With proper grooming and the right outfit, you'll look polished and professional, while feeling comfortable and confident.

Common sense: look clean and neat. Your suit and shirt should be pressed.

Avoid perfume or cologne. Your interviewer may be allergic. Use a lightly scented antiperspirant to mask any unwanted odor caused by perspiration.

Cover any tattoos and avoid flashy jewelry, limiting pierced jewelry (women) to ears only. No nose or tongue rings.

Carry a matching leather notebook, portfolio or briefcase large enough to hold your resume without folding it.

Items you might want to have handy, just in case: lint brush, mirror, nail clippers, nail file, comb or brush, breath mints, hairspray, extra shoelaces, collar stays.

Make sure your suit fits. No matter how costly the suit, an ill-fit doesn't look good on anyone. Having the appropriate tailoring and alterations done is key.

Your suit should feel comfortable; don't sacrifice freedom of movement when wearing business attire.

The suit jacket should lie smoothly over your shoulders and across your back. No bunching.

Jacket sleeves should fall just at or below the break of your wrists. Allow no more than 1/2 inch of the shirt cuff to show below your jacket sleeve.

Look for 100 percent wool or a blend of more than 50 percent wool in the best quality you can afford. Wool is long-lasting and breathable, which means better value and more comfort.

Lining increases comfort and durability.

When you sit down, always unbutton your jacket.

Also when sitting, pull your slacks up at the thigh to reduce stress on the fabric and seams — but make sure your socks are pulled up. No skin should be revealed when you cross your legs.

Only dry-clean your suit when it's dirty. Even regularly worn suits need to be cleaned only a few times per year. Dry-cleaning wears down natural fibers. If your suit is wrinkled, but not soiled, have it pressed.

Hair: No wild hairdos, crazy colors or elaborate accessories. Keep it simple and neat.

Make-up: Simple and natural. No gaudy colors.

Blouse: White, conservative, long sleeves. Not low-cut or sheer.

Nails: Clean and neat, trimmed to a conservative length. Polish should be understated and subtle — no glitter or outrageous patterns.

Suit: One- or two-button jacket and knee-length skirt or slacks.

Color: Dark, conservative navy or charcoal colors.

Shoes: Black, well-polished shoes with no more than a 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch heel. Wear natural or sheer, black hose. Bring an extra pair just in case.

Hair: Invest in a neat haircut a week (not one day) before your interview. Shave/trim facial hair.

Shirt: White, preferably cotton, long-sleeved dress shirt. Wear white undershirt.

Tie: Something that matches your suit in a simple color or conservative pattern, preferably silk — it assures the best knot. Learn how to properly tie your tie.

Nails: Clean, neat and trimmed.

Belt/Braces: If you're having trouble keeping your pants at your waist with a belt, try braces (suspenders). But never wear both at the same time.

Suit: Dark, conservative two- or three-button, single-breasted suit in either navy or charcoal.

Shoes: Black, well-polished, lace-up shoes.