Dress for Success!
Heyward Career Center October 2008
Essie Williams SC Employment Security Commission
Good Impressions
A recent human resource trade magazine reported that many hiring managers make up their minds about an interviewee in as little as five minutes. Impressions matter!
All things else being equal, your packaging might make a difference between a new job, a promotion, or the unemployment office!
Good Impressions (con’t)
• Keep clean--take a shower!
• Have clean fingernails with clear or lowkey color polish.
• Clothes: Dress for the position you want, not for the position you have!
Clothes for Men
Clothes for Men (part 1)
The standard job or interview clothing for men is a conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business suit, a white longsleeved button-down dress shirt, a conservative tie, and polished dress shoes. If you do not own a suit, or the company is a bit more informal, then you should wear a conservative sports coat (no plaids or wild patterns and preferably a dark color), nicely pressed dress slacks, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, a conservative tie, and polished dress shoes.
Clothes for Men (part 2)
Your belt should always match your shoes.
If you have a beard or mustache, your facial hair should be neatly trimmed.
If you have any visible body parts pierced, most experts recommend removing all jewelry, including earrings. Do not have excessive body odor or cologne.
What Doesn’t Work for Men
Clothes for Women
Clothes for Women (part 1)
The standard job or interview clothes is a conservative dark navy or gray skirted suit. Beige or brown is also okay. A blazer with blouse and skirt is a possible second choice to a suit. You should always wear a jacket. Skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee -no night club attire here. Avoid wearing a dress (unless accented with a jacket).
Clothes for Women (part 2)
Blouses should be cotton or silk and should be white, or some other light color.
Shoes should be low-heeled.
Make-up should be minimal, with lipstick and nail polish conservative tones.
Pantyhose should be flawless (no runs) and conservative in color. Do not have excessive body odor or cologne.
You should opt for a briefcase rather than a purse.
What Doesn’t Work for Women
What Doesn’t Work for Women
What Doesn’t Work for Women
More Dress for Success Tips
No backpacks or fannypacks—carry a briefcase! No sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck. Ties should be made of silk, no less than 3 ¾ inches wide with a conservative pattern. The best colors are red or burgundy. No heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man). Men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch. No more than one set of earrings on women. Remove facial piercings, tongue jewelry and cover visible tattoos.
No long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself.
More Dress for Success Tips
No unnatural hair colors or styles. No short-sleeved shirts on men, even worse when worn with a tie and no jacket! Avoid fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Men: Your socks should match your shoes and not be too short. No scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals/flip-flops. Avoid signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed!
Clothes
Questions?
For more information, contact: Essie Williams SC Employment Security Commission
Labor Market Information Department
803-737-2660 ewilliams@sces.org