DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Dressing for the Interview or Job Fair
First impressions count! You will never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Your impression begins the moment you contact the employer. It shows in your resume, job application, cover letter, phone conversations, and emails. However, no moment makes a bigger impression than your first face-to-face meeting with the employer. How should you dress?
Understand the company culture. Each company has its own dress code. Even if the position itself is not management or upper level, you still need to look professional. For the most part, dress conservatively( err on the side of plain colors and“ covering up”). Go to the company website and see if there are photos of staff there. How are they dressed? When in doubt, it’ s acceptable to call the human resources department and ask about the dress code.
Don’ t dress to un-impress. Avoid frayed, wrinkled, or soiled clothing. Avoid clothes that are too short, too tight, too baggy, too colorful, or too trendy. Aim for“ neutral” as a rule. Pretend you’ re going to a formal dinner. How would you dress? It is better to be overdressed than underdressed. Limit the jewelry and don’ t carry a backpack. Be mindful of whether body piercings, tattoos, and unusual hair coloring and styles are acceptable to the work culture. Don’ t forget to shower, wear deodorant, and have clean breath. Appropriate attire at minimum is business casual( khakis and a golf shirt), but a business suit or dress slacks and a matching jacket is best.
Women:
• Carry a messenger bag, laptop case, or professional portfolio. Women should not carry a separate purse if possible.( Think: one way of toting.)
• If you must carry a purse, make sure it is small and tasteful( not torn, etc.)
• Wear well-fitting clothing( avoid short skirts, plunging necklines, etc.).
• Don’ t go overboard with jewelry, cosmetics, or perfume.
• Ensure hair is clean and styled.
• Present clean, neat nails.
Men:
• Wear a solid navy, dark gray, or black suit that fits. A bright white dress shirt or business-style blue shirt with a tie is also acceptable.
• Wear comfortable leather shoes which complement your suit or attire.
• Match your belt to your shoes.
• Carry a messenger bag, laptop case, or professional portfolio.
• Use jewelry or cologne sparingly.
• Ensure hair is clean, trimmed, and appropriate for workplace culture.
• Trim and clean fingernails.
• Wear well-fitting clothing( avoid open collars, etc.).
29 | Professional Toolkit