Dress to Impress for SuccessThe Right Look for that Important Interview

A Presentation for SDSU Career Services

Mary J. Pietanza

San Diego, CA

August 23, 2011

AgendaIntroductionsToday’s ObjectivesDress to Impress ~ Achieve the

GoalRecapResources

IntroductionsNameRole/DepartmentImpact on studentsSummer vacation – real or

wishful thinking . . .

ObjectivesWhat do you hope to get out of

today’s session?

Today’s ObjectivesCurrent: Identify what you see today

◦The Good ◦The Bad◦The Ugly

Goal: What do you want to see to achieve the goal?

Barriers, challenges, considerationsRecommendations: What can/will

you do?What can “I” do?

6

The #1 Interview Mistake

POOR PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Now You See It, Now you Don’tWhat is considered “Poor Personal

Appearance?What do you see now that should not

be seen for interviews?What should students avoid wearing?What do you see that is right?

What to Wear? Changes Stays the Same

At School X

At Work X

Job Interviews X

Goal through Dress to ImpressMake a good impression in

interviews to land that job or internship

“College is something you complete. Life is something you experience. In life, people will no longer be grading you. Your success will be defined in a myriad of ways so get competent and credible in what you love to do.”

- Jon Stewart, Host of The Daily Show, Comedy Central

10

Know Your Environment

College & Campus Scene – ◦ You are free to

display your own style, be self expressive, and wear latest fashion trends

Business World◦ More conservative◦ Personal style won’t

necessarily win points

“Sometimes Sammi just has to be Sammi

. . .”

??

12

Appearance

You have one chance to make a good first impression.

Specifically . . .

You Have Only 30 Seconds . . .. . . to make an impression through . . .

Education levelCareer competence & successPersonality Level of sophisticationTrustworthinessSense of humorSocial heritage

(Bixler & Nix-Rice, 2005, pp 4-5)

Barriers, Challenges, ConsiderationsSchool culture vs corporate cultureIndividual personality (be “yourself”)Peer influenceCost of professional interview attire Knowing thyself and thy interviewing

companyPhysical things that cannot be

changedEthnic and religious normsOthers?

15

Why is Appearance ImportantAppearance is 80% of

first impressions – prior to opening your mouth!

The wrong appearance sends a red flag to a potential employer that you may be a non-conformist who may not be a team player.

Ask Yourself This One Question

Will this help me get the

job??

RecommendationsCHALLENGESSchool culture vs

corporate cultureBe yourselfPeer influenceCost of professional

interview attire Knowing thyself and thy

interviewing companyPhysical things that

cannot be changedEthnic and religious

normsOthers?

SOLUTIONS Interview “culture” is

different than bothBe professionalCareer influenceCreative gifting and

shopping Be professional and do

your researchEmphasize your best

and downplay the restAssess and balance the

right fit for bothShow good judgment

18

What to Avoid

Hair covering face JeansAthletic shoes Short skirtsHeavy make-upClunky jewelryLong fingernails and

trendy nail polishToo many earrings

and/or any visible “rings”

Polo or t-shirtsTattoos

Noisy shoesHats GlovesHeavy perfume/cologneSunglasses indoors (unless

necessary)Open-toed shoes/sandalsShoes without socks or

nylonsLow cut necklinesUncomfortable and too-

tight and too-loose clothingAny wrinkled or soiled

clothing

19

Tips on Interview Attire - Women

Solid color conservative dress or suit

Closed-toe, low to medium-heeled pumps in a conservative color – black, navy, beige (in summer only)

Conservative jewelry in small doses

Wear nude or tan pantyhoseHair should be kept neatly combedKeep make-up light and naturalLight perfume, if at allPortfolio & purse or briefcase

20

Tips on Interview Attire - Men

Wear a suit (navy, gray or charcoal) with white shirt neatly pressed

Keep ties conservativeDark over the calf socks that

match suitBlack leather shoes (polished

wingtips or loafers) Minimal jewelryConservative haircut – collar

length, above the ears, neatly combed

Either clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair.

Portfolio or briefcase

Recap – Awareness to ActionKeep Ultimate Goal in Mind• Focus on landing the Job

Understand Interview Culture• Different from School and Workplace

Cultures; more professional and conservative than both; obstacles and opportunities; be your “contextual” self

Use Objective Statement for Interview Preparation and Execution• Will this help me get the job? Implement

“Yes” actions!

Today’s ObjectivesCurrent: Identify what you see today

◦The Good ◦The Bad◦The Ugly

Goal: What do you want to see to achieve the goal?

Barriers, challenges, considerationsRecommendations: What can/will

you do?What can “I” do?

Questions

Acknowledgments & References The New Professional Image, 2nd edition, by Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-

Rice, Adams Media (2005), ISBN: 1593372973 Beyond Business Casual: What to Wear to Work If You Want to Get Ahead

By Ann Marie Sabath, Career Press (April 2000), ISBN: 1564144461 Your Executive Image: How to Look Your Best & Project Success for Men a

nd Women

By Victoria A. Seitz. Adams Media Corporation (February 2000), ISBN: 1580621783

www.about.com www.experience.com (several pages) http://

www.imdiversity.com/villages/asian/careers_workplace_employment/prasad_ethnic_style_in_workplace.asp

SAIC Human ResourcesOther Readings by Chandra Prasad Exploring Culturally Specific Styles in the Workplace

The shift to "business casual" begs the question: what about ethnic styles?

Difference as AdvantageBy Chandra Prasad, IMDiversity Career Center Special ContributorMaximize the benefits of your cultural identity on the job