Dressing for the interview -- get that job!

I used to interview job applicants, and saw many clothing mistakes. Whether it's fair or not, the moment the interviewer lays eyes on you they're determining whether you'll fit in to their job culture.

These days, with many more applicants than jobs, even small things can make a big difference.

Learn from these tips to improve your chances of getting a second interview, and ultimately the job.

Guffaw if you like, but you'd be surprised how often interviewers will look at your shoes. It's one of those "secret" techniques for interviewing.

What kind of shoes should you wear?

If you're a man -- wear black.

What kind? No loafers, no slip-ons of any kind. If you're interviewing at a financial firm, then lace-ups are in. Don't wear shoes that would be more appropriate at the club on a spiffy Saturday night. No, they won't impress the interviewer.

If you're a woman -- wear the best pair of heels you have. If you think your shoes might be (even slightly) out of style, then spring for a new pair.

Is this ridiculous? Welllll, yeah, maybe. But everyone makes snap judgements, and job interviewers are trying to narrow the field quickly, and they often do this based on small things.

Regardless of style, make sure your shoes are cleaned and polished -- make them gleam. It shows that you care about your appearance, and it shows that you take care of the tiny details. And what employer doesn't want someone who understands the value of that?

Yep, your hair says all sorts of things about you.

In no particular order:

• get your hair cut! Everyone looks their best after a trip to the stylist. It boosts your confidence, and gives you a crisp, ready-to-work look;
• no strange hairstyles, for men and women. Remember -- you want to get the job, not get points for being at the cutting edge of fashion (unless, of course, the job you're interviewing for expects cutting edge fashion! Look like you already belong in this job.)
• men -- if your hair is thinning it's important that you cut it short. Few things look worse (or make your hair look even thinner) than trying to use comb-overs or moussing your hair to death to make it look thicker. It doesn't work. Embrace your thinning head, make it look neat as possible. Don't try to make it into something it isn't.
• women -- wear a style that is becoming to your age. Yeah, yeah, I know, some career advice suggests you try to "look younger" since interviewers sometimes (even unconsciously) respond to younger applicants. But it's a trap. It's better for them to not notice your hair at all, rather than appear that you're trying too hard.
• no hats, for men or women. This may seem obvious, but there are certain men (you know who you are) who think hats are very "in" for 2008. Maybe they are in certain situations. But not for job interviewing... even if you know to remove it when you sit down. Save it for other situations if you must Make A Statement.

Jewelry makes a statement -- is what you're wearing saying the wrong thing?

Men: wear a nice watch. If you don't have one, then don't wear one at all. You lose points with a cheap watch. (Fair? Nope, but what is in life?)

Men: wear a ring if you must but otherwise, leave the jewelry at home. No bracelets. No earrings (unless, of course, the workplace will look favorably on an earring. See "Figuring Out The Clothing Culture" below for more info.)

Women: keep the jewelry to a minimum. Being too flashy works against you. Make the interviewer focus on you, your resume, your impeccable skills. Not on your high-dollar bracelet or rings-on-several-fingers.

The concept of "modeling" is a powerful one. Look like you belong even before you smile and introduce yourself. The interviewer is already deciding whether you're going to fit in. Appearances matter.

So how should you dress?

Appear as though you could start work the moment the interview is over.

How do you do that?

Make sure you know, beforehand, the dress code of the office. If you're interviewing for an attorney's office, then walk in looking like an attorney. A dark suit for men, white or blue shirt, matching tie. For women -- dark suit, white or light-colored blouse.

What if you're interviewing at an ad agency? Figure out the culture. In some urban areas, looking like an attorney could mean you won't get that second interview. If cutting-edge style works there, then dress accordingly.

Unfortunately, many job applicants have their "interview clothes" and wear it regardless. Don't make that mistake. Think ahead -- walk in the door of your potential employer looking like you already know the ropes. And this means that you look like everybody else.

(I know, I know -- "but what about individuality?" Save it for when you start your own business. Or become so well known in your field that you can dress as you please. Until then, dress to blend in.)

If you're working with an agency, then ASK about the clothing of the office or company where you're interviewing. The agency already has a relationship with the company and can give you exact advice.

Going to an interview you've set up yourself? Do you know someone who works at this company? Then ask them. Do you know someone who works for one of their competitors or in the same field? Then ask them.

Don't know a soul to ask? Then here's a radical idea: drive to the office building before work, or after work, or during lunch and watch the people entering and exiting. What do you see? How are they dressed? Formal business attire? Casually formal? Business funky? (This is usually in creative industries like (certain) advertising agencies, or high-tech jobs, or web-based businesses.)

It bears repeating: the more you look like you belong, the better your chances the interviewer will truly listen to what you have to say.

Every business and industry tends to have general "rules" about workplace clothing choices. Taking an hour to figure this out before your interview could mean you'll hear "you're hired!"

And isn't that what dressing for the interview is all about?