Dress 2 Impress!The “Do’s and Don'ts” of

Professional Attire

People are often judged by the clothes they wear. The image you project should always be

professional and appropriate to your job.

• Will dressing properly get you the job?• Should you be judged by what you wear?• How should you dress?• What is considered the proper dress for an

interview?

Will dressing properly get you the job?• Make a great first impressionYou never get a second chance to make a first

impression.• Dressing conservatively is always the safest

route.• Dress for the position you want, not the

position you have.

Will dressing properly get you the job?Your perceived value as viewed by your audience•Personality•Competencies•Appearance•The Differentiator – the unique value or benefit to your audience

Should you be judged by what you wear?

• Non-verbal communication is a major part of the interview

7% of your message is communicated verbally.93% of your message is communicated non-

verbally.

Should you be judged by what you wear?

Interviewing Points to Compliment Your Appearance

•Answer questions confidently

• Look interviewer in the eye when speaking and listening

•Sit tall in the chair

•Have relevant questions to ask

•Arrive 10 minutes early

•Turn your cell phone/pager/PDA off

•Do not chew gum

•Smile and use a firm handshake

What image do you want to project on the job?

How should you dress?• Wear shoes that are well-maintained.• Wear clothing clean and neatly pressed.• Keep accessories to a minimum.• Avoid excessive amounts of fragrance.• Fingernails should be well trimmed.• Cover any visible tattoos.• Wear a suit.• Be careful of trends.

What is considered the proper dress for an interview?

Women• Conservative two-piece

business suit• Professional blouse• Hosiery• Professional dress shoes• Well groomed

conservative hairstyle• Conservative make up

Men• Conservative two-piece

business suit• Shirt with a simple style: Long-

sleeved• Dark dress socks• Polished dark dress shoes• Coordinating tie• Well groomed conservative

hairstyle

Professional AttireWomen: think Jessica

Pearson from USA’s SUITS

Men: think James Bond or Barney Stinson

“Top Shelf” Business Casual AttireWomen: Men:

“Top Shelf” Business Casual AttireWomen: Men:

Business Casual AttireWomen: Men:

What NOT to Wear• Clothing that doesn’t fit – either too small

or too big• Clothing that is wrinkled, dirty, or worn out• Beach clothes – shorts, capris, casual skirts,

sundresses and flip flops

What NOT to Wear• Tattoos and body piercing’s should not be visible• Keep accessories and make up to a minimum• Men: keep facial hair neat & trimmed• Women: Pantyhose – yes or no? In a professional

setting – yes!• Women: wear nude colored nail polish or a French

manicure. If you place your hand next to your face and the eye is drawn to your nails, they are too distracting.

What NOT to Wear

When in doubt, don’t wear it!

Unless otherwise instructed you can never be too dressed up for an

interview!