Dressing the Part for a Job Fair or Interview

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Dressing the Part for a Job Fair or Interview

• Women
• Suit Plain, neutral, or dark colors (black,
  navy, brown, grey). In organizations that are
  less formal (possibly non-profit, education),
  sweater set and skirt, or a dress. Skirts
  knee-length. Tailored pantsuits are appropriate.
• Shirt Tailored blouse underneath the suit
  jacket. White or ivory or a light tone that
  matches your suit . Short-sleeved blouses are
  preferred over sleeveless blouses.
• Shoes and Hosiery Basic pumps, polished, with
  medium to low heels are appropriate dark and
  match the interview suit (or be a shade darker).
  Hosiery sheer and a neutral color.
• Jewelry Simple jewelry is best, with no dangling
  bracelets or large, chunky jewelry to interrupt
  your conversation.
• Cologne, Cosmetics Be conservative with perfume
  and makeup when in a small space, even a little
  perfume may be too much, particularly if someone
  has an allergy, so consider not wearing any. Nail
  polish should be a light shade or clear.
• Hair Styling should be simple and should not
  distract from your focus on the interview.
• Backpack If you can go to the interview without
  your backpack, do so. Carry a portfolio with a
  notepad, copies of your resume, a pen, and any
  other pertinent information. If you are also
  carrying a purse, keep it small.

• Men
• Suit Dark or grey suits (solid or subtle
  pinstripes). In organizations that are less
  formal, possibly non-profit, education), blazer,
  shirt, and tie.
• Shirt Solid, preferably white, cream, or pale
  blue. Shirt and suit should be pressed/ ironed.
• Tie A variety of ties may be worn muted colors
  in solids, stripes, or small patterns are
  preferred.
• Shoes and Socks Shoes polished leather,
  lace-up, or slip-on business shoes, preferably in
  black or cordovan. Socks a dark color (never
  white) and of mid-calf height.
• Cologne Minimize or avoid that use of cologne.
  many interviews take place in small spaces, and
  if your interviewer is allergic, it could lead to
  an unpleasantly short interview!
• Hair and Facial Hair Neatly groomed hair is
  appropriate. If you happen to have long hair,
  consider putting it in a ponytail to keep it off
  your face. Beards, mustaches well groomed.
• Jewelry Wear a conservative watch. If you choose
  to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Be aware
  that earrings may not always be viewed
  positively.
• Backpack If you can go to the interview without
  one, do so. Carry a portfolio with a notepad,
  copies of your resume, a pen, and any other
  pertinent information.

See Page 2 for Business Casual Guidelines...
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Business Casual

• Women
• Pants/ Skirts Women can wear casual pants or
  skirts. For the most businesslike appearance,
  pants should be tailored. A knee-length skirt is
  preferable although a long skirt may be
  considered.
• Shirt/ Sweaters/ Jackets In addition to tailored
  shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and
  sweater sets are appropriate business casual
  choices for women. A tailored jacket may also be
  worn.
• Shoes and Hosiery Closed-toe shoes, sandals
  which are neither extremely dressy nor extremely
  casual are appropriate. Regardless of what is in
  style, avoid extreme. Make certain you can walk
  comfortably in your shoes. Hosiery should be
  considered with skirts.
• Cologne, Hair, Jewelry, Backpack For appropriate
  attire, review the suggestions above under
  Interview Attire.

• Men
• Ties Ties are generally not necessary for
  business casual, but if you are in doubt, you can
  wear a tie.
• Shirts Long-sleeved shirts are considered
  dressier than short-sleeved and are appropriate
  even in summer. Choosing white or light blue
  solid, or conservative stripes is your safest
  bet. Polo shirts (tucked in, of course) are
  acceptable in more casual situations.
• Socks Do wear dark socks, mid-calf length so no
  skin is visible when you sit down.
• Shoes Shoes that are in good condition should be
  worn. NO sandals, athletic shoes, or hiking
  boots.
• Cologne, Hair, Jewelry, Backpack For appropriate
  attire, review the suggestions above under
  Interview Attire.