What To Wear 

This is an issue without a pat answer. Normally, you’ll want to dress professionally whenever you meet with employers. On the other hand, if you’re contacted at the last minute to fill an empty interview slot, the recruiter wouldn’t expect you to show up dressed in a suit. And if you decide to go to an Information Session for an hour or so before your night class, you may not be dressed up for the occasion.

Generally, it’s a good idea to always dress professionally for on-campus interviews and job fairs (suit or sport jacket and tie for men; business suit or conservative blouse and skirt or slacks for women). Pay attention to the details—shined shoes, dark socks, combed hair. To be on the safe side it’s best to stick with the ‘boring’ colors (white or light blue shirts or blouses, dark jackets or suits, dark or tan slacks). If you have questions or concerns about a particular outfit that you’re planning to wear, feel free to ask me about it. I

f you don’t have a professional-looking outfit, it might be a good idea to consider investing in one (you’ll need it eventually). In addition to the larger retail stores, there are a number of discount establishments (e.g. TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Syms, etc.) that offer men’s and women’s business outfits at a reduced cost. You may also be able to find sources for this type of clothing online.

Another option that you have is to borrow an interview outfit from the Career Center. We have a limited supply of men’s and women’s clothing (and a limited range of sizes). Ask me about availability.

So what happens if I show up at an interview wearing very casual clothes?

Generally, nothing will happen that you’ll be aware of. For a lot of recruiters, it may not make a difference. But you’re taking the chance that at least some recruiters will make judgments about your professionalism and your interest in working with their company, based on your attire. In the past, students have told me that they’re not interested in working for an organization that puts a premium on candidate’s clothing. That’s a valid point and I absolutely respect their opinion. Just as long as they realize that clothing could have an impact on the hiring decision for some of the companies with which they interview. The same principle applies to body piercing, tattoos, hair colors and styles, etc.

Bottom line: It never hurts to dress professionally when interacting with employers. The extent to which you follow this rule will depend on your own opinions, as well as the particular setting (job fairs vs. classroom presentations by employers, etc.)