Dressing the part can give interview candidates the X Factor

After weeks of playing at being popstars, the latest batch of X Factor hopefuls now have to prove to the nation that they are the real deal as the talent show enters its live stage.

And, now that Simon, Louis, Cheryl and Dannii have removed the wheat from the chaff in terms of musical ability, the competition will arguably be decided largely by image, with viewers voting for the most stylish stars over their blander rivals.

As such, the 12 remaining acts have all been given makeovers, some more drastic than others.

The latest pictures released by ITV show the youngsters of the competitors, including Welsh teen Lucie Jones, Londoner Rachel Adedji and the polarising Grimes Twins, have all been smartened up, with jeans and T-shirts replaced by smart black numbers before they step out in front of the cameras.

Such a tactic is one of the oldest, and most reliable, tricks in the book when it comes to making a good impression, with candidates going for job openings and interviews or professionals looking to get noticed and take a step up the career ladder well-advised to adopt the approach.

Reassuringly, it seems that a sizable majority of UK professionals are well aware that their chances of career success are at least partly influenced by how they present themselves.

Research carried out by YouGov for the Department for Work and Pensions found that 81 per cent of people work on their personal appearance in the run-up to an interview, compared to 69 per cent who research a prospective employer and just 40 per cent who run through likely interview questions and scenarios with friends and families.

What's more, the study also found that the average woman and man is likely to spend £65 and £85 respectively on smartening up, which, according to Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, is usually money well spent.

"The way you have prepared yourself with regards to your appearance often determines your self-confidence. It's a psychological help if you feel as smart as you can and ready to perform in an interview," he explained.

He added, however: "Like a lot of things in the workplace, this issue is a lot tougher for women, unfairly so, in that for guys it is a suit, shirt and tie, or even a shirt and no tie, but for women there is a lot more choice and therefore scope to get it wrong."

Given this potential minefield, it can often be best to follow the lead of the X Factor hopefuls and not only smarten up, but stick to simple, plain colours - after all, only the most deluded wannabe could go wrong with a plain black suit and white shirt combination.

It’s always a good idea to look at the jobcentre plus options for searching for a new position; you may need to apply for several vacancies before you get an interview