“You can do anything you want in life if you dress for it,” – Edith Head
By Maria McGinnis, CALS Career Services
There are so few factors in the interview process that you can actually control. You can’t predict the questions they will ask you, you can’t totally control your nerves, and even if you try your best – you have no way to know if your answers are what the employer is looking for. Yes – practice will ease the unknowns, but the bottom line is – it’s largely out of your control. What you wear to an interview or a career fair is 100% in your control. We live in a society that values appearance – you have to look the part!
Having worked in an office setting for going on seven years now, I’ve had ample time to learn what’s appropriate and what’s not – but it wasn’t always the case. I wore sandals, a casual skirt and a tank top to my first professional interview. Really Maria? Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. Professional dress is something that is learned. Check out our new Pintrest page for ideas on professional dress. Guys – I even have a tutorial on how to tie a tie.
Let’s talk about your strategy for the career fair – it’s coming up on February 4 from 4-8 p.m. at the Kohl Center. First, if you are interested in adding to your wardrobe, I have retail coupons in 116 Ag hall. I’m not suggesting that students need to buy a new suit for the career fair, but at some point in your career as a student – a nice business suit is something you need. I really like Kohl’s, JCPenney, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic etc… I tend to stay away from stores that offer really “trendy” clothes in favor of the classics.
Student’s often struggle with what to wear to the career fair because they are juggling classes, work and other obligations on the same day – maybe in the same clothes. Don’t be embarrassed walking across campus in a suit – be proud – like the boss you are! However, it’s totally fine to bring clothes and change before the fair – or even at the fair.
Gentlemen – you have many options. You can go “all out” (which I suggest) and wear a suit. Nice charcoal, black or navy – sport coats work too. Tasteful shirt and tie combo. Dress shoe – belt that matches! You could also forgo the jacket and go with the shirt, tie, dress pant look – totally acceptable. In the winter especially – you can even get away with nice IRONED khaki pants and a sweater – or even a sweater vest! 
Ladies – you also have options, but unfortunately the most opportunity to mess up. The floor in the Kohl Center is slippery – Heels that are too high or uncomfortable are a recipe for disaster – and believe me, add a little snow residual, and you are going down. In front of everyone. Not a good look. I’m in favor of modest pumps – yes, I said pumps. Easy to walk in, look great with anything. I like black, nude, brown or gray.
For the rest of your career fair ensemble, again, I favor a suit as pictured above. However, you can wear a nice pair of pants or a skirt with a sweater. As long as I’m talking about skirts, look at the picture to the right and where it hits her leg. Right above the knee. Remember, you are going to a career fair, not the club. Seems obvious enough, but there are always women who wear skirts that are too short and tight to the career fair. Feedback from employers indicates that it actually makes them feel uncomfortable. Plus, it just looks bad, so be tasteful ladies!
Next – hair, makeup and accessories. I like a nice sleek pony tail or half-up in a clip. Hair away from your face is less distracting and really completes a look. What ever you do with your hair, it should look neat. Since you will be wearing a hat in the cold, bring a comb to fix it at the fair. Makeup – check out my “how-to” video on Pintrest. As much as people fight me on this issue, I stand behind the fact that you should wear makeup to the career fair – even a little goes a long way. I’m not suggesting you should look like a clown, but people are drawn to looks – it’s fact. Powder, blush, a little eye shadow and mascara – you’re done! Nail polish – if you wear polish, make sure to keep it neutral. Finally – accessories. A simple necklace to compliment your outfit. Longer necklaces are okay for business casual, but a small simple short necklace is appropriate for the fair. Check out all my suggestions on Pintrest.
Now that you have your professional outfit in check – you are ready to put your best foot forward at the career fair. Dab on a LITTLE perfume/cologne, (don’t forget deodorant) – and talk to some employers! When you look good, you feel good. As always, you can contact us in CALS Career Services for assistance with your resume, interview skills, cover letters and anything related to your career!
