Smart Dressing - The clothing you wear to your interview should make you look like you will fit in at your prospective employer. Even if the company has a "business casual" dress policy, you're better off dressing a bit on the stuffy side than in taking a gamble only to find that your idea of casual doesn't match that of your prospective employer.

Men and Women

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is the most preferable)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is the most preferable)
• Clean, polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyle
• Clean, trimmed fingernails
• Minimal cologne or perfume
• Empty pockets--no bulges or jingling
• No gum, candy, cigarettes or cellular phones that may distract
• Light briefcase or portfolio case
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tattoos

Men

• Blue or grey for suit primarily. White for shirt is always safest
• Neck-tie with a conservative pattern
• Dark shoes with plain (black or dark) socks
• Get a haircut; well-groomed, original-color hairstyle always fares best in interviews
• No beards
• Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and rimmed
• No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
• No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women

• Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
• Medium heels
• Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
• No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
• If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
• Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
• Keep jewelry to a minimum. A wedding or signet ring is acceptable.
• One set of earrings only