Dress for Success Appropriate Attire for a Job Interview

Terms Appearance: The way someone or something looks Business Casual: In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. The interpretation of business casual differs widely among organizations and is often a cause of confusion Classic: Clothing that has become a tradition Fad: A practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal Formal Wear: Formal wear, formal dress, and evening wear are general terms for clothing suitable for formal social events, such as a wedding, formal garden party or dinner, debutante cotillion or dance Discuss each term with the students. More terms can be found with the lesson material.

Terms Interview: A formal consultation usually to evaluate qualifications (as of a prospective student or employee) Professional: Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace Smart Casual: Smart casual (as distinct from business casual) is a loosely defined dress code; casual, yet "smart" (i.e. "neat") enough to conform to the particular standards of certain Western social groups Discuss each term with the students. More terms can be found with the lesson material.

What Not to Wear According to a survey conducted by OfficeTeam of 674 human resource managers at companies throughout the United States, this is some of the strangest interview clothing worn by interviewees. Ask the following: Why do you think the clothing represented on the screen might not be the best clothing for a job interview? What do these outfits say about the person interviewing for the job? What do you think the interviewer thinks about the interviewee? Do you think the interviewee got the job?

Do’s and Don’ts Here are some tips provided by OfficeTeam based on the research from their survey of what not to do and what to do when choosing clothes for an interview. Ask the following: Why might it be a good idea to overdress than to underdress for an interview? Why might it be important to choose simple accessories, makeup, perfume or cologne?

Job Interview Dos and Don’ts Activity: Is this appropriate for a job interview or not? Distribute handout Job Interview Do’s and Don’ts (see All Lesson Attachments tab) or have students take out a sheet of paper and # from 1 –12. I’m going to show you 12 slides, one right after the other. Each slide will have a number and a different picture. Look closely at the clothing worn by the individual represented on each slide. Ask yourself if what they are wearing is appropriate for a job interview. Write YES or NO on the corresponding number on your handout. Once I have shown you all twelve slides, you will exchange papers with a classmate and we will review each slide to agree on the correct answers.

1. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? NO After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

2. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

3. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

4. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? NO After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

5. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

6. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

7. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

8. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

9. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? NO After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

10. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

11. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? YES After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

12. Appropriate or not? Look at the individuals represented on the screen. Take a moment to really look at each person and their clothing. Write down everything you think could be wrong with this outfit in an interview setting. Appropriate or not? NO After about five minutes, allow the students to share out loud what they think is right or wrong with the outfits. Discuss with the students why each picture is right or wrong and if it is wrong, how it could be corrected to reflect professional interview attire. Professional interview attire will be discussed in more detail in later slides. Source: OfficeTeam

How did you score? 12 : You’re a top contender for the job 7 -11: Improvement needed 0 – 6: You’re going to miss out on a job opportunity

Interview Attire Practice good hygiene Wear well-fitting clothing Dress appropriate for the workplace Dressing up is better than dressing down Don’t dress for a party or the club Wear classics not fads Dress for Success Video (click on link) Clothes and appearance say a lot about a person! It shows you care about the interview and that you are taking it seriously.

Clothing for Men and Women Suit A 2-piece that matches Conservative colors/fabrics Navy, dark gray and black are safe Wool or wool blends are classics that never go out of fashion Details Clean and well-pressed (ironed) Jewelry Dressing for Work (click on link) Here are some general tips for both men and women: a two-piece suit is always the best and safest choice; bright colors and patterns should be avoided; wear classics like wool or wool blends and always iron your clothes. Both men and women should wear minimal pieces of jewelry.

Clothing for Men Ties Shirts Avoid what’s in style; solid, classic silk ties are best How to Tie a Full Windsor Knot (click on link) Shirts Long sleeves are best, even in summer time; white or light blue are best Always choose classic styles in clothing.

Clothing for Men Socks Shoes Belt Facial hair Career Spots Interview Dress for Men (click on link) Choose socks that match your pants and do not show skin. Shoes and belts should be a durable leather material. Always match your belt to your shoes. If you choose to display facial hair, be sure it is well groomed.

Clothing for Women Skirts/dresses Shoes Hosiery Knee-length; should cover thigh when seated Shoes Flats or a low heel are best Hosiery Plain, no styles or patterns, complement outfit Career Spots Interview Dress for Women (click on link) Just as with the men’s attire, a woman should always choose classic styles in clothing. Shoes should be a durable, leather material. Hosiery should be plain and should not be patterned.

Clothing for Women Cosmetics (if worn) Purse simple and conservative nails should be short, well groomed, clear polish Purse small, simple, match color to outfit For an interview, simple is best when it comes to make-up and nails. Avoid heavy make-up or fancy nails. A small, simple leather purse that matches the outfit is best.

Grooming Tips Hair Shoes Details Hands neat and clean polished and good condition Details no missing buttons no lint Hands clean nails Men and women should be sure to look themselves over before going on an interview. Your personal appearance tells the interviewer how much time you spent preparing for the interview and if you are taking it seriously.

Questions?

Resources and References Images: Microsoft Clip Art: Used with permission from Microsoft. Websites: College Grad. (2013). Dressing for interview success. Retrieved from http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Competitive-Interview-Prep/Dressing-for-Interview- Success/ Career Services. (2013). Dress to impress – Professional attire. Retrieved from http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/dress-to-impress.html CareerSpots.com (2013). Interview dress for men http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=81&apass=Dl5pmkUkCgrc4jVqw wDp7w==&vidnum=4&=& CareerSpots.com (2013). Interview dress for women http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=81&apass=Dl5pmkUkCgrc4jVqw wDp7w==&vidnum=4&=&

Resources and References Websites: OfficeTeam. (2013). What not to wear. Retrieved from http://officeteam.rhi.mediaroom.com/interviewattire PRNewswire. (2010). OfficeTeam survey reveals most unusual interview attire. Retrieved from http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/roberthalf/45118/ YouTube. (2013). How to tie a full windsor knot. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ms1eo9Aas&feature=youtu.be