It’s the morning of your big job interview. You feel certain that your qualifications and career goals make you perfect for the job. Your final check in the mirror reveals a starchy cotton button-down, a smart navy suit, a simple watch and set of earrings, and an awful pair of shoes. While it may seem ridiculous, shoes do matter. It speaks to your attention to detail, your regard for your future employers, even your self-esteem.

At a job interview it’s important to put your best foot forward. Your goal is to look as shiny and polished as the resume that got you in the door in the first place. It’s all a matter of punctuating a stellar look with just the right footwear. Your shoes can speak volumes about you; for an interview, you want them to say, “I am confident, smart, and ready to get down to business.” Don’t make the mistake of sending a different message with the following incredibly-inappropriate-for-a n-interview footwear selections.

1. Sandals: They say, “Im not even going to try to impress you.” Though office dress codes are increasingly becoming more progressive and, in turn, more relaxed, it is not a good idea to take this liberality upon first meeting with your future employers. Play it safe and cover your feet; you can always explore the company policy on footwear later on, when youre sure you have a job.

2. Sneakers: They shrug, “I really have no clue about life.” If you have the audacity to wear tennis shoes to a job interview, we have bigger concerns than your choice of footwear, like the amount of respect with which you regard your prospective employers. And don’t try to be clever by calling them another namea sneaker by any other name would stink as much (at an interview, of course).

3. Stilettos: They whisper, “I’m here for so much more than a job interview.” Unless your future boss is Hugh Heffner and your uniform will consist of a bunny tail and ears, there is no need to bring out the big guns (or heels rather) at an interview. Save it for the office Christmas party, if youre brave enough.

4. Flip-flops: They scream, “I’m stuck in college student mode and not ready for a grown-up job.” No matter what the material (leather, rubber, foam, etc.) or how bejeweled they are, just leave them at home. Doesn’t matter how cute your toes are or that you just got a pedicure. They have no place at the workplace, so just don’t. Plus, the sound they make can be annoying. Do you really want to be annoying at an interview?

5. Espadrilles: They say “Hey, I’m ready for the beach!” While we all love this summertime staple, it speaks more to a free spirited beach dweller than a competent job candidate. Think sophisticated and self-assured, not cute and clueless.

So what can you wear? The best bet for an interview is the classic pump. Whether you choose to go trendy with a patent peep-toe, super-confident with a pointed sling back, or safe with a round-toe and a stacked heel, the choices are plentiful enough for you to make a good impression without sacrificing your sense of style. If all else fails, remember that unless you’re looking for a career in the fashion industry, it’s always best to err on the side of conservatism. After all, you don’t want to get started on the wrong foot!

Related posts:

1. Worst shoes to wear for a job interview – Part 6
2. Worst shoes to wear for a job interview – Part 1
3. Worst shoes to wear for a job interview – Part 4
4. Worst shoes to wear for a job interview – Part 2
5. What shoes to wear with cropped pants?