1. First Impression Threshold

"Interviewers often form strong first impressions within the opening minutes of an interview, with nonverbal cues—such as professional appearance, grooming, eye contact, and body language—significantly influencing initial evaluations before substantive discussion begins."
Sources: Bernieri (2000), The Importance of First Impressions in a Job Interview; Martín-Raugh et al. (2023), Speaking Without Words: A Meta-Analysis of Over 70 Years of Research on the Power of Nonverbal Cues in Job Interviews.

2. Attire & Hiring Decisions

"Professional appearance remains a meaningful factor in hiring decisions, with research showing that attire, grooming, and overall presentation can influence perceptions of competence, professionalism, and interview success."
Sources: Oostrom et al. (2021), The Signalling Effects of Nonconforming Dress Style in Personnel Selection Contexts; Martín-Raugh et al. (2023), Speaking Without Words.