You've finally reached the pinnacle of your job search. Your inspiring resume has motivated a host of interested companies to contact you to schedule interviews! How you present yourself and convey your best possible image during the initial seconds of an interview creates a first and lasting impression with the hiring manager. During this rather short but critical threshold, your appearance influences how you are perceived by the interviewer. This is the first crucial step in a relationship that will define your interview progression, your value, and potential role with a successful organization.

I worked for a prominent corporate global IT environment where conveying a professional image was mandatory. The underlying company mantra was - "you can never look good enough"! Maintaining a professional appearance not only demonstrates good judgment, it's also representative of the way your colleagues, clients, and peers perceive you. If you don't look the part, intuitively, why should one trust you with supporting and managing their multi-million dollar business?

Typically, hiring managers seek candidates who have a demonstrated pattern of achievement and growth throughout their career. A successful career is typically attributed to a multitude of factors including: solid business acumen, industry expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and the image that you create for yourself. Collectively, these factors reflect one's professionalism.

A professional appearance 'differentiates' and sets you apart from other candidates competing for a job opening; candidates who may place more emphasis on their expertise and achievements, and are far less concerned about projecting a professional image. How you present yourself is the vital first step that underpins the level of your success in a job interview and your potential growth within the company. Your professional image (even during recent trends of business casual dress), will serve you well as new 'select' opportunities emerge within the company.

Unfortunately in today's rapid-paced, multi-tasking environment, it's not uncommon for one's wardrobe to be neglected while working 'non-stop' to meet contractual deadlines and corporate commitments. Regardless of the influencing circumstances, if confronted with the unpleasant task of seeking new employment, your worn 'tired' clothing of the past, typically does not maintain the same pace as your demanding career.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. John T. Molloy at a sales meeting several years ago. His novel - 'Dress for Success', raised general awareness by promoting that corporations extend their brand and image through the appearance of their employees. Although somewhat outdated, this philosophy still exists today throughout corporate America.

My best advice to job-seekers, always endeavor to present and leave a positive, lasting impression throughout the interview process. It starts with your appearance! You may not have a second chance! According to former Notre Dame and New York Jets football coach Lou Holtz, "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it"!

Lenny Keitel is a former Director of Professional Services and Information Technology with Fujitsu. Lenny runs Hudson Valley Resumes ( http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com) in Monroe, NY, a premier resume writing service with a penchant for crafting impressive resumes that inspire and motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal.