Professional Attire

Professional Attire

• More than 70% of your first impression is what people see.
• Appearance is an important aspect of interviewing.
• Bring a professional briefcase to carry extra copies of your resume or portfolio, keys, pens, etc.
• NO CELL PHONE – leave it in the car or turn it OFF.
• Appropriate professional dress depends on the industry. – If you’re not sure, go conservative.
• Jean material is never okay unless it is “CASUAL”

MEN

Grooming:

• Hair: neatly trimmed, including facial hair
• Cologne: not heavy, preferably none
• Nails: clean and neat

Suit:

• Conservative dark -colored, two-piece matching business suit
• Two- or three-button suits are preferred, bottom button should be undone

Shirt:

• Long-sleeved, light-colored, button-down shirt
• Shirt should fall 1/4 to 1/2 inch below suit sleeve IRON
• Wear an undershirt, please

Ties:

• Conservative pattern
• Ends at mid-belt

Shoes:

• Comfortable shoes with laces
• Polish!

Socks:

• Dark-colored socks to match your suit
• Socks should be worn over the calf.

Accessories:

• Leather belts should match the color of your shoes
• No visible piercings or tattoos…. or mohawks

Tie:

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -

WOMEN

Grooming:

Makeup:

• Daytime, light, natural
• No glitter, not heavy

Nails:

• Clean and manicured, natural, not too long or colorful

Perfume:

• Light, or none at all

Hair:

• Away from face, neat and styled

Suit:

• WEAR A JACKET
• Conservative, two-piece matching business suit
• Knee-length skirts or pant suits
• Color: grey, navy, black or brown
• If very conservative: black/dark grey, skirt suit

Blouse:

• Lighter-colored professional button-down shirt or blouse under jacket

Hosiery:

• Never let bare legs show
• Have an extra pair in case
• If you have a run – put hairspray or clear nail polish on it

Shoes:

• Low-heeled and closed-toe pumps

Accessories:

• 7-piece rule
• No visible tattoos or piercings other than earrings
• Purse or professional bag, not both
• Includes earrings (counts as one per piercing)

Extra:

• Even if “casual”, remember who you are with. Don’t wear something around people from work that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see you wear