Several years ago, my oldest brother began reading Dear Abby columns to my father, whose health was in decline. The daily reading brought about a chuckle, a point of disagreement, or led to a story of days gone by. Generations have looked to Dear Abby for advice – from what do about their pushy mother-in-law to how to confront a co-worker who leaves a mess in the microwave.

A recent column touched on the hiring process: Listen-up, new hires: You’re now on the clock. Dear Abby relays the concerns of a central Maine municipality worker. The worker provides three common sense tips for new hires:

1. Dress appropriately. “Before you leave your home, bend over in front of a mirror as if you were at a desk or counter. And check both the front and back views. I have seen parts of the anatomy that should be viewed only by your doctor or spouse. Also, that floral tattoo on your abdomen may be cute in a bikini, but it's inappropriate for an office.”  Now that is saying it with style!!
2. Leave your children at home. The interview has enough unpredictable moments without your intervention. Bringing children, friends, or family members only adds to the hiring pressure. If a baby sitter cancels at the last minute, then it is better to postpone than to be encumbered.  
3. Turn off your cell phone. This is the one I personally deal with the most. It is a huge turnoff for hiring managers. If the hiring manager is on the fence about whether or not you are a fit for the company, a funny sounding telephone ring can knock you right out of the running. It is a small thing that can have a big effect.

Dear Abby’s final thoughts: “Different offices hold employees to different standards of dress and behavior. Until a new employee is certain of what those standards are, the sensible thing to do is to err on the side of conservatism in both manner and dress.”