The "always wear a suit to an interview" mantra hasn't completely left the building but it's on its way out.
Do wear nice but informal clothing on blue-collar interviews, and casual business dress to white-collar interviews in industries, such as information technology, that are soft on traditionalism. A suit is still the ticket in banking and other button-down industries.
Job search secret: The criterion for interviewing dress is to look like an insider, not an outsider. You want to look like "one of them on a good day."
Research. Call the company receptionist and ask about the dress code. Stand outside the company doors and observe employees going in and out. View employees on the company Web site. And, of course, network by phone, online or Twitter to get the right look going in.
DEAR JOYCE: After three weeks, my working a job fair produced no callbacks. Should I try to call the people who I met at the booths? - J.J.
You have nothing to lose by trying to reach the company's representative. I hope you got a business card with the rep's direct line and job title. (The rep may not be a recruiter but anyone available to man the booth on fair day.)
Say that while you have several interviews scheduled, you're most interested in the rep's company and are wondering whether your resume has been routed. Then ask, "Do you see a fit with an open position?" Regardless of the answer, you should aim to build rapport with the busy rep and ask if it's OK if you check back from time to time.