How to Dress for a Job Interview

Your resume is polished and perfect. You've sent it out to a few different employers, and you've finally receive a call about an interview.

But what should you wear?

When it comes to job interviews, first impressions count. In fact, some research has suggested that we get our first impression from someone within 30 seconds of meeting them! That means your attire - and your attitude - may be the difference between a job offer and a rejection.

It's important to feel self-assured during a job interview, and wearing the appropriate clothing can help boost your confidence. Just follow these tips to ensure you make a great first impression:

Clean up! Get a haircut, trim facial hair and do all the necessary grooming. Unless you're entering a particularly creative field (in which case, you can probably wear whatever you want), it's best to err on the conservative side. Avoid wild hairdos (this is not the time for a Mohawk). Women should skip the glittery makeup and Gothic eyeliner. Instead, opt for a clean, professional appearance.

Drop the jewelry! Body piercings should be removed if they're noticeable (leave the nose ring at home!). Keep your jewelry tasteful and simple. An arm of jangling bangle bracelets is both distracting and annoying. Opt for more classic jewelry, like a simple chain bracelet, delicate hoop earrings or just a watch.

Skip the perfume! The scent of perfume or cologne can be overpowering to some. If you must apply it, be very light-handed. Just a dab should do. Otherwise, if your interview takes place in a small room, the strong scent of your cologne could cause nausea for your interviewer - and "illness" is not the word you want to linger in the interviewer's mind.

Go classic! Sure, that Bugs Bunny tie makes all the kids laugh. But unless you're trying to get a job as a clown, you're better off sticking to a more traditional pattern. Men should go for the classic business look - a dark suit, dark socks, belt, dress shoes and a tie. Women can choose either a pants suit or skirt suit. A skirt with a matching blouse would be appropriate, too, in some cases. Dress shoes are a must, and hosiery is optional but recommended.

Avoid showing skin! Women should make sure their cleavage and legs are appropriately covered. Now's not the time to wear the outfit that makes all the guys swoon at the club! You don't have to dress like a nun - just make sure your skirt is no shorter than just above the knee, and your décolletage shouldn't show your "twins" off to the interviewer. Men should stay covered, too. No one wants to see your chest hair or your bulging biceps.

Dress like the boss! You may be interviewing for an underling position, but that doesn't mean you have to dress like a peon! Instead, choose the same clothing you'd expect the boss of the company to wear. Rule of thumb: Dress for the job you want five years from now, not the job you want today.