The point of the interview is to position yourself as a match for the job, right? Then start with something as easy as how you dress. Smart interview attire will help you to fit in (and avoid sticking out!).

It's amazing to me what some candidates will chose to wear to an interview. While they are more than happy to take advice on how to alter and change their comments during the interview, many are still reluctant to change their wardrobe.

When you wear the wrong thing to an interview, consider what goes through a Hiring Manager's mind:

- You lack good taste (Does he really think that tie matches that shirt??)

- You lack professionalism (Is she on the prowl? That is a really short skirt/ low cut blouse.)

- You lack common sense (Hello???!!...we're a 10 person dotcom start up, why does this guy have on a Brooks Brothers three piece suit?)

- You don't invest in your image (This guy makes 120K a year. Why does he dress like he shops at JC Penney?)

- You're cocky and presumptuous (I thought she really wanted this job. Clearly not. Why would she show up for a final interview in jeans?)

On the contrast, by dressing appropriately, you communicate all the right things: good taste, professionalism, common sense, a desire to invest in your image and a strong effort to impress this employer. Remember that not only do Hiring Managers want someone who is qualified, but they also want someone who will upgrade their corporate culture and fit in with everyone else.

So how do you succeed in dressing appropriately?

ASK - Prepare for the interview by finding out the dress attire of the company or that department. The Recruiter, HR person or even the Hiring Manager can answer this for you if you end up speaking with any of them prior to the meeting. Also, ask any of the people you know who work there for the inside scoop on how you can fit in with what you wear.

RESEARCH - Go to the company website. Sometimes there are pictures of the team or a written description of the work culture and dress code within their career section.

ASSUME - If asking and researching this topic got you nowhere, then follow the general rule that there are two types of dress attire for interviews: Corporate casual and formal. While certain industries will make a difference in what you'll want to wear (ex: interviewing at a creative ad agency vs an insurance company), you can typically use a simple rule of thumb based on the size of the company. Big companies will require more formal interview attire and small to medium sized companies will fit better with corporate casual interview attire.

Corporate casual - For men: button downs, and khakis or cords for men with dress shoes. For women: business appropriate shirts and blouses with dress slacks or mid-length skirts and dress shoes.

Formal - For men: business suits and ties with dress shoes. For women: business suits, skirts and blouses with dress shoes.

And let's quickly review the DON'Ts of interview attire:

- white socks with a business suit (this is the ultimate geek trademark)

- bare legs (ladies, put some stockings on please)

- elaborate jewelry (you may like it, but it's just plain gaudy to the rest of us)

- worn out shoes (get a shoe shine for Pete's sake and make an effort)

- sandals (no one wants to look at your toes that are badly in need of a pedicure)

- long dresses and skirts (while pretty, they are not business appropriate)

- clothing that is too tight (this goes for both men and women)

- over-sized handbags or totebags (This just advertises all your "baggage". Bring a small purse)