How to dress for an interview

- By Lisa Raymond, 2008

An interview is basically a platform to sell yourself for the job.  Many people talk about first appearances, but very few follow protocol.  Almost everyone wants to be noticed!  But there is a way of carrying it off so that you come out winning, not losing.  These suggestions cover the detailed part of you that employers are looking for.  Taking care of you, and how you look, will reflect on the type of employee you'll be.

Do clean up prior to the interview:  While this seems basic, it sometimes gets over looked.  Take a shower, brush your teeth, etc.  Lack of general basic hygiene can stop an interview before it starts.

Do wear clean, pressed clothes.  Remember you are selling you!  Spotted, dirty, or wrinkled clothes isn't putting your best foot forward.  If you notice wrinkles right before you leave, try squirting a little fabric softener mixed with water on the piece of clothing.

Choose something classy to wear for the interview, earthy warm colors work best and are less distracting.  If you have a loud personality tone it down by wearing a dark suit coat with a "pop" of color for accent.

If your interview is something that you may wear out to a club, you may want to rethink your choice.  If funds are low, look for non-profit organizations who donate clothes in your state.

Do make sure your shoes are neat as well.  No need to buy a new pair, just make easy fixes by removing mud/salt or smudges with polish.  High heels should be kept to a maximum of 1 1/2 inches so that walking in/out is not a distraction.

Be sure that your hands and nails are neat and clean.  While most people over look this detail, interviewers do not.

 Don't over do perfumes or cologne.  While you may enjoy the scent, your interviewer may not, or worse be allergic to it.

Tattoos and piercings are fashion statements that say a lot about you.  While it works in some offices, it does not in others.  Make an attempt to find out if there is protocol about tattoos and piercings and follow it.

Remember to dress for the position that you're applying.

Good luck!