I’m a news fanatic to the extreme, ever since my days as a newspaper reporter. MSNBC.com is my home page at the office. I surf the Arizona Republic for the state’s political updates. I’m obsessed with reading Time, The Week, Inside Tucson Business (of course) and especially The Wall Street Journal.

Recently, the Journal ran a great story on how to "dress for success" for a job interview. Whether applicants interview for an internship or the ultimate dream job, the article urged them to call ahead to ask about the company’s corporate culture. Then, use that bit of intelligence to avoid a culture clash. Dress to match their style.

With the summer intern-hiring season just around the corner, the story reminded me of a bizarre applicant I once interviewed at Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA).

I had a paid, part-time position open for a communications intern to help with our newsletter, magazine, and various public relations assignments. If the person worked out, the main goal was to hire him or her full-time.

An ad brought in 15 or so qualified applicants and the list was narrowed down to four finalists.

Candidate No. 1 was strong, but was dropped after an initial phone interview due to some "attitude" issues.

Candidate No. 2 was probably the best qualified, but the "chemistry" didn’t seem right.

Candidate No. 3 was ultimately hired and, in time, promoted to publications director. After almost four years, she has become a valuable, integral part of our team.

The final candidate was Karrla, a journalism student at the University of Arizona. Her résumé was solid, complete with a diverse writing portfolio. She aced the phone interview and scored an in-office appointment.

But the moment she stepped into the office, she flunked her one chance to make a good first impression. Her appearance and clothes sent the wrong message.

Karrla was dressed in a thin, black blouse and tiny black skirt. Both were way too tight and way too revealing. My first thought was to put on my reading glasses. Not for a closer look, but to protect my eyes in case the top button of her low-cut blouse might malfunction.

From the ground up, she wore shiny, knee-high black boots. The boots gave way to black stockings that disappeared into a high-cut, really short skirt.

It looked as if she had spent more time thinking about a hot date rather than appropriate attire for a job interview. She was dressed for a night of clubbing instead of a work day at the office.

I welcomed her and she sat down.

I admit, I was sidetracked by her outfit so it took me a few moments to get re-focused. And when I did, my eyes blinked in disbelief.

Her long hair was pinned back and on her left ear I counted four studs and a fifth hole with an earring. From the earring hung a thin gold chain, linked to another ring in her nose. Under her nose was a lip ring. As we talked, I noticed she also had a tongue stud.

I’ve got a young daughter who sometimes creates fashion faux pas of her own, so I tried to give Karrla the benefit of the doubt.

I forced myself to look past the skimpy wardrobe and piercing jewelry at the person and her skills, which, I reminded myself, were strong.

As awkward as it was, we had to talk about her appearance. I told her that although SAHBA has certain days when we all worked in jeans, her "extreme look" wasn’t appropriate in a business setting.

Often, we meet with and interview corporate executives and government officials. This was a serious job at stake, and no one would take her seriously looking like that.

So in a kind way, I questioned her about her style.

"People should accept me as I am," Karrla replied. "This is how I express myself, I can’t change me. Besides, what would my friends think?"

Needless to say, that was not the answer I was looking for.