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There are some things about an interview that you cannot control Appearance is not one of them. Consider conservative very carefully.

The key word for all business interviewing (regardless of the position you are seeking) is conservative. An applicant can never go wrong displaying conservative demeanor during a job interview. Proper planning beforehand can help make the experience easy, beneficial, and almost pleasant However, lack of planning will be recognized immediately by a competent interviewer.

The first three minutes of your interview are most critical because you get but one chance for a good first impression. Before you can utter your first word, your appearance has already spoken volumes about you. While it does not speak of your job skills, your appearance will be judged in some respects by what you wear. Therefore, your clothing should not only make you feel good about yourself but also project a professional image matching the requirements of the position and the company.

The key to projecting a professional image is, first and foremost, to dress tastefully and conservatively. Beyond that, the guidelines are simple.

Blouses: simple style, white or soft colors. Avoid very frilly styles and low-cut necklines.

Shoes: sensible shoes; polished pumps or medium heels in a color that matches your outfit.

Hose: natural, beige, or tan; avoid patterns or lacy stockings.

Purse: (optional) small or medium size in a color that goes with your outfit.

Nail polish: either clear or conservative color.

Makeup: moderate.

Jewelry: simple, minimal. One set of earrings only. No more than one ring on each hand.

Suits: dark blue, gray, brown, or very muted pin-stripes. A good-quality woven blend of natural fibers looks professional. Suits should be properly tailored and freshly dry-cleaned.

Shirts: a good quality, white button-down or white classic collar preferred. Most importantly, make sure the shirt is pressed.

Ties: silk or good quality blends only. Conservative stripes or paisleys that complement your suit. The tip of a tie should end near the center of the belt buckle.

Shoes: highly polished slip-ons or laced dress shoes in black, brown, or cordovan. Dark socks.

Facial hair: no beards; mustaches are a possible negative. If you must, make sure it is neatly trimmed.

Jewelry: no chains, bands, or necklaces showing. No rings other than wedding ring or college ring. No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out.)

Minimal perfume or cologne. Best if applied at least two hours before the interview. A little goes a long way in a small, closed interview room.

Empty pockets? no tinkling change or bulges.

No gum or cigarettes.

No body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

Pay attention to even smallest details. Interviewers often consider the condition of your shoes as a way to tell whether you pay attention to detail. To that end, avoid shoes that are not shined or that have run-down heels.

Just use common sense

If you show up for your interview dressed in business attire and your potential employer is not, don't worry. It is far better to be dressed professionally than to be dressed too casually. Employers want people who are broad based in their abilities to learn, grow, and contribute, employees who are flexible. Being dressed in a suit won't hurt your ability to be seen as someone employable.

Remember, your competence is not based on what you wear but rather on your business and personal knowledge and skills. Clothing simply allows you to state who you are and helps you to reach your professional goals. Appearance can be a powerful and useful tool in controlling the kind of message you send to others. With a little common sense and attention to details, you can easily make sure that first impression is your best.

"What salary are you looking for?" Career advisors say this is the interview question that makes job applicants squirm in their chairs.

Small wonder. Most of us aren't comfortable talking about incomes. We have been taught it's not polite to ask people how much they paid for something or how much money they make. But in a job interview, it can be a make or break question. You need to cut the best deal you can without sounding too greedy or pricing yourself out of the market. So what do you say?

Career advisors suggest that you try to get the interviewer to give you an idea of the salary range the company would consider before you commit yourself. Having tried this myself, I'm not sure I agree. The problem is that it's in the company's interest to get you as cheaply as possible, so if you are given a range, it's likely to be on the low side. Unless companies are in a bidding war over your unique credentials, the interviewer will not worry about setting a range too low to interest you. After all, if you find the salary unattractive, you'll be expected to make the case for a higher one, and if the company can't agree to your salary demands there are other qualified applicants who might come in lower. The need to ask for more than has been offered puts you on the defensive, a position that leaves many job- seekers uncomfortable. If you are one of those, then state your own salary expectations before you ask for the company's range.

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