Our reputations come from people's perceptions about us. These perceptions are built on the way we communicate and present ourselves to the public. The way we dress makes a statement that shows off our interests and our personalities. People are evaluated based on their appearance, and the best way to make a positive first impression is to dress for the role.
Dressing in office-appropriate attire is one way of expressing respect for a company, an employer, or for clients with whom you interact. Different working environments may require different professional attire, so make sure to do your research about your field before going to an interview or business event. Formal business suits aren’t mandatory, but making sure you appear clean-cut and put together will help send the message that you are a serious professional.
When planning your attire for an interview, remember to dress for the job you want. It has been proven time and time again that company recruiters are more likely to hire someone if they are well dressed. Women preparing for an interview should wear a clean, pressed pant or skirt suit. Men should also wear a pressed and clean, dark suit for their interviews. The way we dress presents a strong visual statement about ourselves to employers about the kind of professionals we
are, and the work ethics we uphold.
Dressing well in any situation can impact the people you meet and the opportunities you are offered. When dressed in your best suit, you’ll feel more confident about yourself and the skills you bring to the table. Remembering to wear a tie and to polish your shoes will go a long way with first impressions. Here are some more guidelines to follow when dressing for success:
- Wear professional, conservative clothing
- Make sure your business attire is well-fitted, pressed, and clean
- When wearing accessories, make sure to pick complementary pieces that will not be a distraction
- Remove all facial and body piercings
- Cover visible tattoos
- Keep fragrances minimal
- Keep hair clean and pulled back neatly
Remember that less is more when dressing professionally. To learn more about how to dress for success, stop by the Career Center in the McGowan Center, Suite 240 to pick upinformative brochures and talk to our career development experts. You can make an appointment online or email
career-center@msmary.edu.
