Dressing for Success Chapter 6

6 | 2 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Big Picture Chapter 6 examines the elements of dressing for success in your job search.

6 | 3 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Chapter Topics First Impressions Dressing for Success Dressing for the Interview Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget Dressing for Casual Fridays

6 | 4 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives 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.

6 | 5 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives (cont’d) Explain how outward appearance can affect internal confidence. Discuss considerations that should be given to interviewing attire. Discuss grooming tips that are important to adhere to as a professional.

6 | 6 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Case In Point Questions Do you think that Jim should be allowed to demonstrate his individualism through his choice of attire for the interview? If not, why not? If so, what do you think is appropriate? Would your answer change if you knew what type of job Jim was applying for? If so, how and why?

6 | 7 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Case In Point Questions (cont’d) Other than Jim’s clothing issues, what other areas of Jim’s appearance should he consider? If you were interviewing Jim, would you have any objections to Jim wearing short sleeves? Would the tattoo or earring be an issue? Why or why not?

6 | 8 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Case In Point Questions (cont’d) If Jim were an African-American, do you think it more appropriate for him to wear dreadlocks than for a Caucasian male? If so, why? Would Jim be wise to change his hairstyle for the interview? What is your best advice to Jim regarding his wardrobe and appearance? Do you think employers pay too much attention to appearance and clothing? Explain your answer.

6 | 9 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Importance of Appearance First impressions Facts to accept: –Dress and grooming are important and are a critical factor in getting hired. –First impressions do matter. –Overall dress does affect one’s professional success.

6 | 10 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Body Types The circle The triangle The hourglass The rectangle

6 | 11 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. General Standards Err on the conservative side. Dress one step up from everyday attire in your field. Make sure your hair is washed and combed. Select a hair style that complements your face shape and skin tone.

6 | 12 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. General Standards (cont’d) For men, make sure facial hair is groomed or removed. Use deodorant. Avoid perfumes and colognes. Make sure nails are clean and manicured to an appropriate length. Nail polish (if used) is a light shade. Remove body piercings and cover tattoos.

6 | 13 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Considerations for Men Neutral color, two-piece suit Long-sleeved shirt in a neutral color that complements the suit Tie in a color that complements the shirt and suit Polished and scuff-free shoes Dark colored, calf-length socks Minimal jewelry

6 | 14 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Considerations for Women Neutral color, two-piece suit Suit is preferable to dress Solid color blouse without frills Avoid plunging necklines Polished, neutral-colored pumps Neutral-colored hose Briefcase is preferable to purse. Avoid both. Subtle make-up that complements skin tone

6 | 15 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Wardrobe Building on a Budget Begin budgeting early. Use the mix-and-match approach. Build your wardrobe around a neutral color. Shop for quality rather than quantity. Buy washable fabrics. Buy good quality clothes in second-hand stores. Seek the advice of a successful professional dresser.

6 | 16 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Dressing for Casual Fridays For most companies, this means dressing down a notch on Fridays from the normal dress code. For example: –Suit and tie becomes dress slacks and long-sleeved collared shirt –Jeans and a t-shirt instead of khakis

6 | 17 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Chapter Summary First Impressions Dressing for Success Dressing for the Interview Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget Dressing for Casual Fridays