UST College of Science

Career Seminar – December 14, 2011

Dress Code: Professional

Dress to Impress, Dress for Success

MARIA AGNES A. BUQUID, M.A., RGC

Counselor
University of Santo Tomas
 Overview
• Pretest
• (First) Impressions
• Grooming Considerations
• Dressing for Success
• For Males
• For Females
• Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget
• Posttest
• Demonstration
 Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Describe appropriate clothing to be worn to an
interview
• Understand how first impressions can affect the
opinions of others
• Explain how appearance can be improved by paying
attention to dressing for body type and skin tone.
• Explain how outward appearance can affect internal
confidence.
 Pretest
(True of False)
• You should wear enough perfume or cologne
that the interviewer acknowledges that it is you
that smells good___________________

• You should not get your hair cut because you

are not due______________
 Pretest
(True of False)
• Today, it does not matter what you wear to an
interview as long as you are
comfortable_________________

• If you have a body piercing you should leave it in. It

is better if the interviewer knows up front that you
have one________________

• Make-up should be used to hi-light your eyes and

lips________________
 Impressions
• Job hunting is all about making the good
impressions
• From your resume, cover letter, initial
phone call, walk-in interview and
subsequent interviews
• You will be scrutinized and evaluated
 Impressions
• Conclusions about your professionalism
and personality will be drawn MOSTLY
based on your physical appearance,
mannerisms, communication style,
confidence level, and social skills.
• Whether we like it or not, we will be
judged by our appearance.
 Impressions
• Dress and grooming habits are critical
factors in getting hired
• First impressions do matter
• Overall dress does affect one’s
professional success
 Impressions
• Dress and grooming are significant
factors in getting hired for a job as well
as being considered for advancement
within the organization (Wisconsin
Department of Workforce Development)
 Grooming
Considerations
a) Keep hair neat and clean. If needed, get a
haircut a week or two before the interview.
b) Select hairstyle that complements your face
shape and skin tone.
c) Make sure facial hair is groomed or removed
(esp. for males)
d) Use deodorant and avoid perfumes and scents
e) Make sure nails are manicured and
appropriately colored if polish is used.
 Grooming
Considerations

f) minimal jewelry
g) no visible body piercing beyond
conservative ear piercing for women
h) no gum, candy, or other objects in
your mouth
 Clothing for the Interview
MALES

• Shirts should always be long-sleeved and be of

solid colors: light blue, cream, white. Shirts must
be clean and lightly starched
• Tuck the shirt in and never roll up the sleeves
• Tie colors should complement or blend with the
overall outfit.
• Shoes should be well polished and in good
condition. Black, brown, burgundy leather shoes
work best with business attire.
Sample Business Outfit for
Males
 Clothing for the Interview
MALES
• Socks need to be dark, complement the suit, and be of
calf length so that skin is not revealed when sitting down
and crossing legs
• Accessories such as belts should be selected to
complement the shoes being worn. Jewelry should be
minimal and typically include only items such as
wedding band and watch.
• No earrings or other facial rings
• No clothing with messages / images
• Tattoos should be covered
• Carry a briefcase instead of a backpack, etc
Sample Accessories for Males
Clothing for the Interview
FEMALES
• Skirt suits are the recommended attire
• Dresses are acceptable but a matching
jacket/blazer is recommended
• Slacks are acceptable but less
appropriate than skirts
• Blouses in solid colors that complement
the skirt is recommended. Avoid blouses
with frills and plunging necklines
Clothing for the Interview
FEMALES
• Wear polished, neutral color pumps with a
low to medium heel
• Select accessories that complement the
shoes (no more than one ring per hand)
• A briefcase is preferred to a purse
• Select make-up that complements your skin
tone and features but does not overwhelm.
Dark eye shadows should be avoided.
• Nail polish is in subtle tone such as pale
pink or a clear gloss
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Sample Outfit for Job Hunting
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?
 Building a Professional
Wardrobe on a Budget
The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and
Textiles at Washington State University makes the following
suggestions for dressing professionally on a budget:
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for the
outfits you need to purchase
• Make sure that your outfits can be mixed and matched to
make a variety of outfits
• Select neutral tones such as black, dark gray, or navy
• Budget appropriate accessories and shoes into your overall
plan.
 Building a Professional
Wardrobe on a Budget
• Purchase items that are washable to avoid dry cleaning
expenses
• If travel or commuting may be required for the
interview/job, select clothing that is less likely to wrinkle
• Invest in clothing that is well-made, of durable fabric, and
of a classic design that is less likely to go out of style with
the next clothing trend
• Consider thrift shops when necessary.
• Find someone who can help you select best items for your
professional wardrobe.
 Posttest
(Answer: False)
• You should wear enough perfume or cologne
that the interviewer acknowledges that it is you
that smells good___________________

• You should not get your hair cut because you

are not due______________
 Posttest
(Answer: False)
• Today, it does not matter what you wear to an
interview as long as you are
comfortable_________________

• If you have a body piercing you should leave it in. It is

better the interviewer know up front that you have
one________________

• Make-up should be used to hi-light your eyes and

lips________________
Thank you and happy shopping!