Learn to exude confidence in an interview. (Valley Education).

You've earned your academic credentials. Now learn how to dress for professional success. In corporate Amen ca, there's never a second chance for a first impression, and first impressions are lasting ones. You only have seven seconds to make an impression, so make the most of them. Your smile, handshake and clothes can mean the difference between getting a job and being passed over for another candidate.

Clothes may not only "make the man" or woman, but they may also make or break that all-important job interview. Whether you're in the market for a new career or hot out of graduate school, showcase your corporate look. Let that employer know that in addition to your skills, you're a natural leader. Recognize that dressing to impress in your old college circles is very different from dressing to impress in the corporate environment.

But here comes the sticky part. Fresh out of school, your wardrobe budget is in all likelihood nonexistent. Yet the secret to presenting an image of success is to look successful. What does success look like?

Image How-To

Clothe yourself only in quality garments. A good suit will have a nice silhouette and rich color. The right accessories create a unique, confident style and include such items as a basic black briefcase for men or handbags and totes for women. The best quality is Italian calfskin or full-grain leather, and the lining should be either in pigskin or a fabric, such as grosgrain silk. For women, choose an outfit with impeccable details, particularly those that will be seen from the waist up. This includes apparel color, jewelry, cuffs and, of course, your makeup and hair.

Your choice of color and style should be appropriate to the business environment. For example, advertising, retail and technological industries encourage more fashion-forward and creative modes of dressing, while Wall Street type environments tend to be more traditional. More often than not the traditional rules of business dressing still hold true for men, meaning the purpose of a suit is flattery and function, not flash. The most fundamental business outfit for a man is a navy blue, single-breasted suit, a white cotton shirt, a navy print tie and black lace-up shoes. Breathable worsted wool fabric for suits and cotton broadcloth shirts with a 3.5-inch spread collar are conservative favorites that can be worn year-round. However, choose the collar style that best suits the shape of your face. Ties should be 100% silk.

Recognize Quality

A quality garment will drape handsomely without pulling across the chest or back. Quality fabrics, designs and workmanship look fluid and individual shape, regardless of size, instantly looks great.

Seams will be straight, not bunched, gathered, or bubbled. Fabric patterns will match at the seams and on detailing, such as patch pockets on woman's garments.

The hem will be invisible, with no awkward bunching.

When the garment is turned inside out, look for finished seams and no loose threads to come apart at the worst moment.

Linings are made from quality fabrics, are well fitted and keep the garments looking as the designer intended.

Details, such as buttons and trim, are made from quality materials. Hooks-and-eyes are placed strategically so that the garment fits beautifully. Finished button holes are minus loose threads. Buttons don't pull taut when closed because garments are true to size.

Shoulder seams don't pull or bubble. Collars and cuffs lie flat. Sleeves don't twist away from shoulder seams to look and feel awkward.

Resale: The Doable Budget

Contemporary designer resale is the key to fabulous, quality clothing on a shoestring. Rest assured, the men and women who re-sell their designer goods and accessories take very good care of their clothes and rarely wear the same garment more than a few times, so there's not need to be hesitant to shop resale due to fear of finding garments and accessories obviously worn.

Regardless of where a person lives, contemporary resale shopping is plentiful both in brick-and-mortar stores, or, just a click of the mouse away. The joy of shopping on-line is that anyone can "window shop" many sites from the comfort of home. Get to know the various sites, establish an email rapport with the owner (most are very accommodating and customer friendly) and look carefully at their very, specific descriptions of style, color, condition, authenticity, and size. Because figures and sizes have changed over the years, check measurement guidelines on their website. Check the return policy of the site; many have fair return policies if you notify the seller within 24 hours of receiving the item.

Make a Statement

In trying to avoid the whole style and fashion issue, people often think they can stay out of trouble by dressing in a nice neutral sort of way. Unfortunately, it is not possible to dress in a neutral way; whatever a person wears makes a statement of some kind. Every time an individual dresses, he or she is making choices, and even an "I-don't-care" message is a clear statement.

In nature, careful grooming is basic to survival. An animal that displays a shabby coat is immediately marked as easy prey. In the same manner, when we encounter another person who is poorly dressed, we tend to discount their worth.

One of the more important potential assets of clothing is that it allows for illusion. It permits people not only to specify who they are now but also the direction in which they are headed. It enables them to wear a status they have not yet achieved. By pointing to a goal, clothing can help reach it.

With dynamite skills and a professional style to match, applicants and other professionals will be headed for the big time before they know it. By using common sense and exercising good judgment, dressing for success can be easy. Exude confidence and pride. Conduct oneself in the most professional manner, and score a home run in the interview.

Gloria Lintermans is a freelance writer and the author of "RETRO CHIC: A Guide To Fabulous Vintage and Contemporary Resale Shopping in North America and Online."