My husband and I have been going on a lot of interviews since last fall when we lost our jobs. We have noticed that a lot of people do not know how to dress for a successful job interview so I am going to help you with that.

I have noticed a lot of teens and men and women in their early twenties going to interviews in their jeans, flip-flops (very big here in Texas), and body piercings.

Do not think I am against young people. I am the proud mom of a 21-year-old, an 18-year-old, and a 16-year-old, all of whom have jobs at this moment. They got them by dressing professionally and being respectful and confident during their interviews.

Even if you will be wearing jeans to do the job you are applying for, do not go to an interview wearing jeans. It is very unprofessional and you will not get the job.

I am sure you have heard the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Well, guess what? At your interview, you are a book and the interviewer is judging you by your cover. As soon as he or she calls your name and makes an introduction, you are getting the once over. Jeans, worn-out clothing, rips, tears, stains, dowdy shoes and/or purse, and sloppy hair are all noted.

If you are a man, the best outfit for you to wear is a suit and tie with a white shirt. Old-fashioned? Yes, but it gets you the job! If you do not have a suit, wear dark dress pants (preferably in navy, black, or gray), a white shirt, and a tie. Yes, you have to wear a tie.

Ladies, your best outfit for an interview is a two piece skirt suit, preferably in a darker or neutral color. Black, navy, or gray are best. Pant suits are acceptable, but if the person interviewing is 45+, he or she will expect to see your legs in panty hose. If you don't believe me, walk around some offices. The older female employees and many of the younger ones as well will have on dark suits with skirts, especially the executives.

Let's talk about earrings. Many women have pierced ears. For your job interview, wear one simple pair of small earrings. If you have more than one set of holes, leave them empty. If you have any other visible piercings, do not put any jewelry in them. They do not look professional.

If you are a guy, leave all of your earrings at home if you want the job. I have never yet seen a male executive wearing a suit and one, two, or more earrings.

Let's review, one pair of earrings for the ladies, worn in the earlobes. None for the men. No tongue rings, nose rings, eyebrow rings, chin rings, or anything else that might make the person who is interviewing you want to leave. And while we are on the subject, no choke collars. Yes, I saw a young man at a job interview wearing a leather dog collar around his neck with spikes.

Let's now talk about tattooes. If you have visible tattooes, do your best to cover them up. They do not look professional and executives and interviewers do not want to see them.

Men, get a haircut and a shave before a job interview. Don't worry about your right to wear your hair anyway you want. If you want the job, cut your hair. No mohawks or spikes. No unnatural colors. No, I am not a prude, but most companies still want their employees to look nice on the job.

Ladies, if gray is peeking through or if your hair has two shades going on because you have not colored it in a while, color your hair with a natural-looking color before an interview. No pinks, purples, or blues! You should probably have any dead ends trimmed off so you look great. Use some hairspray so a gust of wind doesn't send your hair all over your head.

Gentlemen, make sure you are wearing dark colored socks that match your pants. For instance, do not show up in white socks with black dress pants. Do not wear brown socks with navy blue pants. Wear black dress shoes. If a woman is interviewing you, trust me, she will notice.

Ladies, wear good neutral panty hose and heels. Nothing fancy, just a dark, medium heel that goes with your outfit. No sandals. Make sure your purse matches your shoes. Black is always a great idea because it goes with most things.

How to dress for a successful job interview also includes hygiene. Let's go back to the basics. Take a shower, wash your hair, clean your fingernails, and brush your teeth! I cannot tell you how many interviews I have gone in and the unpleasant smell of body odor permeated the waiting room. I promise that if you smell bad, you will not get the job.

Make sure you put deodorant in all of the places that need it. Do not splash yourself with heavy perfume or cologne as that can be a turnoff to someone as well as body odor. Just use a good-smelling soap and a light deodorant.

Arrive about 15 minutes early for your interview. Do not chew gum or suck on a mint or eat candy. Just sit and relax and wait. Say a pleasant hello to the receptionist but offer nothing more. Anything you say can and probably will be used against you.

When the interviewer comes and introduces herself or himself, stand and give her/him a firm handshake as you introduce yourself.

I hope I have not offended anyone in this article. It is not meant to hurt feelings or embarrass anyone. It is written so you will know what you are doing that is preventing you from getting a job. A long time ago, someone told me that clothes make the man or woman. This is true. If you dress like a professional, you will be treated as a professional. I hope you will take my tips on how to dress for a successful job interview to heart. Good luck on your next interview!