This document provides tips for dressing professionally and for success. It emphasizes that first impressions are important and are often based on appearance. It recommends dressing neatly, with properly fitted and pressed clothing, well-groomed hair and nails, and minimal makeup and jewelry. For interviews, it suggests conservative, dark-colored suits and keeping accessories simple. Business casual attire should follow company policies but avoid jeans and tennis shoes. Confidence in one's appearance through proper dress leaves a positive impression.

2. Why Is Dress So Crucial For
Success?
• First impressions are extremely
important!
• Irreversible assumptions are
made almost immediately
based on a persons’
appearance.
• You want to put your best foot
forward and present yourself in
a positive light.

3. 5 Tips Everyone Should Know About
Dressing Professionally
1. Keep your appearance neat and clean.
2. Clothing should be freshly pressed - no wrinkles!
3. Well groomed nails are important.
4. Wear minimal make-up and
jewelry.
5. Neutral body odor is essential
(wear an antiperspirant/deodorant,
use perfume or other fragrance
sparingly)!

4. Examples of Professional Attire

5. • Many managers and interviewers make assumptions
based on an individual’s shoes.
• This is one way of assessing whether
you pay attention to details.
• Shoes should be:
• Neat and polished.
• Closed toe.
• No higher than a 2 inch heal (unless you
are extremely short).
Put Your Best Shoe Forward

6. • Keep it Conservative
• It’s all in the details
• Basic Behavior
Dressing for the Interview

7. • It is always best to err on the side of caution.
• The most traditional and conservative interview attire for
women is a two piece, matched skirt suit.
• Always, always wear a blouse
under your blazer!
• A long sleeved, collared shirt or shell
is appropriate.
• Make sure your ensemble still looks
complete without your blazer (in case
you have the option to take it off).
Keep it Conservative

8. Your First Suit: Choosing a Color
• Navy blue is a good color for a “starter” suit.
• This is a versatile color that can be dressed up or
down, depending on the situation
and job.
• Navy is considered a professional
and powerful color, but is not as
bold as black.

9. • Buy the nicest suit you can afford.
• Put quality over quantity – a well
chosen suit will last you several
years into your career.
• A cheap suit is easy to spot:
• Made with less desirable materials
like rayon-poly blends.
• Larger, less flattering cuts.
Your First Suit: Choosing a
Suit that will Grow with You

10. • Have your suit professionally tailored! This ensures:
• The suite looks appropriate on you.
• You will feel comfortable and self-confident in your suit.
• Dress like you already have the job
you want.
• Remember: a carefully
chosen suit will last you
well into your career.
It is an investment worth
the extra money!
Your First Suit: Tips & Tricks

11. • Hair
• Simple style
– You don’t want to distract the
interviewer with obnoxious hair.
– They should notice you for your
skills and experiences, not your hair.
• Out of your face
• Nylons
• A must with any interview
outfit – skirt or pantsuit!
• Skin tone or black colored are
most appropriate.
It’s all in the Details

12. • Accessories
• Don’t overdo it!
• It’s best to choose 1 or 2 simple accessories like a watch
and stud earnings.
• Portfolio vs. Purse
• Opt for a sharp, professional looking portfolio instead of
your purse.
• Choose a good quality portfolio with compartments for keys
or lipstick.
• Carry copies of your resume and a pad for note taking.
It’s all in the Details: Final Touches

13. 1. Arrive early.
2. Visit the Restroom.
• If time permits, this should be your first stop.
• Check yourself in the mirror to make sure your appearance
is professional and put together.
1. Notice the Office Atmosphere.
• Atmosphere can tell you a lot
about a company you may not
learn in the interview!
1. Send a Thank You.
• After the interview, always send a
thank you to your interviewer and
any others who met, helped, or
hosted you.
Interview Day is Here

14. • Follow Company Policy.
• Your first reference point is the
employee manual.
• When in doubt – ask your supervisor or
a member of Human Resources!
• Warning: business casual means
different things in different
companies!
• Casual dress ranges from
coordinated skirt/pant sets to
khakis and polo’s.
• Business casual does not
mean jeans or tennis shoes.
Dressing to Impress:
Once you’re Hired

15. • The primary goal behind “Dressing for
Success” is to feel good about the way
you look and projecting a positive image.
• Confidence with the way you look
translates into a positive attitude and
body language.
• Proper dress leaves an immediate
impression and gives you the confidence
to display the proper nonverbal messages
that will help in the interview process and
with your work in the organization.
The Goal of Dressing for Success

16. What’s WRONG with this
Picture?
Unkempt Hair & Unnatural Makeup.

17. What’s WRONG with this
Picture?
No blouse under blazer.

18. What’s WRONG with this
Picture?
Too much skin showing.

19. What’s WRONG with
this Picture?
Slit in Dress too High. Dress
too Revealing.

20. What’s WRONG with this Picture?
Shorts aren’t acceptable.