The first impression you offer a perspective employer could be the most important part of your career. Just like on a first date, your attire will give a number of clues about who you are and what’s important to you. The exact outfit you choose for an interview will be based on your industry, the employer and the job skills you’ll be performing. However, following a set of basic rules will impress and complement the interviewing company. We will show you how to dress for success with a rundown of the basics.

Get an Idea for the Right Interview Attire by Researching the Company
No matter your career path, paying attention to the clothing choices of those who already work in the field is a great idea. Make the task easy by searching on the internet for your company’s web site and looking at its advertisements, or make it interesting by playing the spy and visiting offices or job sites in person.  However, proper interview attire could be more formal than everyday work clothes. Don’t forget that you want to make a stunning impression, but that you want to stand out for your skills and talents, not your outfit.

What You Wear on the Outside Could Get You Inside
The safest bet in clothing for a job interview has long been a dark, matching suit for men and semi-formal attire under a dark blazer for women.  The rules are changing for careers in the creative industries such as fashion design and writing, but we still think it’s best to stick to conservative clothing. There will always be time to experiment once you get the job. The best materials for the classic business suit are wool or wool blends for suits and blazers, and cotton-poly blend or cotton oxford cloth for men’s dress shirts. For women, most fabrics will work, but we suggest wearing skirts, pants or jackets that fit precisely – neither too tight, too loose, too short nor too long. Generally, blouses with unobtrusive patterns in anything but jersey cotton or 100 percent polyester make great choices. Be sure to avoid risqué trends. Also, remember that purchasing business attire that will last for years is far cheaper in the long run than buying dozens of cheap pantsuits over time.

The Right Accessories may be None at All
For men, a tie, a quality timepiece, and maybe a wedding ring are all that is acceptable in terms of accessories for a job interview. Your tie should be made of quality materials, usually silk, and should match well with your suit and shirt. If you’re unsure on coordination, get a second opinion. Women have a little more leeway in accessorizing, but not a lot. Earrings, a wristwatch and a ring or two are all that is usually appropriate. A purse should be small and structured, and briefcases should be carried only if necessary.

Shoes
For most job interviews, a classy pair of oxfords in black or cordovan leather is a great option for men. Be willing to spend money for a great pair and make sure they can be re-soled by a tailor, and you will be able to use those shoes daily for years. For women, conservative pumps in neutral shades like black, brown or gray make a good choice, as long as the heel isn’t uncomfortably high. Ladies may also want to wear pantyhose, depending on how formal the office environment is. It’s a good idea to check with your recruiter or interviewer on footwear and attire, because you may have an interview in a standard office or a lunch interview in the hot sun. For some jobs, you could even be asked to prove your chops at driving a forklift. No matter what, your shoes should be comfortable enough to walk in and classy enough to fit in at the workplace.

Grooming
When preparing for a first interview, don’t forget that employers will be looking at your appearance as a whole, not just your clothing. Getting a fresh haircut a day or two ahead of time is wise for any would-be employees, and timeless cuts like a like a bob for the ladies or a crew cut for men is wise. Women should wear makeup, but only a little; your interview day is not the best time for you to try out fashion-forward magenta eye shadow, for example.  Men must either forego facial hair or make sure what they have is trimmed and tidy. Other grooming essentials include clean hands and nails, teeth that are brushed and flossed, and little if any perfume or aftershave. With all that going for you, your appearance will be perfected with a winning smile and a confident air.