A recent survey showed that as many as one in three people within the workforce look for new jobs in January. On January the 7th 2013 alone, over 360,000 people googled the phrases "Jobs in Glasgow" or "Jobs in Edinburgh".

In the voluntary sector, where funding streams mean that many more people than the average are on fixed-term contracts, I'd suggest that percentages of people looking for a new job are likely to be even higher than the average.

So in the spirit of encouragement, here's my key piece of advice about how to land that new job for 2013 - dress to impress!

While my friends and colleagues would titter at the notion of my giving out fashion advice, I do know a thing or two about how to perform well at interviews. And while all the normal tips, like doing your research, preparing your responses, arriving early etc. are all important, I do feel that many people don't really think through one of the most important considerations - making a great first impression!

It's not just your body language or your handshake you need to focus on. People notice a great deal about a prospective employee within seconds of meeting them, so it's only natural that your personal presentation will come into the equation. If your appearance is neat and clean, you will give the impression of being someone who is organised and pays attention to detail.

While the Charity Sector in Scotland is more casual that a job with, say a company or a council, in a way that makes it a bit more difficult. At least with a corporate job, you can be sure that wearing a suit is always appropriate. With some charities this will also be the case, but for others you may want to ditch the pinstripes. Try to find this out before hand. I'd recommend having a look at any staff images on the charity's website, or even visit their offices to observe what the staff going in and out of the building dress like. Always dress a little more formally than the employees you see — after all, an interview is a special occasion.

While wearing the right clothes aren't going to get you the job, wearing the wrong ones might rule you out. So avoid the revealing, the trendy, the eccentric and the poorly fitting. You won't be comfortable, and neither will the people interviewing you.

Personal grooming is also important. Careful grooming indicates both thoroughness and self-confidence. Women should not wear excessive makeup. Don't overdo the perfume or aftershave. Don't wear big earrings, bulky bracelets or big rings. Excessively long nails aren't a good idea. Your hair should be neat and trim. Men should be freshly shaven, even if the interview is late in the day.

Finally, pay attention to the climate. Interviews often involve time spent in hot stuffy waiting rooms. Sitting around in a thick wool suit and an overcoat could mean that you walk into the interview hot and flustered. Wear something light and breathable, and take your jacket off while waiting.

And don't ever, ever, ever, wear novelty socks!