The importance of a good first impression can be an unforgiving, yet human response. It’s an age-old expression that is bandied around for good reason. Most people are unable to change their mind once the die has been cast.

A new service from H&M is determined to boost men’s confidence by offering up free suit rental for men for job interviews. Created by Uncommon, the initiative ‘One/Second/Suit’ allows people to rent a men’s suit for 24 hours at no cost and return it after the interview.

The film promoting the programme was directed by Mark Romanek who is best known for music videos for Beyoncé and feature films such as Never Let Me Go. It starts with the line, ‘a first impression is made in less than one second.’ It then shows men getting ready for their interviews, listening to messages from loved ones reminding them of their brilliance and imbuing them with the confidence they need. An H&M suit is designed to do the same.

H&M has also published interviews tips on its website to help with both preparing and boosting confidence. They include lines like, ‘A suit isn’t an outfit. It’s confidence. A signal to the world and a reminder to yourself you’ve got what it takes.’

As we are often reminded, we are more than what we wear. But what we wear is a vital part of instilling a degree of confidence. If you look good, you feel good, as H&M wants everyone to remember.

By making the initiative free to everyone, the retailer demonstrates the importance of an inclusive approach to hiring, to not judging with your eyes but to actually understanding the person sitting in front of you.