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.
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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!
- 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
- 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 knee.
- “Unsuited” business attire can give you a professional look even if you don’t 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—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’t fall victim to the white socks with dress shoes! Be sure that your trouser socks pass the elasticity test so they don’t 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 the belt 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