Collegian Online Edition

Right wardrobe important mix for job seeking

Clothes may make the man, but they can also win or lose a job, South Campus students learned recently.

Monica Bettle, career center coordinator on South Campus, presented Dress for Success, a seminar preparing students for a job interview, March 31.

Women dressing for an interview should not show skin, especially if they will be interviewed by a man, Bettle said.

Panty hose are a must, Bettle said, and women should never wear open-toed shoes. In addition, shoes should always match the skirt and should have a heel on them.

“ Presentation is everything,” she said.

Bettle advised women to keep jewelry, makeup and perfume to a minimum. If a woman’s hair is long, she should pull it into a bun.

Men, according to Bettle, should always wear a suit and tie. Men’s belts should match their socks, and the socks should match the shoes.

“ You have two minutes to make a first impression,” she said.

Ideally, Bettle said, men should have short hair, but if they wear it long, they should pull it back. Both men and women need clean fingernails.

Piercings and tattoos, Bettle said, are not always accepted in the business world. Therefore, applicants should cover any tattoos. The only body piercings should be one hole in each ear for women, and none for men, Bettle added.

Accessories, Bettle said, should not be ignored. Briefcases are acceptable to take into an interview, but not purses. Turning off cell phones and pagers is a must. They should not even be placed on vibrate, Bettle said.

Bettle also advised students to sit upright and speak clearly.

“ Taking notes is okay,” she said, “but don’t ask about salary.”