I like to wear things that show who I am. For example, I love Drake, so I created some Drake-inspired Keds with his lyrics written all over them. They get a lot of stares and comments.

I’ve always felt like it’s a good thing to express myself this way, even when I’m dressing for a job interview. So, when my friend told me that Urban Outfitters was having an open house for job applicants, I decided to wear one of my favorite funny T-shirts. It said “If I Only Had a Brain.” I figured Urban Outfitters was a youthful place and they might appreciate my flair.

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The interviewer asked good questions, like why I wanted to work at Urban Outfitters. I answered that I liked how liberal and free-spirited the company seemed. I thought the job would allow me to be myself, since they didn’t have a dress code. She then looked at my shirt and laughed.

I thought I was going to get a second interview, but I was wrong. I didn’t even get a phone call and I can guess why: my “If I Only Had a Brain” shirt. I realized that my shirt might not have conveyed what I wanted it to: that I was unconventional just like Urban Outfitters. Instead, it may have seemed mocking or disrespectful. (Worse, that shirt is not even an Urban Outfitters shirt; it’s an American Apparel shirt!)

First impressions count. It’s not just about what’s on your résumé. It’s also about your look. I realized that sometimes wearing the wrong clothes can keep you from getting the job—or even from getting an opportunity for an interview.

A Time and a Place

Even though I realized that I needed to dress more professionally, I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to tone down my bubbly personality. My next move was to try to get a work-study job at my college, and I convinced myself that since it was a college campus job, I could dress as freely as I wanted to.

I once again wore my “If I Only Had a Brain” T-shirt, this time with my Drake-inspired Keds. But when I asked the receptionist if I could interview that day, he told me to come in the next day. I think he felt that my shirt was too unprofessional, even for a work-study job.

I think it’s good to be yourself. But those experiences made me realize there’s a limit. Sometimes you have to play different roles for different situations in order to get what you want. “There’s a time and a place for everything,” my grandmother used to tell me. It took me a while to understand that.

There have been times when I wore something less “me” to fit in with my employer. For example, when I was working at Gap, I couldn’t wear certain clothes. Everything had to be plain, “Gap-like” clothing since I was representing their company. Many employers want their employees to fit into their world by dressing a certain way.

I know now to follow the lead of the people who already have the job that I want. For instance, if you’re applying for a job at a bank, what do you see the employees of that bank wearing? Suits, dresses, or blouses and knee-length skirts.

Try, Try Again

Of course, getting a job is still tough, no matter how nicely you dress. I wore dress pants and a nice blouse to another job interview. The interview went well, but I didn’t get the job because my school schedule made it impossible for me to work the hours they needed.

I have another interview at Urban Outfitters today, and I’m looking forward to it. I have my hair fixed nice, a little make-up, and the right outfit going on. I made sure this time to wear a dress and some nice boots. I want to look like I fit into their world.

I also went back to the work-study office to try to find a job. This time, I wore a simple black dress with some flats. I looked professional, and my hair was done. This time, the receptionist treated me politely. I submitted my résumé and I’m waiting for a response.

Don’ts for the Interview

1. No goofy T-shirts: If the shirt says “Party Naked,” wear it to a party, not an interview.

2. No messy hair: Having your hair done shows that you take care of yourself.

3. No revealing tops: Tops that show too much breast or any midriff say that you come to work to flirt, not handle business.

4. No tight jeans: Ladies, if you’re applying for a position at a casual clothing store or a fast-food place, jeans may be appropriate. But not jeans that are too tight, the kind you wear to go out dancing.

5. No sagging pants: Guys, you’re not coming to work to model your Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein boxers. Put a belt on it!

6. No sweats: This makes you look like you just got out of the gym. The interviewer won’t take you seriously.

7. No over-the-top make-up, jewelry, or nails: Don’t go crazy with the make-up or jewelry. And skip the Edward Scissorhands nails.