How To Dress For A Summer Interview

Dressing for an interview is always tricky but in the summer heat it's even more of a minefield. British workers in particular, unable to cope with unexpectedly high summer temperatures, tend to turn up for work dressed for a barbecue or a garden fete. This may (just) be OK if you already have a job but it won't do for an interview, where what you wear can help build - or destroy - rapport with the interviewer. Here's what to choose for a summer interview. General advice Aim to dress like existing employees, but a bit smarter. Call human resources ahead of your interview and ask if there is a corporate dress code. Then spend a lunchtime outside the employer's office and notice what existing staff are wearing. (Sit on a bench with a book or you risk looking like a stalker). Avoid Fridays - it may be a dress-down day. Ditch heavy perfume or aftershave. Summer heat makes smells stronger, which can lead to distracting memories or even allergic reactions in interviewers. Choose lighter fragrances. Avoid the tendency to wear something striking so that the interviewer remembers you. It should be your skills and personality that they recall - not your giant sunhat. Wear business-like colours such as navy, grey or stone, consider wearing red close to the face, such as a tie, scarf or piece of jewellery. "Red draws attention to your mouth so interviewers are more likely to listen to you," says Jo Smallbones, image coach to senior executives. Try on various shades of red to find one that suits you. Men Do's                                                                                                 Consider wearing a cooler linen suit in cream or stone. However, Adele Hamilton from image consultancy integroimage.co.uk says: "Pure linen crumples very easily, so choose a linen blend for a polished look." Hang the jacket in your car until you arrive. Natural fibres are cooler so try a cotton-mix shirt and a silk tie rather than polyester. Smallbones suggests: "For a non-management job it may be acceptable to wear pressed chinos and a smart polo shirt in 'safe' colours such as beige or navy." If you are invited to take your jacket off, a white cotton T shirt worn as a base layer will keep you cooler and avoid embarrassing sweat stains on the shirt. Don'ts:

1. Shorts. Not even so-called City shorts or the weird men's shorts suits that some designers are now offering.

2. Sleeveless vests - unless you plan on taking a can of lager as an accessory.

3. Sandals.

Women Do's: Jo Smallbones suggests: "A linen-cotton mix jacket over a toning skirt looks good. Avoid linen skirts though - too prone to creasing." Short skirts are tempting in summer but Smallbones points out: "Even one inch above the knee turns into three inches when you sit down." On the knee is better. Try sitting down in your outfit before you decide. Layering can work well, suggests Hamilton. "Many offices are air conditioned, so can you can feel chilly once you are in the interview." A cotton camisole or breathable fabric slip under a lightweight shirt or dress will keep you cooler and smooth out any lumps and bumps from underwear. Many guides to interview wear recommend classic clothes but this can look dowdy, so try to show a little fashion consciousness. The tailored look is coming back into fashion now, says Smallbones, as are mixes of dark colours with brighter highlights such as a charcoal dress with a red scarf - ideal for interviews. Wear long hair up - it keeps you cooler and looks more professional. Shoes are important - your feet are often exposed at interviews as you may not be sitting at a desk. Smart, clean and if not new, well mended, but avoid the temptation to wear summer sandals, open-toed shoes or sling backs, even with a smart pedicure. "Many human resources managers have told me that they do not expect to see toes at interviews,' says Smallbones. Wear court shoes. A sprinkle of talcum powder inside helps keep feet cool. Dont's

1. Summer dresses or maxi dresses. Keep them for the beach.

2. Animal prints - they don't look serious.

3. Anything see-through or revealing.

4. Visible or falling bra straps.