The interview. The one chance you've got to impress on your future employers your suitability for a place in their business or organisation. Half an hour in which you need to be witty, charming and knowledgeable, leaving that lasting impression which could lead to a job offer that might change your life for ever. No pressure, then. There is, however, no point turning up and being brilliant if you don't look the part. As a slovenly teenager, I once went for an interview with a major department store, dazzled them with my knowledge of technology and consumer electronics before they dropped the bombshell: "You DO own a suit, don't you?" I learned the hard way that afternoon: Jeans, trainers and combat jacket are never going to get you a job offer, unless said post is as an underground agent at extreme right-wing demonstrations, which it wasn't. Other outfits which we suspect may not be entirely welcome at an interview for NatPosh Bank include: * A Onesie * "I'm with stupid" T-shirt * Hot pants and tank top * Your meticulously detailed Napoleonic army uniform and sidearms * Naked Even though nervous candidates are told to imagine that the interviewers are naked, nudity itself is especially frowned upon. An exception to the rule is interviewing for a role at a nudist camp, in which case nervous candidates should imagine that the interviewers are giving a PowerPoint presentation.

We at socked.co.uk can only speak for the gentlemen, but the rules are the same whatever your gender: How you dress for the interview is entirely dependant on the organisation for which you are applying. As likely as not, you are expected to wear a suit and make the best impression that you can, but if they have not told you what to wear on the invitation, it is only the matter of a few minutes to give the company a call and find out the dress code. If it's a suit, there's nor real problem. If it's the sartorial minefield that is "smart casual" you know full well that you are walking into a carefully-laid trap. First impressions count, and how you turn up in smart casual will mean that your interview might as well be over before it begins. For the trap is this: Arrive in white socks, sir, and your card is marked. The same goes for anything with funny logos or cartoon characters. The second you cross your legs and reveal your sock choice, you will out yourself. Do not take this chance – a subscription from Socked.co.uk will (and we are not exaggerating when we say this) absolutely 100 per cent guarantee you the job. Would we lie to you? This is guest blog post written by our fine friend Mark Hall, "Gentleman Creation Officer" over at socked.co.uk