By Wendy Terwelp

It's bad enough figuring out what to wear to work every morning, but what to wear to an interview is nearly impossible. The fashion magazines don't really address "real world" attire, especially for interviews. And Popular Mechanics or other trade magazines don't talk about it at all.

While what you wear doesn't play a major factor in the interviewer's decision to hire you, it can color an interview -- especially if you come in one of Cher's or Jennifer Lopez's award show outfits and you're interviewing for a top professional position.

"Pride in your appearance equals pride in your work," said Scott Alcorn, Human Resources, Standard Products. If candidates can't get down the basics, the rest will be an uphill battle, he added.

A Human Resource Representative at United Parcel Service (UPS), agreed -- even for part-time manual/general labor and driver personnel. "Let's talk basics," she said, "a clean, professional look." No shorts or dirty t-shirts. A golf shirt and khaki pants are fine for general labor personnel. "A clean shirt and tie almost guarantees a hire for these types of jobs," she said. If people come un-showered and unshaven with uncombed hair or dirty hands, this gives the interviewer an impression of how they (candidates) feel about themselves, she said. "It makes a poor impression. And while you try not to consider these things, you can't help it."

Since appearance is a "basic," you want to be sure you look your best. This doesn't always mean running out and buying a new Armani suit. It does mean, as our UPS contact states, being sure you have a neat, clean appearance. Combed hair. Freshly pressed clothes. Polished shoes.

She said a basic rule of thumb is "dress for the interview the way you would prepare or dress for the job. If it's a professional job, wear a suit and tie. (For) physical type jobs, be neat and clean -- not unprofessional or grubby. It's better to be over-prepared or overdressed rather than underdressed or under-prepared."

You can also help yourself decide what to wear by effectively researching the culture of the company you are interviewing with. Other ways to find out what to wear are by asking friends or relatives who work at the company or who know someone who works at the company. A former Director of Human Resources with Zenith suggests asking the interviewer, "What kind of dress code do you have so I may dress appropriately." Or, ask the operator/receptionist of the company a similar question.

All three human resource professionals agreed that the type of job you're going for and the type of company you're applying to should have an impact on what you decide to wear for an interview.

Alcorn suggests if it's an "old line" manufacturing company and you are applying for a professional position (not a general or skilled labor role), stay traditional and conservative. For men this means blue/navy or charcoal gray suits, white shirts and red or blue ties. For women, this means a well-tailored suit or pantsuit. Our Zenith contact said if you are targeting a finance-related position a dark blue suit and a white shirt are a must.

If the company is "high-tech," you can dress less conservatively, Alcorn said. "A high-tech company will have a more updated, hipper culture," he added. For more creative positions, our Zenith contact suggests men wear a dark suit with a blue shirt. Women can wear a skirt, blouse, and blazer combination.

No matter what position you are interviewing for, Alcorn says, "people still expect you to be business-like, look business-like and act business-like."

Wendy J. Terwelp, is President of Opportunity Knocks (tm) and a Certified Career Management Coach with more than 15 years of experience. Through coaching, she helps clients get their dream jobs at salaries beyond their expectations.