Dress appropriately for the work culture

Business casual is defined as being in between professional and casual dress and it’s important to know which jobs require a business casual dress. Jobs that include working in a site that requires special equipment or that are dirty tend to accept business casual dress. If you’re unsure about whether to dress business casual or professional, err on the side of caution and dress professionally.

Dress for a casual environment

Some work environments, such as those at a startup, have a more casual dress code. You can check the environment by looking at the type of company or even checking the company’s website. If you wear a full suit to an interview at a casual company, you’ll look stodgy and too stuffy to fit in. For men, a clean and simple pair of khakis and a nice button-down short sleeved shirt will work. For women, a nice top and simple skirt or pants will do. Even if the company’s dress is casual, you can opt for business casual so you don’t look like you’re too relaxed for the interview.

Have the right top

To give the right impression, men should have a clean, simple, well-ironed top. Having a top that fits well over the shoulders, is long enough in the sleeves and torso and is free of stains or wrinkles is the key to success. For women, the perfect top is an important part of your outfit. Don’t overlook the effect that the right or wrong top can have on your chances of getting hired.

Have the right pair of pants or skirt

The right pair of pants can go a long way in showing that you’ll be competent in the workforce. For a professional or business casual environment, your pants should match your suit top or sweater. A woman’s skirt should match her top and should be clean, ironed and tasteful.

Woman must have a fresh face

Your face will be the first thing employers see, so you should look professional and fresh. Wear nice and subtle eye makeup. Opt for dark eyeliner, subtle eye shadow and black mascara to show your employers that you spend time on your appearance. Avoid wearing too much makeup, however. Wear just enough to make a pleasant impression. Stay away from hot pink lipstick or bright green eyeshadow. You should look like you’re going to work, not hitting up the clubs.

These may seem like very conservative rules that are out of date for the modern workplace, but you’ll be surprised by how many employers still care about these sorts of things. And, as with most areas of interviewing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.