Published July 11, 2010  Submitted by: Hollee

According to an article on About.com, job candidates that wore jeans, sweat suits, sneakers, showed pierced body parts, styled spiked hair, chewed gum or showed up in rumpled clothes often did not find success in the job market. Their appearance cost them the job. Therefore it is safe to assume that it really does matter how you dress for a job interview.

Studies show that 55% of a person's perception of you is based on how you look. In a competitive and somewhat conservative job market, it only makes sense for one to dress his or her best. If you are in doubt to what exactly that means, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.  Consider the following tips:

Women's Interview Attire

• Solid color, conservative suit
• Coordinated blouse
• Moderate shoes
• Limited jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Tan or light hosiery
• Sparse make-up & perfume
• Manicured nails
• Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire

• Solid color, conservative suit
• White long sleeve shirt
• Conservative tie
• Dark socks, professional shoes
• Very limited jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Go easy on the aftershave
• Neatly trimmed nails
• Portfolio or briefcase

More tips and hints on how to dress for job interview success can be found in the following books at the Springfield-Greene County Library.

• Drop dead brilliant : Dazzle in the workplace with confidence and panache!  by Lesley Everett.
• The etiquette edge : the unspoken rules for business success by Beverly Y. Langford
• 60 seconds & you're hired! by Robin Ryan