PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

According to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look. Like it or not, that includes your wardrobe. Don't underestimate the importance image can have on your interview and, ultimately, your career success. Employers will definitely take note of the image you project. After all, you will be a living, visual representation of their company or organization. They want to know that the impression you give to others will be a positive one.

The traditional rules of interview dress are still the best rules - simple and conservative. Your interviewing wardrobe should consist of the basics, a solid color, conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse, moderate shoes, and a portfolio or briefcase.

 

Tips:

1. Two essentials: Get to know the local dry cleaner. (Suits should be dry cleaned.) And, know how to use an iron! Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.NO WRINKLES.
2. Try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview. Make sure it fits properly.
3. Its better to be overdressed than underdressed.
4. Shoes should be polished and shined.no scuffs, no dust and dirt.

 

 

• Need more advice? Read "Dress Appropriately for Interviews" an informative article from Monster.com.
• Listen to "My Orange Suit is PHAT", interview dress tips PODCAST produced by the University of North Carolina Career Center.
• Watch Dressing to be Hired, episode 2 of The Job Seeker, Sue Morem's Reality TV Series podcast for new college grads.
• Review our BYU Hawaii Dress for Success tip sheet.

 

 

Most students want to look their best when meeting with potential employers. Its not as easy as it sounds though. Students are often confused about business casual versus business professional. Exactly what is business casual.or business professional, for that matter? And when do you wear the one rather than the other? Knowing what to wear and when to wear it and then putting the outfit together can be a rather daunting task. We've put together a list of excellent resources and tools that may help guide you on professional dress issues.

• Interview Makeover

 

From student to professional, these two graduates are now ready to meet the employers. (from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Career Center)

 

• Woman's Interview Makeover
• Man's Interview Makeover

• Putting Your Best Shoe Forward: Deciphering Business Dress Codes

  (From Northern Michigan State University) Offers tips and pictures of what to wear in both professional and business casual situations.

   

• Business Casual Dress Illustrations

 

• Confused about Casual Dress?

  Sue Morem's tips dress for the workplace.

 

• Dress to Impress: A Guide

  (From Washington State University) Gives examples of outfits with employer feedback. Also, tips on getting a work wardrobe even when you're on a tight budget.

   

• SYMS Dress to Achieve