Dress To Impress 2009

1. Dress To Impress 2009 NWTC Career Center

2. First Impressions • Irreversible assumptions are made almost immediately based on a persons’ appearance. • They will form an opinion of you as soon as the first 60 seconds of seeing you. • They will spend the rest of the interview confirming this impression.

3. Basic Tips • Keep your appearance neat and clean. • Iron everything- make sure there are no wrinkles. • Make sure there are no stains. • Video Clip (http://www.youtube.com) • Dress “up” not “down.” • Project an image that mirrors the position and the company. • Dress better than if you were actually at the job. • Be conservative, not trendy. • Neutral body odor • wear an antiperspirant/deodorant, use perfume or other fragrance sparingly. • Make sure you have fresh breath. Cigarette and coffee breath can last a long time.

4. Basics Cont. • Wear neutral colors: navy blue or charcoal. • Suits and suit coats. • Always wear a blouse or dress shirt underneath. The outfit should still be complete if you remove the jacket. • No pastels, plaid, patterns, designs, or logos. • No jeans. • No belly buttons, shoulders, or excessive cleavage. • Generally form fitting or tight clothing is not professional. • Be mindful of visible tattoos or body piercings.

5. Something For Everyone Women Men • Hair • Simple style, out of your face. • Nylons • Necessity if wearing a skirt, dress socks may be worn with pants. • Accessories • Minimal make-up and jewelry. One or two simple pieces (watch and stud earrings). • Hair • No facial hair, or well trimmed. • Style should be simple, do not overload on gel or other products. • Learn how to tie a tie. • No Bowties. • Stay away from jewelry other than wedding or class ring.

6. Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes! Women Men • Neat and polished. • Closed-toed. • Should match your outfit. • Conservative heel. • No higher than 2 inches. • Dark colored. • Match socks! • Neat and polished. • Black leather with laces is versatile and can be worn with multiple outfits.

7. What To Bring • Make sure your pockets are empty. • No bulges or jingling coins. • Bring along a briefcase or portfolio. • Have a pen and pad of paper, along with extra copies of your Resume and references. • Some come with places to put keys, cell phone, lipstick, or other items you may need to carry. • Women opt out of bringing the purse. • Turn cell phone off, or leave it in the car.

8. Your First Suit • Have your suit professionally tailored. • It looks great on you. • You feel more comfortable. • Buy the nicest suit you can afford. • Quality over quantity. • A cheap suit is easy to spot. • A well chosen suit will last you well into your career.

9. Where To Go • Kohl’s • NY and Company • Yonkers • 2 pc. Suit- $79.99 • YWCA Women’s Closet • Men’s Warehouse • Jos. A. Bank • Kohl’s • Jacket- $105 on sale • Pants- $44 on sale

10. Give It A Test Drive • Once you have your suit, practice wearing the whole ensemble. • Practice sitting, standing, and walking. • Learn how they move and stretch with you so you are comfortable with everything on the interview day. • Look at all angles in the mirror. • Be sure to remove all the price tags or other stickers. • Make sure everything is ironed or pressed.

11. Final Notes • Dress up, not down. • Look professional. • You are going to an interview, not down the runway. • Think it through. • Make sure everything matches, and is properly ironed or pressed. • Try it out. • Make sure it fits- not too big, not too small.