Humans are visual creatures. We often make decisions based solely on what we see. So when you go in for an interview, remember that what you look like counts just as much as what your resume looks like. A good rule of thumb is to dress for the interview the way you would dress for the job if you got it. While there are exceptions to every rule, some wardrobe choices practically scream “Don’t hire me!” So if you’re having trouble finding employment, consider making sure you’re not committing one of the following interview fashion crimes:

Anything You Could Wear to the Club
Although some people don’t realize it, club wear and office wear are two totally different things. Polar opposites. Too much makeup, tall and obnoxious shoes, or revealing outfits may get you past the bouncer but it won’t get you a second interview. If you can see your bra through your shirt (why are you wearing your leopard brassiere to an interview?) you’re doing the most and the least for this interview all at once.

Anything You Could Wear to the Gym
You don’t want to dress too down, either. It shouldn’t seem like you just fell out of bed and then decided to go on an interview. Wearing something too casual tells the interviewer that you don’t care about getting the job. So show up clean, crisp and in something that you would be proud to be seen in. You can never go wrong in a pantsuit (or switch out the pants for an appropriate length skirt) or tasteful dress. And PLEASE iron them!

Visible Piercings and Tattoos
Unless you’re going to work in a piercing or tattoo shop or as Rihanna’s new entourage leader, a face full of metal or ink is off-putting. Most company dress codes don’t care what you have as long as you can cover it with your clothing, so show your interviewer how good you are at hiding them. Pull some hair down over that neck tattoo you just couldn’t go without, and the nose ring can be dealt with (if it’s new and you can’t take it out for long) with the help of a spacer.

Clothes That Don’t Fit
Not everyone has a ready to go to work wardrobe, especially if you’ve been out of the industry for a long time. Borrowing a nice interview pantsuit or outfit from your cousin is fine…as long as the outfit actually fits. Too big clothing will make you look sloppy and too small attire will make you look like you plan to sleep your way to the top. Your pants shouldn’t be dragging on the ground, nor should your undergarments be showing when you sit down because your top is too short and tight. Take time getting prepared, try a few things on and get other people’s opinions if you can.

Anything With the Tags On It
If you decide to pick up something new for your interview, don’t make it obvious. Are you keeping the tag on and hoping to return it later?  Don’t. It’s tacky and it makes you look like you’re just trying this persona on for size. The interviewer needs to believe the image you’re presenting, and if it’s obvious you just bought the outfit for the interview, it’s hard to do that. So get rid of the tags, extra buttons and those hanger strings sticking out from your shoulders.

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