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DRESS
FOR SUCCESS
Professional Dress
While your skills and experiences are essential to finding a
job or intership, looking professional is an important part
of landing a position. Having just the right suit will not
get you a job, but looking disheveled and unprofessional
can surely prevent you from receiving an offer.
Appropriate professional dress is dependant on the
industry for which you are applying. For most positions,
candidates should dress professionally for interviews.
As a general rule of thumb, professional dress requires a
well-fitting, dark-colored business suit paired with a light-
colored shirt, simple accessories, polished shoes, and well
groomed hair.
In a few industries, business casual is appropriate for an
interview. You do not need to wear a suit to an interview
on a farm and you would not wear khakis to an interview
at a bank. It is up to you to learn the appropriate dress for
your industry.
Tips for Men
• A two- or three-button black or navy suit.
• White long-sleeved dress shirt.
• Conservative tie, avoid loud patterns.
• Black shoes, socks to match your suit.
• Hair and facial hair should be well groomed, and
neatly trimmed. No suit? Dark dress slacks, a long-
sleeved white shirt and a tie is the next best outfit.
Tips for Women
• A skirt suit is most professional. The skirt should be
knee length or just above the knee. Avoid styles that
are very tight, too short or too long.
• Pants suits are acceptable interview attire for most
employers.
• Solid-colored button-down blouse or shell under
jacket. Avoid sleeveless tops.
• Low, closed-toe shoes are expected in a business
environment.
• Keep jewelry to a minimum.
• Hair and make-up should be well-groomed and
conservative.
• No suit? A black knee-length skirt and a conservative
blouse is the next best outfit.