New York University surveyed 152 companies and asked them the question “What are some of the reasons you do not hire people?” They came up with 48 reasons. The No. 1 reason why people are not hired is because of how they present themselves at the interview. You just can’t get away from first impressions and how important they are to your success. And you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Research
One of the main things I teach in my class is to conduct research to find out what a prospective organization wears. What are their dress codes? When you present yourself for the interview you want to be wearing the same “uniform” that organization wears. Then they can see you as a part of their group. You need to fit in.

Keep in mind that when you are invited to the interview, the organization already knows you can do the job. They are not going to waste their time interviewing you if you can’t. Now is the opportunity to show that your image projects confidence and a professional look that mirrors their dress code. Remember you will be representing that organization and they are looking for a particular image.

Spit, Polish and Shine
People continually provide me feedback about interviewing situations they have been involved in or situations of others. A man recently told me that he was one of two finalists for a high salary position. He had been interviewed twice and was on the third interview that involved speaking with the CEO. He was escorted to the CEO’s office by the human resource manager. When they had finished the interview, this man felt very confident that he would be chosen for the job. He knew that he had the right contacts and would be able to make this company more profitable and move them ahead.

When he received the call a few days later it was to inform him that the other candidate had been chosen. Of course he asked why he was not chosen and the human resources manager said, “Do you remember when we were walking up to the CEO’s office?” and he said “Yes.” Well I looked down and noticed your shoes were scuffed up. Now you are going to say “What did his shoes have to do with it?” Well only one person is going to get the job. The organization has to use what ever it can to differentiate you from other candidates. You had control over the shoes and did nothing about it. So the assumption is that you do not pay attention to details.

Heed the Directives
Another man was interviewing at law firms. He received information in the mail to wear a white shirt to the interview. Does he show up in a blue shirt so he can stand out? No. He would miss the first directive. So he wore the white shirt and received the offer.

Show Respect
A company recently had won a large contract bid and was subsequently hiring three to four new project managers. A man who was in my “Dress for Success” class wanted to interview for one of the jobs. His counterpart in the military also decided he wanted to interview with them. Since the second man had not yet been in my class, he decided to wear his navy blue blazer, blue button down shirt, khaki colored pants, and slip on shoes. This equates to business casual and he subsequently had a difficult time getting a salary offer in the range that was initially discussed.

The man who attended my class wore a suit for the interview because he remembered me saying you wear a suit for the interview (if appropriate) if for no other reason that it shows respect for the person interviewing you. He was offered $28,000 more than the high end of the initial offering! Now that will buy you a lot of suits.

Talk about dressing for success, I bumped into this man a few months back and I told him I relate his story in my classes. He said that he had more to add to the story. I was surprised, but asked what it was. He said he had been with this company just a little over a year and had received raises every single month. Wow! I’m sure he had to perform on the job, but it appears his image is exactly what the company wanted.

Remember, the No. 1 reason people are not hired is their appearance. Do your research and receive the offer.