What not to wear for an interview

A big part of getting a job is making a good first impression, and a big part of making a good first impression is how you dress. While you don't have to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe, putting in a little extra effort will pay off in the long run. Before your next interview, make sure you aren't making any interview attire mistakes. Here's what not to wear to an interview.

I once interviewed a woman in a slinky red dress that was so skimpy, she could barely sit down. While everyone knows that short hemlines and plunging necklines aren't acceptable for a job interview, wearing an inappropriate dress that's also a bright, flashy colour - like red - simply makes this situation worse.

So, be mindful when choosing your clothes. If you're going to wear a daring colour, like red, do it tactfully, making sure the overall design of your outfit is especially conservative. And, it's a good idea to avoid short hemlines and skin-tight fits all together.

While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Inevitably, the deep-v formed by the blazer's lapel creates a plunging neckline. If you're going to wear a camisole or a shell underneath, make sure it covers you appropriately. Of course, layering with a button-down is a no-fail option, too.

This tip applies to men, too. Unless you're interviewing in a casual environment, like at a startup company wearing a blazer on top doesn't give you the excuse to wear a tired t-shirt underneath. Take the extra effort and put on a button-down or, at the very least, a v-neck sweater.

Take it easy on the perfume and cologne, as you never know if your interviewer might have an allergy or aversion to strong scents. Either way, you don't want your overwhelming spray of perfume or dab of cologne to be the first, or last, thing your interviewer notices about you.