Evelinda: With 10 million people out of work last December, according to the Department of Labor, job hunting is on the rise. The surplus of qualified and experienced candidates in the market means what you wear to the job interview is more important than ever. The right clothing quietly communicates a professional, businesslike image which helps elevate your resume.

Judie: As columnist Harvey Mackay puts it: "Dress like a mess, and you won't see success." Here are some SM tips on what to wear for that important job interview.

* Company dress code: Find out beforehand what the company dress code is. Call a friend who works there, politely ask the CEO's assistant, or if you are desperate, stand outside the company during lunchtime and see what employees are wearing. Is it business casual every day, only on Fridays or has the company returned to suits? Whatever the code, dress for the interview accordingly.

* Shoes: Believe it or not, footwear can tell a lot about a person. For both men and women, wearing scuffed, worn-heeled shoes sends the message that you overlook the details. According to The Wall Street Journal, men should beware of loafers with tassels, as "tassels are as controversial as a bow tie." Slingbacks and open-toed shoes for women could imply flirty, seductive qualities inappropriate in the workplace. Play it safe. Wear polished, newer, closed-toe and heel shoes.

* Color: Women should avoid pastel shades and bright reds. Pastels imply a softness, red an aggressiveness - great for the job, but not necessarily for the interview.

* Makeup: We have seen studies that show that women who wear makeup on the job earn more than women who don't over the course of their professional careers. This doesn't mean painting yourself like Gwen Stefani, sporting dark spray-on tans or wearing long artificial nails the size of eagle talons. Instead, try a bit of mascara and eyeliner, a couple sweeps of blush and some lipstick and nail polish in nude shades. This communicates good grooming, a plus for any job candidate.

* Styles: The job interview is not the place to show your fashion savvy, unless you are applying for a position in that industry. This tip applies most often to younger applicants. Lose the low-riding pants, tummy-skimming tops, mid-thigh skirts and untucked shirts.

Evelinda: The fashion industry is responding to the competitive job market. Affordable professional clothing can be found at The Limited, Ann Taylor and K&G Fashion Superstores.

"Paying attention to how you look can help you get a job. For that matter, it can also help you keep one. With companies trimming right and left, they want to retain people who best present their firm's image." - Harvey Mackay

Style Matters presents seminars on professional image; stylematters.us.