Dress
for Success
Dressing properly when meeting an employer is every bit as important as having solid presentation skills. When an employer meets you for the first time, they will form an immediate impression of you based on what they see - i.e., what you are wearing and how you present yourself. And we all know how important and powerful the first impression can be. Whether you are meeting an employer at an event (job fair, networking reception, panel presentation) or during an interview, follow the tips below.
Check out the Dress for Success Webinar
- Hair is combed, clean, and away from the face.
- Wear minimal make-up (with no sparkles or glitter) and avoid flashy jewelry.
- Wear a blouse that is not deep cut. Avoid scarves that are distracting.
- Wear a tailored suit. Traditional business attire means a dark, conservative skirt suit or pant suit (see below).
- Be sure that skirts are no more than one inch above the knee. Do not wear thigh-high or floor-length skirts.
- Wear nude or black hosiery.
- Wear polished dress pumps.
- Hair is combed, clean, and neat.
- Clean, shaved face or neatly trimmed beard.
- Tie is neatly knotted. Tie should be silk and coordinate with the suit.
- Wear a tailored suit. Traditional business attire means a dark, conservation suit with a pressed, long-sleeved shirt.
- Wear an appropraite watch (i.e., not too bulky, no alarms).
- Bring a folio with copies of your resume, cover letter, and list of references (no backpacks).
- Wear polished dress shows with dark socks.