The fragrant blossom of spring harkens picnics by Lake Jordan, allergies galore and the inability to focus on anything school-related, but the most ominous and terrifying of them all—job interviews. Whether you are a graduating senior stepping out into the scary world of adulthood or an underclassman furiously hunting for summer employment, the anxiety surrounding the inevitable job interviewing process leaves no student untouched.

First impressions matter. Having a great resume is all well and good, but employers are also using the interview to test whether or not you would be a good fit for their company, and what you wear and how you present yourself is important.

Our parents sagely offer us fashion advice from a bygone era. Once upon a time, a business suit was expected by every employer—this is no longer the case. Andy Teach, author of “From Graduation To Corporation,” explained that over the years, our society has become less and less conservative when it comes to dress code. Teach wrote that while certain industries still require a more conservative style, others are much more laid-back and “collegiate.” Teach argued that this makes what you wear to your next interview much more important than you might think. 

The very first thing that you need to do is thoroughly research a company’s culture and the typical dress code within the industry. Talk to friends or people you know in the industry and ask for advice. The general rule of thumb is to generally dress nicer than a typical day in the office. If the employees usually sport t-shirts and jeans, than step it up with a pair of nice khakis and a shirt and tie. If you are worried about being too casual, then bring along a blazer or jacket to throw on in a pinch. Women, similarly, stick to basic and classic clothes. Stray away from busy prints and, when in doubt, choose a solid color.

It’s not just about the clothes; there are many other things you need to steer clear of when dressing for an interview. First, avoid wearing heavy perfumes or fragrances. Be mindful that many people have allergies. Don’t overload on makeup. Go for a natural look and avoid bright colors. Your nails should be clean and trimmed, with neutral nail-polish, if any. Accessories should be carefully integrated into your look—avoid excessive heavy jewelry and make sure your belt is the appropriate size and in good condition. When in doubt, go for smaller, more classic pieces. Pay attention to personal grooming. Men, make sure you have shaved or have facial hair that is neat and trimmed. Clothes need to be washed and unwrinkled—this might be the time to become a grown-up and finally invest in an iron. Don’t wear anything too revealing and make sure your clothes fit. Absolutely cover up those tattoos and body piercings you accumulated through your wild college years.

So let’s freshen up that LinkedIn profile, try your interview skills out on your roommate and most importantly, revamp your job interview style. The change from a world of 1 a.m. pizza runs and Netflix binging to the workforce can be daunting. If anything, until you can fully adjust, dress the part to make the transition as smooth as possible.