So, you got the interview for that summer internship you’ve been dreaming of. Now all you have to do is make a great impression and you’ll be interning in no time! Think your attire doesn’t matter that much? Think again! According to SeekingSuccess.com, eighty percent of an interviewer’s impression is visual, so it should be obvious why looking the part is so vital to scoring your dream internship or job. Employers want to hire people who will represent their company's image perfectly. Greg McDermitt, human resource director of Cooper Power Systems, says an interviewee that does not pay attention to his or her appearance or just does not care, may easily display the same indifference on the job. So, in order to nail that position you want so badly, you have to start with a flawless appearance.

Classy vs. Trashy

All professional occasions call for sophisticated, conservative attire. But what do interviewers consider tasteful? Holly Jacobs, internship coordinator for Ohio University, says a nicely pressed suit is always a right choice, unless it’s a print or a bold, obnoxious color. Black, brown and navy blue colored suits are preferred. You’ll need to pair your suit with a coordinating blouse, but if you bring in color, keep it tasteful and moderate. Complete your outfit with nude colored pantyhose and a pair of clean closed-toed pumps.

Although a pant or skirt suit is best, if you haven’t invested in one yet, there are acceptable alternatives. Tailored slacks or knee length skirts matched with a pressed blouse, or a knee length dress paired with a cardigan are other suitable options.

Another important point to think about is the fit of your clothes. “To show that you mean business, dress like you’re in business,” McDermitt says. Employers do not want to see bare midriffs, cleavage, sleeves that are too short or clothes that are too tight.

Interview vs. Date Night

You want to look like you're going into work, not like you're headed for the bar with your girlfriends. The golden rule—natural-looking makeup is better than makeup overload. Showing up to an interview with dark eye shadow, thick eye liner or bold colored lipstick is distracting. Keep it simple. A neutral lipstick, a little foundation, a touch of blush and some mascara will do the trick in keeping your makeup conservative.

Before you reach for the chandelier earrings you wore last Friday, remember the same principle you used for makeup—simplicity!  You want the interviewer to notice your incredible qualifications, not your flashy jewelry. Simple studs and a small necklace are sufficient.

Eye contact is also incredibly important during an interview. To insure an interviewer can keep eye contact with you throughout the entire interview, long hair or long bangs should be pulled back away from your face. Jacobs also strongly emphasizes wearing minimal perfume.

Genuinely Interested vs. Phony

If you forget everything else, at least remember to keep a smile on your face and exude confidence. Greet the employer with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and be assertive. Don’t forget to speak clearly and use proper grammar. Employers, especially those interviewing for intern- or entry-level positions, will be able to look past your anxiousness, but they won't be able to look past a negative attitude.

At the end of the interview, have questions prepared for the interviewer. Questions ranging from their job description or their typical day, to how they got their position or what they like best about their job are not only acceptable, they show the interviewer you are genuinely interested.

Securing that dream internship or job is more than just showing up and saying the right things. Be prepared. Take it seriously. The interviewer is looking at everything you have to offer their company, right down to your image. Dress the part, act the part, and before you know it, you’ll be the one they’re hiring.