Living The Good Life 

Interview Horse-Sense: Attracting The Perfect Job

If  you were to ask 100 people their opinion about what to wear to an interview,manu would answer, "Dress conservatively." With that in mind, here are some ideas on how to minimize fashion explosions.

John Wilderman, a management consultant  says, "Clothes should integral who you are and should not be noticed." Hee discusses 10 dressing faux pas to watch when interview time comes around: 

• Crazy Nail Polish: This tip goes for women or men. Very long, filthy nails are a real turnoff. Your nails should be groomed.  
   
• Bangles That Jangle: Never wear more than one ring per hand or one earring per ear.  Facial jewelry or ankle bracelets are a turn off. 
   
• Open-Toed or Backless Shoes are Sexy... But: Tosss the mules as well. Archaic, smiling shoes should be thrown out or kept for other occasions. 
   
• Sheer Bare Legs: Wear stockings, even in humid  weather. Stockings of neutral colors are preferred.  Match them to your shoes. 
   
• Out-of-Date Suits: These have lapels that flap widely (three inches or more) or too narrow (one inch or less). Remember the old gangsta films. That's what I refer to.
  
• Micro Skirts: Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Don't wear capri pants or leggings to the interview. 
   
• Leather Jackets for Men or Women: Avoid  leather blazers.  They're good for biking, not interviewing 
   
• Turtlenecks for Men: A tie is preferable, at least in the first go-round. At the very least, wear a collared shirt. 
  
  
• Printed or Trendy Handbags: It's an LV? So what? Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous. 
   
• Pink Briefcases: Briefcases, purses and shoes should all be conservative in color and in good condition. Match them to your apparel

Conservative colors in various shades of blue and gray are best. Wearing black to the interview could be viewed as too serious. If you do wear black, make sure that there is another color near your face to soften the look. Brown is still considered questionable as a business color and probably should be avoided. Change your outfit's look for a second interview by wearing a different color blouse, shirt, scarf or tie.

An interview is not the place to make a fashion statement, though those in the art fields and the very famous can be more adventurous. Everyone else should opt for a conservative look. "More and more companies are returning to traditional professional dress," says Wildermuth.

Whatever you wear should accent the fact that you're a professional who's ready to get to work at a new job. Let common sense guide you, and it should be easy to avoid fashion blunders that could damage your chances of getting to the next level in the process. In this market, it is essential that you look good and your appearance is right for the job.

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