A Guide for Men and Women

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Dressing For SuccessIn The 21In The 21stst Century Century

Do You Know How to Dress for Success?

Take the Pretest to See What You Know!

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True or False

1. In today’s job market, it does not matter what you wear to an interview as long as you are comfortable.

T F

2. You should wear a large amount of perfume or cologne to show the interviewer that you care about your appearance and you are clean and neat.

T F

3. You should limit the amount of makeup, jewelry, and other accessories you wear during the interview.

T F

4. If you have a body piercing or tattoo you should not remove or cover it up for the interview. It is better the interviewer know you have one before they hire you.

T F

5. Black, brown, and navy are good colors to wear during an interview. Dark colors present a more professional appearance.

T F

See how you did…click to the next slideSee how you did…click to the next slide.

How did you Do?

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1. In today’s job market, it does not matter what you wear to an interview as long as you are comfortable.

False: Employers are expecting professional applicants. If you dress informally at the interview, how will you dress at work?

2. You should wear a large amount of perfume or cologne to show the interviewer that you care about your appearance and you are clean and neat.

False: Too much perfume of cologne can be a distraction. Many people have allergies as well. You should leave a lingering impression…not a lingering scent!

3. You should limit the amount of makeup, jewelry, and other accessories you wear during the interview.

True: While expressing yourself or looking attractive is important, overdoing makeup, jewelry, or accessories can be a distraction. Let your talent shine..not your earrings or lip gloss!

4. If you have a body piercing or tattoo you should not remove or cover it up for the interview. It is better the interviewer know you have one before they hire you.

False: Body piercings and tattoos are rarely appropriate in a professional setting. After you get hired, check the company dress code. If these are not allowed at the company, You may have to invest in some concealing makeup.

5. Black, brown, and navy are good colors to wear during an interview. Dark colors present a more professional appearance.

True: Darker colors are more conservative and the more conservative the better!

Dress for Success: Women

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Wear a conservative dark navy or gray skirted wool blend suit.

Job experts and employers seem split on the notion of pants suits, so a skirted suit is usually a safer choice.

The Power Suit

Dress for Success: Women

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skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee -- no night club attire here.

shoes should be low-heeled.pantyhose should be flawless (no runs) well-groomed hairstyle

Dress for Success: Men

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Wear a conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business suit

Wear white long-sleeved button-down dress shirt

Add a conservative silk tie (that matches the colors in your suit)

Finish with polished dress shoes

Dress for Success: Men

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What if you do not own a suit?

Wear a conservative sports coat Wear nicely pressed dress slacksWear white long-sleeved button-down

shirtAdd a conservative silk tie Finish with nicely polished dress shoes

Attention to Detail is Crucial

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There is More to Dressing for Success than Just Clothes!

Wear clean, polished, and conservative dress shoes Apply minimal or no cologne or perfume Wear little or no jewelry Conceal visible tattoos or body piercings (beyond

conservative ear piercing for women) Refrain from chewing gum, candy, or other objects in your

mouth

“The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos”

Dress For Success: Now What?

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Check your attire in the rest room just before your interview for a final check of your appearance

GOOD LUCK! YOU LOOK LIKE A PROFESSIONAL!

ANY QUESTIONS ????????

Post-TestAfter this PPT would you still answer the questions the same

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1. Do you wear perfume or cologne to an interview? _______________________________________________

2. What would you wear to an interview? _______________________________________________

3. Should you display body piercings or tattoos? _______________________________________________

4. What if you cannot afford or do not own a suit?

__________________________

Now Let’s Get To (You) Work!

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Here is Your Assignment:1. Put together two interview outfits. 2. Practice demo interviews as well as

walking and feeling good in these clothes. 3. Have your parents or your WBL

Coordinator give you tips on your outfits so you are dressed for success.

4. Go to the library and take out one of the books on the Additional Resources slide. Research proper dress attire further.

Additional Resources

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Dress to Impress: How a Navy Blazer Changed My Life! (Paperback)by Joyce Nelson Shellhart (Author), Lana Beck (Illustrator) "Developing a sense of clothing style does not have to involve hours of study or years of experience..." (more)

The New Professional Image: Dress Your Best For Every Business Situation (2nd Edition) (Paperback) by Susan Bixler (Author), Nancy Nix-Rice (Author) Key Phrases: Second Edition, The New Professional Image, Casual Friday (more...)

Your Executive Image: How to Look Your Best & Project Success for Men and Women (Paperback) by Victoria A. Seitz (Author)

5 Steps to Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work (Paperback) by Susan Bixler (Author), Lisa Scherrer Dugan (Author) "At the first company picnic she attended, Linda was determined to initiate conversation and make good first impressions..." (more)

Dressing for Success has Successful Outcomes

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