Dress for Success

Interviewing

Resources

JobWeb: Resumes & Interviews
Riley Guide: Network, Interview & Negotiate
International Business Etiquette

Your Visual Effect

It is important to note that up to 60 percent of the hiring decision is made within the first three minutes, so your first impression is critical!

The course of the interview or a potential job offer often depends upon your physical impression. The following tips will help you market yourself.

Adopt a positive attitude of "Why not me?" rather than "Why me?" Program yourself for success.
Wear conservative clothing. A skirted suit or tailored dress with a jacket for women. For men, a matching jacket and trousers with a tie and light colored shirt for business and professional positions. Always dress a step above the appropriate attire for the job.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Be certain they are polished and in good repair.
Women should always wear hose of natural or light coordinated color. Men should wear dark matching socks.
No jewlery that dangles! Large rings or more than two can affect your impression. Remove all visible piercings for the purpose of the interview.
Carry a handbag or attaché case but not both. Many students will simply bring a padfolio containing extra copies of their resume and references.
A controlled, subtle look for hair is best. Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed. For men this includes facial hair.
Less makeup and scent is best. Only the slightest cologne or aftershave, if any.
Be sure hands and nails are clean and well cared for with no bright nail polish.
Look alert. Sit straight. Walk with energy. Shake hands firmly. Make direct eye contact. Be careful of nervous gestures such as head nodding, smiling too much and talking with hands.
Expression is probably the most important part of your impression. Think smile. Your attitude is judged by your expression.
Avoid all of these distractions: hats, chewing gum, smoking, nail biting, chipped nail polish, sunglasses, outdated glasses, slit skirts, bow ties, threads hanging and too much makeup.

Business Casual

With Generation X and the boom of the dotcom industry came "business casual" dress. While many welcome a more relaxed approach to work-time dress, for others, this has resulted in confusing and, in some cases, embarrassing situations.

So, what is meant by "business casual," and what are your options when invited to a function where "business casual" dress is appropriate? "Business casual" is defined by the region, industry and even the individual company. As with most other things, when in doubt about what to wear, err on the side of conservative.

Conservative Business Casual for Men	Conservative Business Casual for Women
Slacks or khaki pants in a tailored cut, one color Long-sleeved shirt or tailored sweater Sports coat or jacket (can always be removed!) Dark socks Leather loafers or tie shoes with matching belt	Slacks or pants in tailored cut Belt to match shoes if pants have loops Tailored shirt or sweater set Trouser socks or hosiery Leather flats or low-heeled shoes or dress boots