1. Appearance
The first impression an employer makes is often based on appearance.

2. True or False You are judged by the way you dress
__ It’s better to underdress than overdress when uncertain
__ Your clothing choices impact the way you feel and perform
__ Business casual is the same as business professional
__ People make different assumptions about you within 7 seconds

3. Examples of Appropriate Attire for Women
Business Professional Attire
Business Casual Attire

4. Examples of Appropriate Attire for Men
Business Casual Attire
Business Professional Attire

5. Business Casual Attire: Professional attire that appropriately covers the body and allows for relaxed comfort.
These illustrated examples border on business professional. The two (business professional and business casual) are very similar. The difference is that business professional is a suit where the blazer and pant/skirt are the same color and same material, combined with a dress shirt (and tie for men). Business casual does not have to be the same material; does not require a blazer; and does not require a tie.
No trainer will be able to offer an exhaustive list of what is appropriate professional attire and what is not. The image you present to the public, your co-workers, and the youth in our care is essential in creating and maintaining respect (as an individual and as a member of DJJDP’s workforce). One test to use would be: Would I leave my child with a person dressed like this? (Yes/No) Would I feel good about leaving my child with a person dressed like this? (Yes/No)
Whether you work with children or not, the image you present to others through your dress will determine greatly the respect you receive in return.

6. What is too casual?
Strapless dresses, shorts, flip flops, pullovers/zip-ups and beach wear are all inappropriate for the workplace.

7. What is Inappropriate Attire for Work?
Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable. [Discuss “offensive”]
Clothing that has the Department’s logo is encouraged.
T-shirts are not acceptable unless specifically authorized for dress down days. However, knit, short-sleeved shirts with collars (Polo shirts) are acceptable. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally unacceptable, except for dress down days.

8. Examples of Unprofessional and Inappropriate Attire
Midriff baring clothing
Miniskirts
Excessively high heeled shoes
Caps (headwear) indoors
Very tight clothing
Clothing that reveals cleavage, your back, your chest, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for the workplace, even in a business casual setting.

9. Acceptable Attire
Slacks, Pants, and Suited Pants: Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable.
Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits: Skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be no shorter than four inches above the knee, or a length at which you can sit comfortably in public.
Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets: Dress shirts, tops, and turtlenecks are acceptable. Most suit jackets and sport jackets are also acceptable.
Colors: Black, navy, charcoal (gray) and brown are acceptable. Bright, shiny, or distracting colors should be avoided.
Shoes and Footwear: Loafers, boots, flats, dress heels, and leather deck shoes are acceptable. Shoes and heel shoes should be closed toe. Wearing no stockings is acceptable if the look is appropriate to the outfit.

10. Which is appropriate? A) B) C) D) F) E) A is backless B is see-through
C is a T-Shirt
D is APPROPRIATE
E is strapless and too tight
F is a tank top

11. Which is inappropriate?B) A) C)
A is appropriate
B is fine for those not working in a vocational or recreation area
C is inappropriate. Slippers are not allowed.

12. Appearance
Accessories: Should be in good taste, no big bulky jewelry or belts/buckles, no visible body piercing other than pierced ears.
Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne: Should be in good taste.
Fingernail and Tattoos: All visible tattoos should be covered. Nails should be short and clean. Women wear clear or light color polish. No metallic polishes.
Hats and Head Covering: Hats and caps are not appropriate. Head Covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed.
Overall be clean and neat.

13. The best way to feel confident for an interview is to prepare.
the interview
The best way to feel confident for an interview is to prepare.

14. Preparing for an Interview: Research
Part of preparing for an interview involves researching the company you are interviewing for.
The internet and local newspaper stories are two good sources of information
Knowing about the company is useful because it lets the job seeker know how he/she will like the position

15. Preparing for an Interview: During the Interview
Give a strong firm handshake
Maintain eye contact
Use proper tone of voice
Ask questions at the end
Ask questions about the company (I noticed that…., can you tell me more about that)
Ask questions concerning the position (What is the most challenging aspect of this position)
Do NOT ask questions about salary.
Say Thank You and end with a hand shake.
The chance to make a good impression begins immediately. A good firm handshake is one of the best ways you can make a positive first impression.
Maintain eye contact as much as possible this demonstrates dedication and openness.
Tone of voice: try not to show nervousness, speak clearly so interviewer can hear you. Put feeling into your response, don’t speak in monotone or in a way that seems like the response has been rehearsed, even though it has.
Asking questions show interest and can reveal important information about the company. Good questions show that you have researched the company, and demonstrated dedication and effort that impress most potential employers.
Only ask about salary once you have been offered the position and no pay package has been indicated. Research common salaries through Department of Labor website so you can know what range is normal for that particular job. Always negotiate in terms of range so you can have a cushion.

16. Preparing for an Interview: Thank You Letter
Send thank you note by or traditional mail within 24 hours of the interview.
If the interview was casual, send a hand-written thank you note card or .
If the interview was a traditional business format, send a typed business thank you letter and send vial traditional mail.

17. Preparing for an Interview
Things to Remember
Pitfalls
Rehearse
Arrive Early
Give firm handshake
Maintain eye contact
Answer questions clearly
Ask Pertinent questions
Smile
Showcase talent
Say Thank You at end of interview
Bringing friends to interview
Leaving cell phone on
Chewing gum
Not bringing extra copies of resume or reference list.
Saying “ummm” or “you know” or “like” too often
Mumbling and using poor grammar.
Fidgeting
Lying to employer (fraud)

18. “The job doesn’t always go to the most qualified person
“The job doesn’t always go to the most qualified person. It goes to the person who makes the best impression.”