You found the perfect job, your resume was a hit and you just confirmed an appointment for an interview. Now you’re facing a dilemma: What do you wear? Your appearance can tell a potential employer a lot about you, so this is the time to dress to impress!

The first thing you need to do is evaluate the kind of position for which you are interviewing. General office jobs require business or business casual dress. For females, a longer pencil skirt and flattering slacks are staple pieces in any business casual wardrobe. Neutral blouses and knit tops are a smart way to go, and you can accessorize with a trendy brooch or scarf. Save the sparkly makeup for your evening plans and go with a subtle shade of lipstick. Fingernails should be bare or coated in a neutral shade of polish, and hair should be neat and kept away from your face. Stay away from open-toed sandals and flip-flops; you should wear mid-height heels (no stilettos!) or stylish flats.

For men, slacks or business suits are preferred. You can choose to go without a sport coat, but always wear a tasteful tie when going to a job interview. Match your shoes to your belt. Remember, brown goes with brown and black goes with black; don’t mix and match the two colors! Have your hair trimmed a few days before the interview and be sure to clip and file your fingernails.

Items you should leave in your closet include swimsuit pieces, miniskirts (we’re no longer in the Ally McBeal state of fashion), tube tops, T-shirts and shorts.

What are some of the worst fashion faux pas that you can make? Body glitter ranks at the top of the list. Sure, it is trendy to sparkle like a jewel in the sun when you are on the dance floor, but looking like an extra from the film “Moulin Rouge” is not the best way to make a good first impression. Save the glitter for a weekend on the town.

Flaunting your body piercings is another sure way to turn off your hiring manager. We all express ourselves freely, but your personal mode of expression may not be welcome in all office environments. Keep your ear piercings to a tasteful minimum, take out the nose ring, and put in a clear piercing retainer if you want to maintain your tongue piercing. Simply perform an online search and you can find all sorts of clear acrylic implements to save your piercings and still look professional.

Tattoos are another form of self-expression that can be unwelcome in a professional environment. Tattoos are very personal, and many offices consider visible tattoos to be inappropriate. You can ensure a good impression, regardless of the policies of your future workplace, by wearing long sleeves, a jacket, slacks or longer skirts in order to hide your body art. A bit of tasteful covering up can spare you snap judgements by prospective hiring managers.

Just remember: Your appearance won’t get you the job, but it might lose the job for you. If you have the skills and qualifications for a position, arriving at the interview looking neat and professional can go a long way toward convincing a hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for the job.