Dressing for success is one of the most-overlooked aspects of a winning job interview these days. Even though possessing qualified skills is critical to getting the interview in the first place, presenting yourself in a professional manner once you are here, is vital. The first visual impression you make to a potential employer is the most important one past the phone interview. The initial assessment made by an interviewer is going to be based on how you look and how you present yourself. That is why it is imporant to dress professionally for the interview even if the company has a casual work environment.

Austin is a metro area known for its relaxed, laid-back attitude, but this does not suggest that common sense should be forgotten. Wearing appropriate attire to an interview is universal regardless of locale. And though our company may also lean toward a casual demeanor, don’t let that fool you; one can never go wrong dressing up for an interview! I am amazed at how many times a candidate has come in with clothes that were too messy or inappropriate. Did we all forget somewhere along the way about professionalism? Put your best foot forward and make an effort to dress properly for the job position you are seeking.

Now, some will say that if you are interviewing for an engineering job you do not want to come off as too formal. This may be true so what would make the best impression? Wear slacks and a dress shirt at the very least. You may end up wearing business casual or casual clothes once you work here but do not come in to the interview dressed that way. Always erring on the side of over-dressed (business suit) rather than under-dressed (jeans) will make you standout from the crowd.

Here are a few tips as a reminder:
• Long sleeve dress shirt (neatly pressed)
• Dress slacks or skirt (neatly pressed)
• Blazer or jacket/tie (optional)
• Dress shoes (no flip-flops or tennis shoes)
• Limit the aftershave or perfume
• Limit jewelry and no visible piercings
• No suggestive clothing
• Clean and neat appearance
• Bring your smile

It seems simple enough, doesn’t it? But if you are not sure what to wear to an interview ask human resources for suggestions. What you wear socially should not necessarily be what you wear interviewing or at work. Your professional presence may be very different from your personal one and that is okay.

How you dress will not be the final determinant on whether you get the job, but it will definitely move you in the right direction toward greater success!