Once upon a time, almost everyone wore a suit to job interviews. However, over the years our society has become less conservative when it comes to dress code. Certain industries still require dressing conservatively but others have a more collegiate atmosphere.

So, what do I wear to the interview?

It is a question millions of people agonize over on some level while looking for a job. The bad news is that there is not a cut-and-dried answer on how you should dress. The good news, deciding what to wear isn’t as difficult as you might think. Whether you like it or not, your appearance is the first thing people notice about you and first impressions are usually formed within 15 seconds.

Appearance affects hiring decisions and plays a major role. Hiring managers need to be able to visualize you in the position that they are trying to fill. The rule of thumb is that you need to dress one or two levels higher than the job that you are applying for. When it comes to getting the job, here are my favorite rules to live by for dress code.

Invest in a power outfit. It is worth spending the extra money on clothing that looks great and will last a lifetime.

Don’t neglect your feet. Invest in comfortable, work-appropriate shoes. You might have a beautiful, well-tailored outfit on, but if your shoes are tattered, the overall look will be ruined.

Test-drive your interview outfit. Practice the interview questions and answers in the outfit. Make sure you are comfortable sitting and walking.

Be aware of your posture and body language. Good posture and a solid handshake is a must!

Continue dressing for success, even after you land your dream job!