But appearance, as well as a good handshake and being on time, all contribute to that ever-important first impression. It is helpful before an interview to do as much research as possible to get an understanding of an organization's corporate culture. You may want to stop in on the day before your interview and take a look around at how the people are dressed. Your clothes should fit you well. If you've gained weight, go shopping rather than try to squeeze into last year's outfit.
Men can probably be comfortable wearing a sport coat and blue shirt and a nice pair of slacks.
Your clothes should say that you take yourself seriously, that you care about yourself, and that you would care about clients and customers with whom you might come into contact. If you are feeling stuck and don't know anyone in the company, you may go into one of the clothing stores downtown and talk to a salesman whom you trust to help you define business casual for yourself. Most important is that you feel comfortable in your clothes and that you feel like your clothes help you represent who you are. You want to be free to focus on the interviewer's questions and to make a good impression. My partner, whom I have been in business with for over 20 years, blindsided me last week and fired me.