You finally receive a call for an interview with the company of your dreams. Do not blow it by making a bad first impression. Despite impressive credentials and experience, your appearance still matters. It can make or break your chances of landing a job.

Although corporations have loosened up their dress codes over the years, do not under-dress for an interview. Your appearance must convey professionalism and competence. Even if you pride yourself on your ability to stand out from the crowd, you must appear as if you will fit into the company. This means wearing the company “uniform” – typically a conservative suit for a corporate or professional job. Even if you are aware that the employees of the organization typically dress casually on a work day, you should wear a suit to the interview unless you are specifically told not to do so by the employer.

Here are some tips on dressing for a job interview:

* Your clothes should be neat, clean, and wrinkle-free. They should not have any missing buttons, stains, or holes.
* Tattoos and body piercings should be concealed.
* Shoes should be comfortable and polished. Sneakers, open-toed shoes, stilettos, and sandals should not be worn.
* Hair should be neatly combed and styled. The hair color should look natural. Men should avoid long hair, and beards and mustaches should be neat and trimmed.
* Nails should be clean and trimmed to a reasonable length. Women should either forgo the nail polish or use clear or natural-colored nail polish. Bright colored nail polish should be avoided.
* Avoid strong perfumes and colognes. The interviewer may be allergic.
* No flashy jewelry and dangling earrings for women. Men should avoid wearing jewelry except for a watch and a ring.
* Women should avoid strong makeup. Use subtle and natural looking makeup instead.
* Avoid tight fitting or transparent clothes.
* Avoid baggy clothes.

Here is the typical corporate uniform for a professional man:

* Matching two-piece solid or pin-striped suit in dark, conservative colors (navy, gray, or black)
* Light colored, long sleeve shirt (white is best)
* Leather black or dark brown business shoes
* Dark socks, preferably over the calf
* Conservative silk tie (no cartoon characters or flashy patterns)

Here is the typical corporate uniform for a professional woman:

* Matching two-piece suit or tailored dress in conservative colors (navy, gray, or black)
* Skirt should be knee-length
* Conservative shirt or tailored blouse in white or other light color
* No low cut tops
* Low to medium heel pumps
* Natural or flesh-colored stockings without patterns
* Carry a portfolio or briefcase instead of a purse

The point is that you want to come across as someone who is professional and competent, not someone who cannot get dressed in the morning for work. In addition to your appearance, remember to use mouthwash or have a breath mint prior to the interview, and make sure that your clothes do not smell like smoke if you are a smoker. Also, do not forget to remove any tags or labels on your clothing. Good luck landing that dream job!

Author Bio: Mary Chen is a freelance writer based in California. More of her articles are available at Volumocity.com

Category: Career
Keywords: career, job, interview, dress, wear, clothing