By: Elizabeth Kunkel

 First impressions matter ◦ Skills and appearance  In a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, out of 457 employers who recruit college graduates 92% stated ◦ “A candidate’s overall appearance influences their opinion about the candidate.”

 Know what’s expected by the potential employer  Dress for a position two levels higher than you are interviewing for  Level of formality ◦ reflects importance of situation and respect for interviewer  Ask for the organization’s dress code policy

 Formal and conservative dress style  Don’t choose clothes and accessories that take away from your professional image  Remove piercings and cover tattoos  Clean and styled hair ◦ Keep it out of your face  Clean and pressed apparel  Keep it simple  If your questioning an outfit ◦ Don’t wear it

 Charcoal, navy, gray or black suit with a long sleeved white, ecru or light blue dress shirt  Silk tie with a simple pattern or solid- should be darker than your shirt  Polished, lace-up shoes that match suit  Limit accessories to three pieces  Short hair cut, clean shaven, clean nails, avoid heavy cologne  Long coat and briefcase

 Skirted suit, pantsuit, or conservative dress ◦ Panty hose are a must with a skirt or dress  Avoid blouses with low neck lines or revealing waistlines  Flat or low pump polished shoes, no open toe  Limit accessories to five  Clean and neat hair  Natural looking makeup, manicured nails, light perfume  Purse or briefcase

 Keep clothes in good condition  Prevent missing buttons and wrinkles  Keep a jacket handy  Dress a step higher than your client

 Oxymoron- continuously changes over time  Is becoming more defined  Casual Fridays, polo with company logo  Dress pants or khakis, button down shirts  Nice closed toed shoes

 Look the Part  If you have to ask “Is this appropriate?”- don’t wear it  Dress for Success

  DresstoImpress.pdf DresstoImpress.pdf 