Job interviews are the most important part of the hiring process. Your appearance will leave a lasting first impression and can make or break your chances of actually landing the job. When it comes to dressing for an important job interview, remember one thing; if you do not look the part you probably will not get the part. Your cover letter and resume will get your foot in the door but you must arrive to your job interview properly dressed.

Appropriate attire varies greatly by industry. Here are some general tips you may find useful:

Banking/Finance Job Interview

Banking and finance are very old-fashioned industries so you need to wear a suit that fits well and looks good. Sober dark-colored suits are ideal. You should look like a person that people will trust to handle their money and assets.

Government Job Interview

Classic suits are your best bet. The higher the position that you are aiming for in the government, the more formal your attire should be. Women should avoid having many accessories and be conservative with makeup and hairstyles, too.

Technical/IT Job Interview

In most cases you will not need to wear a suit. A good quality collared shirt and slacks or khakis for men is recommended while women should wear a blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks. Dark blue and gray are popular neutral colors.

Trade Job Interview

Business casual is most likely a suitable choice. See the description above for technical/IT jobs. Wear nice shoes (not sneakers) that are neat and well-polished. Even though you might wear blue jeans during everyday work, employers still expect you to dress up for interviews although you need not go overboard by wearing a suit.

Entertainment/Fashion Job Interviews

The rules about dressing up for a job interview are somewhat relaxed for the entertainment and fashion industry. Being conservative is not really required and people will expect you to dress fashionably.

Apart from clothing, you should also take pains to look neat and well-groomed. Pay attention to the details such as your nails and hair.

When in doubt of the proper job interview attire, just ask! If you are really worried or are not sure what to wear, ask about appropriate attire when you are setting up the job interview and dress accordingly. If they say their attire is "casual" think business casual. Do not make the mistake of wearing jeans and a T-shirt. It is much better to dress up than to dress down when you are going to a job interview.