Dress for Success Winning First Impressions for the Corporate World Presented by: Suzanne S. Clodfelter, M.A.I.S. Manager, UHV Center for Nonprofit Leadership

First Impressions You have only one chance to make a good first impression. Your appearance tells others how you feel about yourself, which can define how they treat you. Your corporate ladder climb will be easier if you look like you belong there.

First Impression Test – Women Who would you hire?

First Impression Test – Men Who would you hire?

What influenced you? Apparent level of sophistication Color of tie, shoes, dress Well-groomed appearance Conservative appearance Overall attractiveness Non-verbal signals Apparent level of self-confidence

What do your clothes say about you? Your appearance plays a supporting role in the interview process. Your appearance can convey strong feelings of trust to a prospective employer. Your appearance can convey a sense of self-confidence, dependability and professionalism. Your appearance can determine how people you meet will react to you.

First Impression Guidelines - Colors That Work Dark to medium range blues Navy Blue – respected by all socio- economic levels Gray Camel/Beige Black Dark Brown Burgundy Rust

First Impression Guidelines - Colors to Avoid Women –Most pastels, especially pale yellow –Bright orange Men and Women –Most shades of green –Mustard – bad, bad, bad Dark Colors make you seem more powerful; only use when you need control.

First Impression Guidelines - The Suit Two-piece matched suit Knee-length skirt for women Tailored and pressed pants for men and women Tailored, long-sleeve shirt or blouse Minimal jewelry, cologne and makeup Leather lace-up shoes for men; closed-toe pumps for women

First Impression Guidelines - Grooming Hair – clean and neat Details – no missing buttons, lint or tags Hands – clean, manicured fingernails Fit – clean, pressed and proper fit Smell – little or no cologne; no cigarette odor Breath – fresh, clean breath; use a breathmint

First Impression Guidelines - Accessories Shoes – never lighter than the hem of your skirt or pants Belts – classic, quality leather Bags and briefcases – small, dark-colored leather briefcase Jewelry – minimal; business watch, nothing flashy Scarves and ties – silk

First Impression Guidelines - The Ten Decisions Social Position Economic Level Educational Level Trustworthiness Moral Character Level of Sophistication Success – previous and current Social Heritage Economic Heritage Educational Heritage

First Impression Guidelines - Research Learn the corporate culture before you interview. Dress appropriately for the position that you are applying. You convey respect to the person you are meeting. Define your audience – clients, management, colleagues, staff; fit perceived image for the position.

Remember! You only have one chance to make a first impression. Dress for success and you’ll look like you belong at the top!

First Impressions Resources amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/Budget.html amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/research.html careercenter.tamu.edu/Students/S1/S1B2A.shtml rent/pemberton/sikes2html m ARNC.html