Jackson State University Career Guide

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. • 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. 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.

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