As a candidate, a recruiter or hiring manager is gauging if you will be a good representation of the company and its brand. Being a snappy dresser might not get you the job, but improper dress and appearance is one of the most common reasons a candidate doesn't receive an offer.听
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Attire Tips
- Hygiene is a must! Remember to shower, groom, wear deodorant and brush your teeth
- Arrive pressed and ready to impress
- Shoes in good condition, shined and no scuffs
- Dress conservatively and appropriately for the position
- Clothes that fit properly, not too tight or loose. This is not the time to be uncomfortable because your collar is too tight! 听
- In the end the office may be business casual, but you aren't hired yet! Always go above what might be expected from you on a day to day basis.
Tip: Different industries have different dress code standards. Financial sectors will expect a suit, but a job in parks and recreation may be overdressed in a power suit. Ask a Career Advisor for help!
- Well-tailored suits (pants or a skirt) should have a good fit.
- Dark or Neutral suit and tie; or a blazer and dress shirt听
- Stick to dark and neutral colors such as black, navy or gray.
- Choose a conservative tie- Colorful is ok but no loud prints or neon colors
- Be mindful of skirt length, skirts should fall just above the听knee.
- 鈥淯nsuited鈥 business attire can give you a professional look even if you don鈥檛 have access to a well-fitting suit. A nice pair of slacks can be paired with a blouse, sweater or a tailored button-down shirt
- Long sleeve shirts- Yes, even when it is 90 degrees!
- No plunging or revealing necklines
- No leggings or yoga pants鈥ever.
Tip: Have a backup outfit or shirt on hand and ready to go! You never know when you might get a smudge or lose a button.
- Choose a dark or neutral dress shoe. No stilettos, strappy sandals or platform pumps!
- Don鈥檛 fall victim to the white socks with dress shoes! Be sure that your trouser socks pass the elasticity test so they don鈥檛 fall down your leg midway through your interview.
- Well-groomed hair with nails trimmed and cleaned
- If you choose to wear jewelry, keep it simple. This is not the time to impress with your bling!
- Tuck in your shirt and wear a belt; when in doubt match听the belt听to your shoe color.
- Keep visible piercings to earring only (one in each ear)
- Stick to a conservative look rather than trendy. This is not the time to push the fashion envelope.
- Avoid scented lotions, cologne or perfume- You want to stand out due to your brilliance not your smell!
- Jeans, tees, caps and sneakers are a No-No!
- Wrinkled or Stained Clothing
- Ill fitting items
- Missing buttons or Frayed hems
- Stick to a conservative look rather than trendy. This is not the time to push the fashion envelope.
- Avoid scented lotions, cologne or perfume- You want to stand out due to your brilliance not your smell!
- Jeans, tees, caps and sneakers are a No-No!
- Wrinkled or Stained Clothing
- Ill fitting items
- Missing buttons or Frayed hems