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How to look good in a job interview

A recent article in USA Today reported on an incredible job interview where the candidate attempted to explain why he had been out of work for several months.  Not satisfied with a verbal description, he took off his jacket, pulled down his pants and pointed to the scar from a boat propeller that had injured him.

• Solid color, conservative suit with coordinated blouse

• Moderate shoes (no open toes or heels)

• Limited jewelry

• Neat, professional hairstyle

• Tan and light hosiery

• Sparse make-up and perfume

• Manicured nails

• Portfolio or briefcase

How to look good at work

While the college campus may be the perfect place to show off your individuality and flair, the rules change when you enter the professional work force. Dressing for the world outside of college is quite different from the campus scene.

"The way you dress can hinder or help your career," Holszynska says. "Neat, appropriately dressed employees inspire more confidence than those who are shabby, inappropriately dressed, or too flamboyant."

This doesn’t mean that you have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Go for quality over quantity. One or two well-chosen business suits (skirt or pantsuits for women) will serve you well the first weeks until you understand the company’s "uniform" as well as on the occasions when you have to meet with clients or the company officers.

Later, you can begin to adjust your wardrobe. In the meantime, you can vary your shirt/blouse/tie/ accessories as a way to change your look without breaking your budget.

Some tips for dressing appropriately on the job:

For women:

• Pant suits are popular because they can be dressed up or down. Choose a dark neutral shade like black, navy, brown or gray with a boot cut (no flares). You can wear the jacket when you need to be more polished, or wear a light sweater when things are more casual.

• A popular dress style for work right now is the sheath, which is fitted to flatter the body’s natural curves without being too tight or revealing. Pair it up with a cardigan or jacket in the same fabric and color.
• To give your wardrobe versatility, stock up on different tops. Crisp, cotton shirts, silk blouses, or light (not tight) sweaters worn with dress pants or khakis are appropriate. Cardigan twin sets are an easy way to present a softer appearance while still looking professional.
•  Jewelry, scarves and other accessories add interest. Remember that less is more.

For men:

• A sport coat instantly creates a pulled together look, especially in a business casual environment. It is also a good choice for client meetings or presentations. Pair up a black, navy or dark gray blazer with khakis or dark colored wool pants.

• Dress slacks, khakis, Dockers, corduroys, wool flannel and linen style pants are also appropriate for the office, either with or without a jacket. Remember casual days don’t equate to wrinkled pants. Be sure pants are ironed before you come to work.

• Casual button-down Oxford shirts are a great alternative to dress shirts, with or without a tie or jacket. Skip the loud prints and opt for basic colors like white, blue or pinstripe.

• Shoes are an afterthought for many men, but unkempt footwear can ruin an otherwise polished look. Oxfords and loafers in brown or black are a good match for khakis or corduroys, but save the hiking boots and sneakers for the weekend.