- Closed-toed shoes are the way to go. Flip-flops, open-toed, or backless shoes are taboo. Run-down or worn shoes are a definite sign that the person wearing them does not care about grooming – or detail.
- Jackets should be conservative - not be the type worn as outerwear. Leather jackets are too casual for most interviews – save these for your leisure time.
- Grooming is everything – unwashed hair or extremely long or uncut nails are a real turnoff. You should be clean and groomed regardless of the level of the job.
- Don't overdo anything – this goes for jewelry – one pair of earrings – one ring per hand. No face jewelry allowed.
- Dress appropriate to the environment. No short skirts, shorts, or leggings in the interview. In most jobs it is best to leave your jeans at home. Even the best fashion-statement jeans are too casual for an interview.
- Trendy, over-sized purses should not be brought to the interview. This is not the place the strut your Prada – shoes or purse.
- Hair-dos and Color that are "over-the-top" are not acceptable. Anything that attracts - and takes away from your total image and impression should be avoided.
- Do you want to be remembered as the woman or guy with the purple hair? Or, the guy or woman who was someone that they would want to spend more time with?
- Color me Conservative - Colors in various shades of blue and gray are best. Wearing black to the interview could be viewed as too serious. If you do wear black, make sure that there is another color near your face to soften the look. Brown is still considered questionable as a business color and probably should be avoided. Change your outfit's look for a second interview by wearing a different color blouse, shirt, scarf or tie.
Whatever you wear should accent the fact that you're a professional who's ready to get to work at a new job. Let common sense guide you, and it should be easy to avoid fashion blunders that could damage your chances of getting to the next level in the process. In this market, it is essential that you look good and your appearance is right for the job.
