On paper, Rachel Brinkman* was the perfect candidate for the position of account executive. She had a degree from a highly respected university, a stellar GPA, and hands-on internship experience. In fact, Rachel’s resume was so impressive, the hiring director at a Chicago sales and marketing firm had pretty much settled on her – until she arrived for the interview.

When Rachel stepped into the meeting room, the hiring director saw a candidate with an overly wrinkled suit and a run in her hosiery. It started at the big toe of her peep-toe pumps, three-and-a-half-inch heels that would’ve sparked conversation and compliments, if this were an after-hours cocktail party.

In the first 10 seconds of her interview, Rachel lost the job without saying a word. The hiring director simply assumed: If this candidate can’t pay attention to the details of her own appearance, she certainly can’t pay attention to the details of this job.

Are job candidates really judged by what they wear? That’s what bizMe intended to find out by speaking to human resource professionals, career experts, and SVPs across various industries. The resounding answers: Absolutely. Without a doubt. Yes!

According to Lisa Rosendahl, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and Human Resource Director for the Federal Government, an interview outfit gives hirers several clues about their candidate, including:

• Interest in the job.

• Self confidence.

• Fit for the company.

That being said, dressing up for an interview is not about trying to get the job with what you wear, nor is it about being a fashionista. Marjorie Brody, Founder of BRODY Professional Development and author of Professional Impressions: Etiquette for Everyone, Every Day, says professional dress “should convey good judgment and taste. It should help send the message, ‘I’m a professional who should be taken seriously.’”

So how do you do that when you’re fresh out of college or working with a modest wardrobe budget? Follow these six interview fashion tips, straight from the managers and directors who might be hiring you:

#1: Wear a Suit.

In today’s business casual world, workplace dress codes have somewhat relaxed, but not when it comes to interviewing. “The interview continues to hold a high degree of formality in most industries and with most people,” says Rosendahl.

For women, the dust has finally settled on the old debate of skirt suit vs. pant suit. “The pant suit is now acceptable in all industries,” observes Brody. Proof positive: Hillary Clinton has practically trademarked the look, and she’s “interviewing” for the position of U.S. President.

Just keep in mind that in more conservative fields like law and finance, some still perceive the skirt suit to be more appropriately “formal.” If interviewing for a position in one of these fields, consider Rosendahl’s advice: “Wear a skirted suit for the first interview, and a pant suit for subsequent meetings.”

#2: But . . . Also Know When Not To.

Though the suit is almost always the best way to present a professional image, do your homework when interviewing for creative positions in art, advertising, PR, IT, or graphic

design. At innovative companies, the fashion culture may be clearly more casual, so an uber-corporate look is not going to fly.

Case in point: Brody relays the rumored demise of a candidate who showed up for an interview at Apple Computer wearing a sport coat and tie. CEO Steve Jobs (who often gives keynote speeches in a black turtleneck, jeans, and New Balance trainers) took one look at him and scrapped the interview saying, “You obviously won’t fit into our culture.”

If you’re ever in doubt on what to wear, HR professionals say it’s perfectly OK to call them and ask. “It’s all part of being prepared,” insists Rosendahl. “The HR contact who has worked with you throughout the hiring process wants you to be successful, if not only for you, but to fill the position.”

#3: Shop for Fit and Fabric.

When shopping for interview outfits, put the focus on fit rather than designer fashion. “No one’s going to see the label inside your jacket,” Rosendahl reassures. “But an ill-fitting, over- or under- sized suit is one thing I notice immediately.”

Here are some simple fit guidelines: Your interview jackets should easily button without any noticeable pull marks, and skirts should reach to at least your knees. Look for clean lines – a cut that is crisp and sharp, even when going business casual.

LaVelle Olexa, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Public Relations for Lord & Taylor says “one of the greatest looks for a suit is a feminine cut in a menswear pattern.” (Think pinstripes, herringbone, and tweed). She warns however, the cut should never be exaggerated. “This season, wide-leg pants are a trend, but they should be avoided for an interview.”

As for fabrics, all-season fibers that don’t crease, bundle or gather, are key – especially when your interview calls for travel. Look for lightweight stretch wool, matte jersey, and cotton/rayon blends. These not-too-flimsy fabrics will create a smooth, flattering line, and above all, make you feel as good as you look.

#4: Build a Wardrobe of Separates.

Ideally, you’ll want to own at least two interview suits to get you through job-hunting season. If that’s going to bust the budget right now, start out with a three-piece wardrober (a suit set that comes with a coordinating jacket, skirt, and pants). Or, buy these same

three pieces separately from a suiting collection (check out stores like Banana Republic, href="http://www.anntaylor.com">Ann Taylor, J.Crew, and Talbots). 

Since the jacket will be your most important piece, make sure it’s of high quality and versatile enough to work with a number of other pieces in your wardrobe. Wear it with the skirt to your first interview, the pants for your follow-up. By switching your blouse, sweater, jewelry, and/or accessories, you can create a completely different look with every wear.

To take advantage of this multi-use potential, Olexa recommends classic suiting in neutral – but not boring – colors like black, gray, taupe, and brown. Stick to traditional patterns that are “rich, yet subdued” and “avoid floral, leafy, or optical designs.”

Brody agrees: “If you choose colors that flatter you and pieces that can be mixed and matched, you will achieve maximum variety at minimum cost.” Need help putting it all together? Make an appointment with a personal shopper (a free service at many department stores, including Lord & Taylor).

#5: Accessorize to Individualize.

Your underpinnings, jewelry, shoes, and handbag offer great ways to personalize and modernize your professional look. As Brody says, “While the idea is to fit in, it is not necessary to become a carbon copy.”

Add dimension to your suit with the shirt you choose to wear underneath. It can be a silk blouse, a nice tee, or a sweater, like a chic black turtleneck. According to Olexa, “the silhouette should reference a seasonal trend, but not be too fashiony.”  Look for colors that mix tonally with your suit, or have a little fun with contrasting prints and textures.

As for coordinating jewelry and accessories, keep things modest. Simple stud earrings (no jangling chandeliers), and classic pearls, gold, and silver always work. Another option offered by Olexa: “Choose a single striking accessory – a fabulous handbag, a big cuff bracelet, or a statement watch. Not necessarily an expensive watch, but one that stands out.”

Complete your look with skin-toned hosiery and good quality, closed-toe leather pumps with a stable, one- to two-inch heel. “Always remember you are the person interviewing,” says Rosendahl. “If your accessories take any bit of attention away from you, they are too much.”

#6: Check Your Look Twice.

Unless you want to be the woman who showed up for her interview wearing a white suit

with red bikini underwear underneath (true story!), take a good look in a full-length mirror before running out the door.

Is your suit perfectly pressed? Your shoes absolutely free of scuffs? Hose clear of snags and runs? Nothing too tight, too short, too overdone?

Good. Now you’re ready to “wow” your interviewer with a fully loaded arsenal. “There are often many people vying for the same position,” reminds Rosendahl. “Solid professional presentation is one way – one very easy way – for a candidate to separate herself from the others.”

* Names have been changed to protect previous interview fashion offenders. Don’t let it be you!