I've conducted quite a few interviews, and have had my fair share of being on the other side of the table as well. I recently overheard a discussion about today's workplace, and how everything is so relaxed and easy.... to be specific, one of the comments was " I would never work in a place that didn't allow me to work in shorts."

Okay, so. After listening to that for a while, I thought I would put together some helpful interview hints for the REAL world.

1 - Cover your tattoos.

I know, I know. You're expressing yourself. Each tattoo tells a story. Everyone's got them. As someone conducting an interview, I don't care. Tattoos are ( for the most part) simply seen as unprofessional, and are no one cares about the mermaid on your arm that can dance when you flex.
Good example - I once had a phone interview with a young lady that was intelligent, witty, well-educated, and articulate over the wire. Everything about her was wonderful - I was ready to hire her on the spot. When she came in to meet me for a face-to-face, she was immediately scratched off the list of possible candidates... why?

Because she had a gigantic black widow tattooed on her face.

2 - Dress up.

This should be a given - everyone knows they should dress for the interview, right? Wrong. I have had people come in wearing jogging suits. One woman showed up in a mini-skirt. I even had one young lady show up in a low cut tank top and shorts. Very short shorts.

Don't do it.

3 - Comb your hair.

This should also be a given. It's not. Today's hairstyles seem to be a bit... windblown. Bed head, whatever, don't wear it to your interview. Got the fake mohawk thing? Get rid of it.

4 - Gentlemen, cut and clean your nails.

I shouldn't have to even say this - but I will. Dirt under the nails is a no-no. I once had a guy show up with hands and nails that looked as if he just dropped a transmission in his car. Not good.

5 - Wear nice shoes.

Shoes say a lot. A good solid pair of dress shoes states that you are prepared - a comfortable shoe states that you are ready to work.... but a dirty converse sneaker screams " My Mom still makes my bed."

6 - Facial hair should be nice and neat.

If you have to have a beard - because it helps you express the real you - trim it. Don't show up looking like Grizzly Adams and expect to get the job. Trim that truck-driver beard.

7 - Modest dress is appreciated.

Ladies, please don't show up in a dress that shows off your cleavage. Don't wear a short skirt. Don't wear one of those damn shirts that cuts off above the belly button. Do NOT wear hip huggers. And please - I've seen enough g-strings at interviews. Men - same thing. Don't let me see your g-string.

8- Take your piercings out.

Oh come on, do you honestly think that the majority of managers would hire you to work in a library with that bar through your nose? Okay, maybe for a position in the mailroom....

9 - Do NOT curse during your interview.

I had a lady once that answered a question in a way she didn't like, and then said " Oh F#@!k, let me do that again." I let her "do it again," but I didn't give her the job.

10 - Watch your words.

Don't say "Ummmm" or "Yeah" or "Hey Man" or "Whatever, dude" or "cool!" or any other word that might logically make the person conducting the interview think that you are a high school kid.

You are a professional. Go out there and get the job.