Score Big Points with Your Appearance During an Interview

Starting your job search can be daunting, particularly if you have never been in Corporate America before. College graduates and individuals who chose home over career can find stepping into the job realm a bit intimidating and scary. But it doesn't have to be. Joining the work force, in all actuality, is not as difficult as it may seem, not when you are armed with the right techniques, the right look, and most importantly, the right resume. If you have the right resume in hand, you are half way there. Now let's look at the rest of the equation.

However, simply having a great resume in hand will not guarantee you your dream job. Appearances can make or break any effort you intend, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you follow these simple steps, you can be assured that you will be the top candidate for that dream job.

So let's look at dressing the part.

Every actor will tell you that when they go on auditions, they try to mold themselves into the 'look' that the casting director has in mind for the part. Going on job interviews is much the same. You have to have the right 'look' that will impress your interviewers, both in person and on paper. As much as we wish it didn't, appearance is important when interviewing. You will be judged on how you look, from the clothing you wear to how clean your nails are. Just remember when you walk through the door, this is the first impression an interviewer will get of you. A piece of paper will give them an idea of who you are, but if you don't support it with a good attitude and appearance, you can ruin your chances of landing the job.

Now this isn't to say that appearance is the main factor on which they decide, but it is an important one. Depending on the industry, you may be seen as the face of the company, particularly if you are going into sales or a highly visible occupation. If you are going into a highly visible occupation, then appearance is essential. While hiring companies may not admit to this, there have been cases where an individual has a stellar resume and ample skills, but because of how they dressed, the interviewee was written off as a poor candidate for the job.

Why is this? Even if you have a wonderful resume, interviewers may feel that the impression they received from that does not mesh with the impression they receive from your appearance. Clearly, something is wrong, and in the interviewee's eyes, it may be the skills you claim to have. Yes, it will occur to them that the resume was inflated. If that thought hits their mind, then your resume will go into the non-candidate pile, which is exactly where you don't want it to end up.

Err on the side of caution

With interviewers making decision within the first ten seconds of meeting you, it is best to dress appropriately. Does this mean a suit and tie for every interview? Not exactly. Depending on the industry and the environment, a suit and tie might be overkill. But then again, this does not mean showing up with green hair and piercings for a corporate job.

What to wear, what to wear...

So what exactly do you wear to an interview? Dependent upon the industry and type of company it can be difficult to gage, but here are some ideas of appropriate dress by industry:

Automotive: This is an industry where wearing a suit is not always appropriate. If you are a mechanic, interviewers will understand if you have a bit of axel grease on your pants. In fact, they may find it positive that you are so willing to get into your work. However, it is always advisable to dress neatly. Maybe not a suit, unless it is a higher end dealership, but don't go in looking like you rolled around in a grease pit.

Finance: This is most definitely an industry where neatness and precision counts. A suit is almost a requirement for an interview with a financial group. When it comes to managing and handling other people's money, your appearance should be as neat and exact as your money skills.

Government: This is the government we are considering here. Simplicity would be best. Perhaps a small bit of color, but nothing too garish or bold. It is preferable if you are very conservative in your dress and make-up.

Human Resources: Consider the industry. Human Resources handles crises, so you have to dress like you can handle anything thrown at you. So dress professionally, but wearing a suit that commands an authoritative air will help you in the interview.

Hospitality: In an industry that is based on personality, it is best that you show you are friendly and personable. However, within hospitality, you are essentially the representation of the company, and therefore, must be presentable. In upper management cases, a suit is necessary for an interview; other positions, nice dress will suffice.

Sales: Another representation of the company, image is critical to sales. A neat appearance is key, but depending on the product you are selling, you may be able to be more fashionable in this area.

In no way is a tee shirt and jeans an appropriate outfit for an interview. Yet, with that said, there are those few occasions, particularly in hospitality and some sales positions that you apply on a whim. It is of course in these times that the manager or hiring professional is available to speak! If you find yourself in this situation, attempt to conduct yourself in a professional manner, even trying visualizing yourself in a more professional outfit, to give yourself a more appropriate attitude.

What not to wear...ever!

We all make fashion mistakes; however, there are some fashion mistakes that can dash any hopes you may have a new job. Try to remember that your outfit is a piece of you, and should not stand apart from you. However, there are some fashion no-no's that everyone should avoid when going in for an interview:

Bare Legs - listen up ladies! Going nude is not the way to a new job. Always wear stockings, even in summer.

Wild nail polish - while this may seem obvious to some, a neutral shade of nail polish is much more helpful than hot pink.

Open-toed or backless shoes - While Stacy and Clinton from TLC's "What Not To Wear" may disagree with this one, best err on the side of good judgment.

Out-of-date suits - Put back the skinny ties and wide lapels. Try to find a suit that is timeless, that way you can have a single investment on a great suit to be utilized for years to come.

Short skirts - there's no place in an interview for a peep show! Good rule of thumb: hemlines should not be shorter than three inches above your knee. Any shorter, and you may showing too many qualities.

Perfume - Try not to wear any sort of perfume or cologne when entering a job interview. Remember, you are most likely going to be in a small room with your interviewer, and nerves may get the better of you. Body heat can cause fragrances to become stronger, and since you are unsure if your interviewer will like your fragrance (or may be allergic!), it is better to leave the aftershave or spritzer in the bottle. The last thing you want is for your interviewer to remember the smell coming off you, instead of your winning personality.

If you follow this short steps and make sure your appearance demonstrates an appropriate image for your industry, you can make a great first impression. And as the old saying goes, 'you never have second chance to make a good first impression', so start off on the right foot!