Have you ever applied for a job believing that you’re perfect for the advertised role? We’ve probably all submitted our CV and then felt pretty confident once we were selected for interview.

It’s possible, however, to be over-confident. We may be so sure that we’re perfect for the job that we take a rather laid back approach to the interview process. This can be fatal to our chances of finding employment.

It doesn’t matter how well qualified we are: if we don’t make the appropriate efforts at the interview stage then we’re unlikely to get the job.

Some people suggest that you should “just be yourself” when you go along to an interview. Although this may be true to some extent, it can also cause problems.

If being yourself involves making it clear that you’re a professional and dedicated person then you won’t have too many problems. If, on the other hand, your approach involves wearing an old pair of jeans and a scruffy T-shirt then things are unlikely to go well.

Although some do say that what you wear no longer matters, this is a long way from the truth. Many potential employers may dismiss you pretty quickly if you don’t look the part.

Making an effort in terms of your appearance is really important because it tells a potential employer that you care about this job. If you don’t even make the effort at the interview stage then what does that say about the chances of you working hard if you do get the job?

Think carefully about what you’re planning to wear to an interview. You will want to look professional and make it clear that you’re somebody who is prepared to work hard to get the job.

If you take the alternative approach and appear to be too relaxed then you may as well kiss goodbye to your chances.