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professional attire
   

 

Professional Attire
Dress for Success!

You’re interviewing for a job or talking to a recruiter at a career fair; you  have 30 seconds to make a good impression, and the first thing the employer sees is what you’re wearing.  Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not. But dressing wrong could cost you the job. It definitely pays to have the right clothing for the type of job you’re seeking – it’s an investment in your future. First impressions count!

We recommend the following attire for interviews. Although there is some slight variation in what is most appropriate, depending on the type of organization you are interviewing with, it is always best to be on the conservative side when interviewing for a professional position.

"3 S's for Success" Checklist for Interview Attire
SUIT

Women

 

Men

  • Matching two-piece suit (either pant or skirt suit)
  • Tailored fit
  • Colors of suit: navy, grey, taupe, dark brown, tan, olive or black
  • Skirt should be knee-length (no
    inappropriate slits)

 
  • Matching two-piece solid or
    pin- striped suit
  • Tailored fit, including pants
    length.
  • Color of suit: navy, dark grey,
    dark brown, olive or black

 

SHIRT
Women
 
Men
  • Shirt with collar OR tailored blouse
  • Color of shirt: white, pastel or light color
  • No lace or embroidery on blouse - no low-cut tops showing cleavage.
 
  • Shirt with collar
  • Color of shirt: white or light color
  • Tie required - no bold prints or
    patterns
SHOES

Women

 

Men

  • Closed-toe, no slingbacks or open backs
  • Dark-colored
  • 1 to 2 inch heel
  • Well-maintained and polished
  • Panty hose required (neutral color)
 
  • Leather shoe (dark color)
  • Well maintained and polished
  • Dress socks (dark color)

Other important things to remember:

  • Minimal jewelry and make-up (nail polish, if worn, should be neutral and chip-free
  • Bring professional bag or briefcase (dark in color)
  • No visible piercing or tatttoos

See links below for more information and visual presentations on professional attire. The examples will include less conservative professional attire appropriate for wearing on the job, but not on job interviews.

Career Center Resources to Help You with Professional Attire

Professional Attire Websites
Career Library
Individual Appointment with a Career Counselor. Call 813-974-2171 to schedule
Walk-in Advising: 15-minute question and answer session. Fall & Spring only.
 

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4202 E Fowler Ave SVC 2088 Tampa, FL 33620-6930
Ph. (813) 974-2171 Fax. (813) 974-5332

Office Hours: M-F: 8am-5pm
Walk-in Hours: Mon/Wed/Thur, 10 - 3 & Tues, 10 - 12:30, Fall/Spring


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USF Career Center