You should not, of course, be judged by characteristics that are an intrinsic part of you, such as race, ethnicity, gender or disability status. That would be not only wrong, but, unless under very specific and legally defined circumstances, illegal.

That said, it’s really not that hard — or expensive — to make a good first impression on a potential employer.

“My thought process is, Dress for the position you want, not necessarily for the position you’re applying for,” says Kesha Walker, regional recruiting manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Southwest. “I know that when we have an entry-level position, our management trainees, we’re looking at those management trainees or those job-seekers or candidates wondering, ‘Could this be our next area manager, regional area manager, regional vice president?’ That’s what we’re looking for, so you want to dress for those positions.”

The priorities are pretty clear:

1. Cleanliness, of body and clothes. It may or may not be next to godliness but it surely is next to a prospective boss’ heart. Perfume or cologne for women or men should be worn only if it’s very subtle; if there’s any doubt, it’s probably better to forgo the scent. The use of deodorant or antiperspirant, however, is another matter. After a few hours of an Arkansas August, even the morning-showered can use the help of a good product.
2. Punctuality. “There are many employers out there who will not even give you the courtesy of an interview if you are more than five minutes late,” Walker says. “But I will say that it is highly important that if you know that something comes up beyond your control, a phone call makes all the difference in the world.” In other words, a flat tire or a genuine family emergency should not ruin your job prospects. Being late because of a hangover — not so good.
3. Neatness. Clothes should be ironed, shoes polished. Men who have facial hair should study the culture of the place to which they’re applying to determine whether a beard or mustache would be acceptable. And even in those businesses where having facial hair is not a problem, it should be neatly trimmed and clean.
4. An open, welcoming demeanor. What does that mean? A firm handshake, a warm smile, eye contact with each person to whom you’re introduced, no mumbling. Watch the slouching or defensive body postures, such as arms folded tightly across the chest. And remain engaged throughout the interview process. Act interested in the questions you’re asked (you should be) and enthusiastic about the opportunities the job offers as well as about the abilities you can bring to the position.
5. Preparedness. Previous articles have discussed the importance of research, but you should also have extra resumes with you as well as examples of your work, assuming they’re easily portable, if they’re requested.
6. Appropriate attire — “business professional.” Allison Nicholas is Acxiom’s team leader for college recruiting. Although the dress at her company is “blue jeans business casual,” meaning a job candidate may be interviewed by people wearing blue jeans, Nicholas says of job-seekers, “Wearing a suit, they just can’t miss.”

More about business professional attire:

Dark colors and suits of a conservative cut are good. A blazer, tie and khaki pants also work for men. Pantsuits for women are perfectly appropriate, but if a woman wears a skirt suit, Walker urges that she wear hosiery. Flashy jewelry is out, as are open-toed shoes. For those with numerous body piercings — at least those visible when wearing appropriate office attire — leave the nose ring at home.

Walker says that dressing professionally serves two purposes for job candidates:

1. It’s appropriate for the occasion of a job interview.
2. “When you’re dressed professionally, you tend to be more professional, your image is more professional, and it boosts your confidence.”

Remember, too, that you don’t have to bust your budget to dress well. Although it’s certainly worthwhile to invest in the best-quality interview clothing you can afford, diligent shoppers can also find bargains on beautiful professional attire at better resale or consignment shops.

“Something I think it’s important for job-seekers to understand is that employers are wanting to bring people aboard,” Walker says. “They’re wanting to fill that position, so they’re hoping that that particular candidate is what they’re looking for because it makes their job that much easier.”