Ozarks Technical Community CollegeCareer Employment Services

Dress To Impress

Dress To Impress

If you had a job interview tomorrow, what outfit would you

wear?

“Clothes make the man (woman). Naked people have little or no influence in society.”

~ Mark Twain

Professional Appearance

First Impression Test – WomenWho would you hire?

First Impression Test – MenWho would you hire?

Casual Meeting / Interview / Career Fair)

•Use Common Sense •Be Conservative •Research Online or Read Articles / Books•Talk to Department Store Professionals•Discuss with Teachers Career Professionals / Business

Leaders / HR Professionals•Forget what you see on TV

Dressing for Success

•Should you be judged by what you wear? •Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, you are judged. •All About First Impressions •Every part of the interview process is about judgments

• Résumé• Cover Letter• Phone Interview • In-Person Interview

Employer Perspective

Make a Lasting Impression

• 41% of employers more often promote people who dress better• 64% of employers surveyed have banned flip

flops– 49% have forbidden mini-skirts– 38% have banned sleeveless shirts– 28% have prohibited jeans

CNN.com article “How to dress for success at work”, July 30, 2008

•Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have definable corporate cultures.

•Professional Position vs. Skilled / Non-Skilled Labor Position

•When in doubt ask HR Department or Recruiter •If you must ask…ask it professionally

•Like it or Not - Different Standards for Men and Women

Position You Are Seeking

NO-NO-NO Tattoos or Facial Piercing

No matter how conservative!

Your Mother is Right!

First Impressions

•Conservative two-piece business suit (dark blue or grey is best)

•Black = Power•Grey = Neutral•Blue = Loyalty

•Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)

•Stripe in shirt is fine•Stay away from “wild” or “crazy” patterns•Button-Up •Low Cut = Never

•Clean, polished conservative shoes •Same color as belt•Do not wear open-toed shoes

Men and Women

•Well-groomed hairstyle •Clean, trimmed fingernails •Minimal cologne or perfume•Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins •No gum, candy or cigarettes •Light briefcase or portfolio case•Don’t overdo your jewelry

•Wear only one or two rings•Avoid jingling bracelets, giant hoop or dangling earrings, and any other flashy jewelry

•No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)•Ask someone you trust, “How do I look?”

Men and Women

Put Away the Sports Jersey!GUYS!

•Tailored suits in navy, gray, beige

•Natural fabrics - wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie •Seasonal fabrics & colors

•Dark suit, light shirt •Business shoes and over-the-calf matching socks •Matching tie in low-key colors •Stay away from cartoons or sports symbols

Men:Consider These Tips/Advice

•Shoes & belt should match•Facial hair •Depends on position - mustache normally acceptable

•Jewelry•Watch•College ring, military ring, wedding band•No earrings

•Pants•Proper fit – not too loose or tight

Men:Consider These Tips/Advice

It’s About Fashion – Not Red Carpet Glamour!

GALS!

Women:Consider These Tips/Advice

•Avoid loud or flashy styles and colors•Most recent fashion isn’t necessary

•Use makeup sparingly•Stay away from bold colors•Lipstick should be natural•Nail polish should be natural

•Low -heeled shoes•No open-toed shoes•Heels should be 1 – 2 ½ inches

•Hosiery

•Job experts and employers are split on the notion of pants vs. skirts, so choose a suit that’s professional•Skirt length should be at the knee, a little below the knee and never shorter than the knee•Opt for a briefcase rather than a purse •Hair – a natural color – bold highlights can be a mistake

Women:Consider These Tips/Advice

Do you think a female should wear a skirted suit rather than a pantsuit to the

interview?

Yes 5 (4%)No 29 (24%)No opinion 65 (55%)Other 19 (16%)No answer 1 (.8%)

119 Courtesy of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

You’ve Got the Job – Now Keep It!

Business Casual

occupational hazard

Have you cleaned up your Social Media accounts lately?

What does “Business Casual” Really Mean?

•Men •Not expected to wear ties •Business or sports jacket is appropriate •Stylish, solid colored pants •Long-sleeved solid or striped dark shirt •Dark socks •Matching belt and shoes

•Women •Business skirt or pants •Conservative blouse or sweater •Blazer or vest is appropriate •Flat or low heels •Neutral hosiery •Belt, scarf, and accessories should remain understated

Business Casual

Business Casual Business Casual Women Men

•Sometimes when employees hear that business casual is their company's policy on dress, some

take the opportunity to really dress down. •Trade slacks for jeans•Shirts for T-shirts or sweatshirts

•The summer months = treacherous minefield of work fashion DON’TS. •Tank or tube tops•Flip-flops or tennis shoes•Shorts•No bare skin!

•Remember - You are going to work, not a picnic or a ballgame.

Casual to the Extreme

•Business attire is an investment•Seek professional advise•Basic / Classic styles•Save the fun stuff for the weekend or company picnic•Dress appropriately for business occasion

Business Attire

Ozarks Technical Community CollegeCareer Employment Services

Thank You!Questions?

In cooperation with :

Malinda StevensFormer Human Resources Manager

Springfield Remanufacturing Corporation (SRC)