One of the most important aspects of the job interview is your attire. It's more than the clothing you wear; it's the entire package you present. You should look professional, yes - but you should also exude confidence and competence. Your "complete package" should be polished and beyond reproach, including the way you present yourself to your potential employer.  

If in doubt, it's better to be too dressy than too casual. You want to dress like you've already been offered the job. Women should wear hose and be conservative in makeup, jewelry, manicure and perfume/cologne usage. Men need to take care to remove earrings and have clean fingernails.

YOUR COMPETITION - He wants the same job you do ... and he's dressed to interview well.

If you smoke, resist the urge to light up before the interview; you may even consider borrowing a non-smoker's car for the trip since the odor of smoke is so easily detected.

If you want to be thorough, call the human resources department of the firm you're interviewing at to find out what type of dress is recommended. You can also visit the office before the interview to observe what the current employees are wearing.

If it looks to the interviewer that you haven't prepared for this important initial meeting judging by the type of appearance you present, it will call into question what other parts of the interview or potential job you might not be prepared for.

Of course, your appearance is only one small part of the interview. After that initial first reaction, you must follow up with a stellar attitude that shines thorough your posture, the tone of your voice, and your facial expressions. Try to focus on the job in question and the company instead of yourself.

Finally, be sure to treat the company receptionist like gold. Chances are the interviewer asks for other opinions from within the company, and the receptionist will certainly be in a position to offer a yea or nay based upon the initial impression you give.

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