At an interview you are show casing you. You want to impress and influence the interview panel as soon as you walk in the door so they want to learn more about you. It is also important to project a professional image that both men and women feel they can work with.

Some people have asked me why they need to pay attention to their image; they have their resume and work experience. I say, why give people a reason to doubt you? Your resume is only part of the picture. Whether you like it or not, people judge you on the way you look. Why? Because clothes talk, they tell those around you a lot about who you are and give a good indication on whether you are ready to take on the job in question. I have friends in recruitment agencies who often complain that many women seem to pay no attention to what they wear and think they can wear anything to an interview. They put people forward for an interview only to have them turn up to an interview inappropriately dressed. I recommend that you wear clothes for the position you aspire to, both to interviews and at work. It will keep you motivated and if you are consistent with the way you dress, you are more likely to be seen as promotable.

At an interview your clothes need to say that you are a confident and capable person who is the best person for the job. I have been on interview panels for positions that have had over 100 applications. While knowledge and experience counts for a lot in an interview, dress also makes a big difference. Caring for the way to you dress demonstrates that you care about the work you do. The workforce is competitive but part of this competition can be overcome by dressing professionally and appropriately for the position.

Interview clothing no's:
• Revealing tops. Be remembered for what you said, not your bust size!
• Loud jewellery. This only distracts from what you are saying
• Jeans. It is better to overdress than under dress for an interview. It is difficult for jeans to portray a professional image. Even if you don't have a suit, wear a nice pair of pants and shirt or top.

Interview clothing yes's:
• Matching suit (pants or skirt) with shirt or top that fits properly. You don't want to fidget with your clothing throughout the interview or have your underwear on show.
• Plain stockings
• Closed in shoes
• Simple jewellery

It is a good idea to get your outfit organized several days before your interview. Try it on to check that it is comfortable and you are not missing anything. Practice answering possible questions in your outfit as part of your preparation.

If you are in doubt of what to wear, check what the dress culture is. The more professional and conservative a work environment, the more professional your dress needs to be. Remember that you need to be able to fit into their work environment as much as the job needs to be right for you. And ladies, don't forget to prepare for your interview. There is nothing more off putting than someone who doesn't dress the part and then can't answer the questions properly.

Anna, from Izziana Image Consultants, inspires and empowers women through their clothing style. She specializes in colour, style, makeup, wardrobe planning, personal shopping and millinery. She provides group and one on one consultations for women looking to enhance their confidence, image and wellbeing. Contact Anna at Izziana Image on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.izzianaimage.com.au