Dress for Success

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Professional Business 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!

Following are examples of business attire.

"3 S's for Success" Checklist
for Business Attire

SUIT

Women

Men

Matching two-piece suit (either pant or skirt suit) or tailored dress with jacket
Tailored fit, knee-length - no extreme slits
Color: Dark colors, preferably navy or gray

Matching two-piece solid or pin-striped suit
Tailored fit, including pants length
Color: Dark colors, preferably navy or gray

SHIRT

Women		Men
Shirt with collar or tailored blouse Color: white or light color Crisp, conservative blouse - no low-cut tops		Shirt with collar Color: white or light color Tie required - no bold prints or patterns

SHOES

Women		Men
Dark leather or leather-look 1 to 2" heels; conservative style Well-maintained and polished		Dark leather or leather-look Well-maintained and polished Dark-colored dress socks

Other important things to remember:

Minimal jewelry and make-up (nail polish, if worn, should be neutral and chip-free)
Bring professional portfolio or briefcase (optional), dark color
No visible piercings or tattoos

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 Business Attire

Professional Attire Websites

Career Resource Room: Books and DVDs

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