You have the impressive CV with all the relevant experience and might even be slightly over qualified for the position, but this is the hardest job market anyone has faced in recent history and you don't want to be overlooked, based upon a small detail like you appearance and presentation.

I'm not talking about any racial, cultural or gender discrimination but whether we admit it or not, hiring someone based on them being equally nice but slightly easier on the eyes happens all the time. It's not discrimination exactly but being as attractive as possible, can make that subtle difference between being employed and not.

You hair should look presentable. Some effort should be made to show your potential employer that you care how you look, so spending time doing something to help your appearance, is important not so much what you do its the effort made. Even if you wear head scarves by adding a small clip that goes with your clothes or the head scarf itself could be slightly more decorative this shows you have made an effort. Don't over-do the products keep it simple but stylish. Men with longer hair should comb it and tie it up and even if you have a beard trim it or make it look kept. Stubble is fine too if it looks like it is supposed to be there and if it's a bit bare then just clean shaven would look more presentable. Women should try to ensure their facial hair and eyebrows are also looking their best.

Clothing should be smart, clean and fresh. Always go the extra mile with your clothes look, even look like you're going to a wedding afterwards because this will show that you care enough to make that effort. Obviously not hats and flowers but wear the smartest thing you own. Keep it to professional wear, suits or office wear even if the interview is for working in a kitchen, looking like you care is the important thing to the employer. Skirts should not be too short and tops shouldn't be low cut, you're not on a date. Make sure they fit you properly and look good. Ask a friend with better dress sense than yourself to help you or borrow something of theirs.

Your Teeth should be as white and well kept as they can be and your breath should be minty fresh. Always accept the offer of water and take small sips if you are getting dry mouth never gulp or take long sips. Smile and look friendly, even if you're nervous, this will help you feel like someone they can work with.

Shoes should be cleaned thoroughly. Dirty shoes are unacceptable so make sure they're shinning and professional. Even if they're not designer, if they're clean and well kept they won't be noticed as undesirable. Women, only wear heels if you can walk in them properly and never wear uncomfortable shoes or badly fitting shoes - you won't want the distraction of painful feet.

Make up needs to be appropriate. If you have a friend who can get her look right for any situation and has great taste then get some advice. Is you foundation the right shade? Are you overdoing your eyes? Lips? Blusher? Keep it simple and fairly natural looking and then pick from your eyes lips or cheeks and then highlight this one area with a little more colour than the rest, but don't go mad everywhere. You will go from looking professional to what's your profession again?!

Scents and smells. Always, always, always, be clean and smelling nice. Wash all of you and trim the nails and pluck the eyebrows, spending time on your personal hygiene will make sure they haven't noticed something that they can count against you. If you have a nice scent, then spray it onto you skin whilst you're getting ready and then leave it. Don't spray it in excess right before because all they will remember is the headache you over use of perfume caused.

If you follow these simple rules it should give you a better chance in the interview situation to show them you keen and have made the effort for them. Someone like that will be hired every time over someone who looks like they haven't bothered with the same skill set.