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Online job hunting is not only convenient, but it also gets you to discover more job hunting tools in the process. One of them is the instant messaging service. Instant messaging services providers include AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ and MSN Messenger. There are also sites such as Meebo.com that allows people to access different instant messengers in one venue.

Most people have instant messaging accounts, some even have multiple. If you are one of them, use your instant messenger in locating jobs. How? By using it in connecting to friends and professionals who may have information on job openings. Some job sites support IM and they usually send job listings to the messenger of their members. The possibilities are infinite since you are bound to meet new people every now and then. Just make sure that your screen name or instant messaging ID sounds decent and professional.

You’ve heard the cliché “Simplicity is beauty.” The same theory applies to make-up. Your future employer wouldn’t be happy to see too much gunk on your face. What’s important is that you look fresh and neat! To be safe, go for neutral shades, like brown or beige. Even eyeliner works wonders. The purpose of cosmetics is to highlight your best features. It’s how you apply them that matters. For your cheeks, a rose-colored shade would do. Resist wearing sultry shades. A crimson red lipcolor wouldn’t be so hot for an interview. The no- makeup look wins my vote!

For guys, a solid colored conservative suit is best to wear during an interview. No prints please! Patterns somehow diminish the formality in your demeanor. A long-sleeved white shirt plus a dark tie gives guys the smart casual look, though most male applicants nowadays seem comfortable in donning in pastel-colored shirts. Some even wear powder pink ones.

Never wear white socks. You’re not a first-grader so please replace yours with dark ones. Slip your feet into a pair of shiny black shoes. As much as possible, the only accessory you’d wear would be your watch. And it’s not even for the purposes of style.

Keep your hair neat with gel. However, don’t style them up the way band stars do. It’s like something is sticking out of your head. Shave your beard or moustache, and give up your goatee for just a few days. Be quite like a guy-next-door type, at least until you pass the job interviews! To complete your outfit, carry your documents inside a portfolio or a briefcase.

The way you carry yourself would say a lot about your values and personality. Conservative companies, most especially, are concerned with the way you look. For women, you could wear solid colors. If you think a monochromatic suit is blah and boring, you could try wearing printed dresses – but not too overwhelming. Your top should match the color of your pants and shoes. Go for minimal designs. For example, a floral-printed blouse would look cute and fresh. A light-yellow suit and white silk scarf is also a nice bet. If plain colors really kill you, choose clothes with details, like ruffles and buttons. Some companies aren’t so particular with the design anyway. They notice the overall package.

Limit your jewelry. Don’t overdo and embellish yourself with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings altogether! That would make you look like a bad Christmas tree. Choose pieces that go well with your suit. My top picks include pearls and Svarovski crystals. These items look classy. Avoid wearing dangling and big round earrings, no matter how stylish they are. For me, a pair of earrings and a ring is enough to complete the outfit.

Hairstyles matter too. Go for the neat ‘do. You could twist your hair into a chignon, but skip the seductive look. If you’ve got short hair, brush it into one side, keep it professional-looking. Don’t put clips anymore, unless they’re not that obvious. Those are also accessories, and are best kept to a minimum.

First impressions last. True enough, what people see in you get stuck in the abyss of their minds. You gotta start checking your wardrobe if you have clothes appropriate for job interviews. If you’ve got zero corporate or smart casual attire, then I suggest you hit the malls for some serious shopping.

Why is it important to dress up for the interview? The answer is pretty obvious, my friends. You’re not going to a date or something. You’re meeting your future boss here! So start scouting for decent clothing lest you want your hiring manager to ditch your resume at the very beginning.

A word of advice: You are old enough to know that short, skimpy dresses wouldn’t be too much of an eye candy. They would be more of an eye sore! I bet you wouldn’t feel comfortable, and neither would the people around you.

Whatever your sense of style is, resist the urge to show up in the interview wearing sneakers, low-rise jeans, and revealing tops. You’re not in a fashion show, so drop the trendy ideas. Likewise, avoid wearing thin, white fabric. I guarantee whatever you’re wearing underneath won’t be hidden. Toss piercings off for a while. Cover your tattoos. And please don’t wear too much cologne or perfume. Less is better.