Competition in today's job market is fierce. A winning resumé can get you in the door but you must ace the interview to get the job. According to Karmen Masson (pictured above), founder and executive director of Suit Yourself, looking the part is key to success.

"Your first impression is created by what you are wearing," she says. "Look polished."

Since 2001, her Edmonton-based charity has dressed 1,400 disadvantaged women for job interviews. Here, Masson gives advice on what to wear to a job interview to look and feel your best.

Women

• Keep makeup subtle. Choose one area on your face for one bright colour.
• Blouse or dress shirt to match the suit. Use this item for colour in your outfit.
• Blazer with skirt or pants in a solid, darker colour.
• Nylons, regardless of season, in conservative colours like navy, black or beige.
• Neutral coloured shoes with closed toe and heel.

Men

• Conservative suit in a neutral, darker colour. Avoid double-breasted jackets, which can look overdone.
• Dress shirt in white or neutral colour to match the suit.
• A tie, always, but no skinny, wide, clip-on or zipper ties. Use a wider knot and hang to the waistline. Use the tie to add colour to an outfit. Accessorize with a simple tie clip.
• Executive-length black socks.
• Polished, dark or black shoes.

Rules of thumb

• Wear a suit jacket that can be buttoned two-thirds of the way up and still be comfortable while seated.
• Use a briefcase or portfolio for documents.
• Women should carry a purse for personal items; it should be in excellent condition and a solid or neutral colour.
• Keep hair and fingernails well groomed.
• Keep brightly coloured items to a minimum. Choose one piece as a pop of colour - too much makes you look eccentric.
• Choose one good piece of jewelry. More than that is distracting.

What not to wear

• Piercings other than traditional earrings
• Excessive or gaudy jewelry
• Brightly coloured outfits
• Short skirts or anything ill-fitting
• Very high heels
• Exposed tattoos
• Anything with writing on it
• Perfume or cologne

About our expert

Karmen Masson, executive director of Suit Yourself, understands the importance of dressing well. As a young lawyer, "I really experienced the difference in treatment that you get when you present yourself well," she says.

Masson was formerly the executive legal counsel to the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench and currently teaches Business Law as a sessional instructor in NAIT's Department of Continuing Education.