How to dress for an interview?

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Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression. Throughout the entire job-seeking process employers use short-cuts, heuristics or rules of thumb to save time. With cover letters, it's the opening paragraph and a quick scan of your qualifications. With resumes, it is a quick scan of your accomplishments. With the job interview, it's how you're dressed that sets the tone of the interview.

So how should one dress before going for an interview? Get the tips here...

Call the receptionist or secretary at the prospective employer's office for tips on what employees there wear.

Consider the job's location. If it's a library in a strip mall, you can wear a sweater and slacks. At a corporate office, wear a conservative business suit. A pantsuit with a sweater or blouse is appropriate for an informal office.

Choose between closed-toe shoes, pumps and loafers. If you are wearing a skirt, nylons are a must.

Avoid miniskirts, tight sweaters, sloppy overalls and sandals with straps.

Check your outfit for holes, tears, stains, scuffs or wrinkles.

Tone down the use of makeup, hair spray, perfume and jewelry. A nose ring may cost you the job of your dreams.

Inspect your hair, nails, hems and the shine on your shoes.

Wear a silk scarf and carry a nice briefcase or portfolio. Leave the oversized, disorganized handbag at home.

Some important Tips:

You have one chance to make a first impression; it's better to dress too formally than to dress too casually.

Trendy is fine, as long as you keep your style subtle. Clothes make a strong statement about you. What do you want to say?

Even if you know that the company dress is casual, dress up for interviews anyway. It shows professionalism and respect, and more importantly, that you know how to dress for job interviews.

Dress conservatively for interviews and avoid bright, flashy colors and patterns. Solid navy blue or medium to dark gray is usually best.

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't need distracting "adjustments" when you sit or stand.

Clean and press all of your interview clothing and polish your shoes (or have it professionally done).

Keep jewelry to a minimum. Avoid jewelry that distractively jingles or swings when you move. If you ordinarily wear facial jewelry (e.g., in your nose, tongue or eyebrows), remove all of it before interviews. Leave the shell chokers and "gang-banger" neck chains at home.

Practice good hygiene: Clean and trim your fingernails (or get a manicure), shower, brush your teeth, gargle with mouthwash, comb your hair, and do all that other hygiene stuff your parents taught you.

Avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne. Fragrance is a matter of personal preference and your interviewer might dislike your choice. It's best to have no odor at all!

Empty your pockets of bulging and jingling items, such as a cigarette pack and coins.

Carry your paperwork (resume copies, reference list, letters of recommendation, job-application information, etc.), a pen and notepad in a nice briefcase or portfolio, preferably one that is color coordinated with your conservative-colored clothing (such as a black or dark gray briefcase). This makes you look organized and professional.