You will make a lasting first impression on your job interview.  It can be a positive or negative one, but you will make one.  You will want to put forth some extra effort to look your best, but don’t over dress.  Your appearance and attire are the first things the interviewer will notice.

Clean and simple are the attributes most employers are looking for.  If you don’t care about how you look, you may be perceived as one who will not care about the quality of their work.  If you are overdressed you may not appear to be someone that fits easily into a group atmosphere and a team member.  Inquire from the Human Resources department prior to the interview to get a good idea of the expected dress code for the position you are applying for and dress accordingly.  If the position calls for business dress, choose a conservative suit.  If the position calls for business casual dress, choose a conservative dress or well cut slacks and appropriate blouse.  Avoid revealing blouses and dresses.  You may be proud of your tattoos and cleavage, but this is not the time to show them off.

Make sure your shoes and purse are clean and polished.  Choose a purse with simple lines that is size appropriate for your body size.  Clean out your purse before the interview.  There is a possibility that you may need to retrieve an item from your purse during the interview and if it is in view of the interviewer you may not want them to be able to see certain items.  Limit your jewelry, wearing too much can be a distraction, as well as create an unprofessional appearance.  For the interview it’s best to limit your jewelry to three pieces:  a necklace, earrings and one ring.  It is common today for girls to have multiple piercings and body rings.  Do not wear them for the interview.  What you wear on your own time is your own business, but many employers view this as less than professional.

Last, but certainly not least, be sure to wear your most important accessory … Your Smile!