by Kristen Moore

Created on: September 20, 2010

It is said that you can learn a lot about an individual by looking at their feet. Indeed, the shoes we wear send an unintentional message to the world. When attending a job interview, you need to concern yourself with making the best first impression possible. Your shoes are absolutely included in this impression. To begin with, it might be best to eliminate shoes that are inappropriate for a job interview.

Too Casual

For starters, you never, ever want to wear tennis shoes or any sort of canvas shoes to a job interview. Even if the job requires casual clothing, you still need to make your best first impression. Canvas shoes are simply too casual to make a positive first impression. As an alternative, try wearing leather lace up shoes or clogs. These shoes will be appropriate, even for an interview that is casual in nature.

Open-toe Shoes

Shoes that are cut out at the toe are always inappropriate at an interview as well. Even if you wear brand new panty hose and just got a pedicure, the bottom line is that it is never acceptable to show your feet at a job interview. As an alternative, look for shoes that are closed all the way around – even in the back. Wear closed-in shoes to an interview, even in the summertime. Your feet might get a bit hot, but it is only for a short period of time.

Unclean Shoes

Even if they are your nicest pair of leather dress shoes, most shoes could stand to be cleaned up a bit before a job interview. This does not mean that you need to run out and purchase a new pair of shoes every time you have a job interview. Most shoes actually clean up quite nicely. Try purchasing some shoe cleaner and polish. You can find these items at most shoe stores and sometimes even at the grocery store. After cleaning your shoes, make sure to polish them. Shoe polish brings out the optimal shine and makes shoes look brand new. If you wear leather shoes, just make sure that you purchase polish in shades that match your shoes.

Overall, just remember that you only get one opportunity to make a good first impression. The way that you are dressed is the first thing that the interviewer will likely notice about you. Make sure that you start out on the right foot.   

Learn more about this author, Kristen Moore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.