How to dress the part: what to wear to an interview

by Rudy Scheinost

You've taken the time to fill out an application or work on your CV until it presents you as the perfect candidate for the role and now you've got an interview, but what do you wear?

Choosing an outfit that projects the right image could pay dividends once you are in the interview room.

The Daily Telegraph says that interview attire should be seen as an "indicator" of your status, self-confidence, self-care and self-worth," and I agree, but it is important to not go overboard.

In the recent American presidential campaign, Barack Obama's dress sense was widely praised for being simplistic yet cool, while Republican vice-presidental candidate Sarah Palin was criticised for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on her wardrobe.

In order to get the balance right, it’s best to dress smartly and professionally but not too outlandishly. Opt for neat hair and if you’re a woman, wear minimal make-up and perfume.

Getting the balance right and researching how a company's employees dress will also help a candidate to get it right. You do not want to turn up to a firm that lets it staff wear what they like with a super-smart pin stripe number.

If in doubt, call the person who arranged the interview and ask.