This document provides tips on proper business attire for job interviews. It recommends dressing conservatively and focusing on neat, wrinkle-free clothing that is appropriate for the employer's industry. Specific suggestions include wearing a jacket and dress pants or skirt at the knee for women, and a button-down shirt with dress pants and tie for men. Accessories should be minimal and professional. The overall message is that appearance makes a strong first impression, so dressing appropriately shows the interviewer you take the process seriously.

1. Dressing for Success

2. What’s So Important about DRESS?First impressions are CRITICAL! You are marketing a product – YOURSELF!Dress is the first thing an employer sees when greeting you!Will dressing properly get you the job? NO, but it will:Give you a competitive edge Provide a positive first impression!

3. Should you be judged by what you wear?PERHAPS NOTTHE REALITY:You ARE judgedWith the job interview, it’s HOW YOU ARE DRESSED that sets the tone of the interview.The Reality

4. Why Prepare? It’s a jungle out there….. Competition is strong, and the way we present ourselves is under closer examination more than ever before.

5. For the InterviewPresent yourself as a professional

6. Dress for the interview, not a party

7. Don’t distract the interviewer’s attention; it should be on what you have to say, not your appearance

8. Arrive early and check out your appearance

9. A smile, a firm handshake, and a positive attitude make a good first impressionConservative is ALWAYS the safest routeBUT – do some investigation of the employerWhat you wear should make you look as though you FIT IN with the organizationIf you overdress or under dress, the employer may feel that you don’t care enough about the job!Ways to find out the proper dress:Call the Human Resources offices and askVisit the company’s office and observe the attire current employees are wearingMake sure you are not there on a “casual day”!How Should I Dress?

10. Avoid “making a statement”. You are at work, not a fashion show. Khaki pants or skirt, a short-sleeved shirt, and matching shoes are always safe.Refrain from wearing sleeveless shirts or blouses.Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free; hang them neatly and iron if necessary.“Casual” is not “sloppy”. Tuck your blouse or shirt in snugly, wear a belt to hold it in place, and tie your shoelaces neatly.See dress as way to make a good impression.

11. For men, pants that ride low, below the waist. Put on a belt.For women, tops with plunging necklines. Keep the top buttons buttoned.For everyone, any item that fits tightly enough to be sexually suggestive.Don’t wear tight, baggy, or sexy clothing.

12. What should I wear? I Don’t Think So !!

13. Jacket with matching skirt orpantsSkirts are preferred for theinterview; should be at theknee…no shorterSafe colors:

14. Black

15. Navy blue

16. Charcoal gray

17. Brown or tanSuits for Women

18. Business dress with matching jacket is okay…no party, cocktail, or sun dressesSuits for Women (cont.)

19. Single breasted, 100%light-weight woolJackets should have twoor three buttonsOnly button the top twobuttons or the middlebutton…never all threeSafe colors

20. Charcoal gray

21. NavySuits for Men

22. Tank-style tops in cotton,knit, or silkTailored shirt

23. Safest color: white

24. It’s conservative

25. It doesn’t offend anyoneBlouses/Tops for Women

26. No button-down collars

27. Long sleeves only

28. Fabrics