1. By: Elizabeth Kunkel

2.  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.” http://www.career.fsu.edu/img/pdf/guides/DresstoImpress.pdf

3.  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

4.  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 http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/

5.  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

7.  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

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

10.  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

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

12.  http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/ http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/  http://www.career.fsu.edu/img/pdf/guides/ DresstoImpress.pdf http://www.career.fsu.edu/img/pdf/guides/ DresstoImpress.pdf  http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/23121 8 http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/23121 8