It's so good to see so many new faces here. Among the new folks here we are seeing many of you who are in the application process and looking forward to the oral interview portion. You ask so many good questions and worry about your criminal history, education, physical condition and such.

My experience as an evaluator in the hiring process leads me to offer this advice.

You cannot overdress for the interview, unless you go in wearing a tuxedo or wedding dress. You have one chance to make a first impression and if you walk in wearing a used seat cover from a 55 Rambler (most of you don't even know what that is) that's the impression you will leave.

A few hints that shouldn't be necessary, but are:

1) Get a decent haircut a week before the interview. Red highlighting might be fun for American Idol, but doesn't work well here. Be sure all facial hair is trimmed neatly and mustaches don't grow over your top lip causing you can to chew it when nervous.

2) Be sure fingernails are clean and trimmed.

3) Jewelry should be understated. 'Bling bling' won't win you points. If you've been unemployed for six months and are wearing a Rolex watch someone is going to wonder how you got it. The nose ring and lip stud won't win you any points and if you're hired you won't be allowed to wear them. Tongue studs makes it very hard for some folks to understand your words and you may get tired of being asked to repeat your answer because you slur badly.

4) Suit and tie with neatly pressed shirt for men. Business attire for women candidates.

5) Shoes clean and shined. No athletic shoes, regardless of how excessive their cost or who the endorsing athlete might be.

Keep in mind that those folks sitting in front of you have all gone through and been successful in a similar process. If they are dressed professionally, you should be too. In any case, since it's not a wedding, you can out dress the interviewers and it's ok.