1. Dress Code: Professional
UST College of Science
Career Seminar – December 14, 2011
Dress Code: Professional
Dress to Impress, Dress for Success
MARIA AGNES A. BUQUID, M.A., RGC
Counselor
University of Santo Tomas

2. Overview Pretest (First) Impressions Grooming Considerations
Dressing for Success
For Males
For Females
Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget
Posttest
Demonstration

3. Objectives By the end of this session, students will be able to:
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.
Explain how outward appearance can affect internal confidence.

4. Pretest (True of False)
You should wear enough perfume or cologne that the interviewer acknowledges that it is you that smells good___________________
You should not get your hair cut because you are not due______________

5. Pretest (True of False)
Today, it does not matter what you wear to an interview as long as you are comfortable_________________
If you have a body piercing you should leave it in. It is better if the interviewer knows up front that you have one________________
Make-up should be used to hi-light your eyes and lips________________

6. Impressions Job hunting is all about making the good impressions
From your resume, cover letter, initial phone call, walk-in interview and subsequent interviews
You will be scrutinized and evaluated

7. Impressions
Conclusions about your professionalism and personality will be drawn MOSTLY based on your physical appearance, mannerisms, communication style, confidence level, and social skills.
Whether we like it or not, we will be judged by our appearance.

8. Impressions
Dress and grooming habits are critical factors in getting hired
First impressions do matter
Overall dress does affect one’s professional success

9. Impressions
Dress and grooming are significant factors in getting hired for a job as well as being considered for advancement within the organization (Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development)

10. Grooming Considerations
Keep hair neat and clean. If needed, get a haircut a week or two before the interview.
Select hairstyle that complements your face shape and skin tone.
Make sure facial hair is groomed or removed (esp. for males)
Use deodorant and avoid perfumes and scents
Make sure nails are manicured and appropriately colored if polish is used.

11. Grooming Considerations
minimal jewelry
no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercing for women
no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth

12. Clothing for the Interview
MALES
Shirts should always be long-sleeved and be of solid colors: light blue, cream, white. Shirts must be clean and lightly starched
Tuck the shirt in and never roll up the sleeves
Tie colors should complement or blend with the overall outfit.
Shoes should be well polished and in good condition. Black, brown, burgundy leather shoes work best with business attire.

13. Sample Business Outfit for Males

14. Clothing for the Interview
MALES
Socks need to be dark, complement the suit, and be of calf length so that skin is not revealed when sitting down and crossing legs
Accessories such as belts should be selected to complement the shoes being worn. Jewelry should be minimal and typically include only items such as wedding band and watch.
No earrings or other facial rings
No clothing with messages / images
Tattoos should be covered
Carry a briefcase instead of a backpack, etc

15. Sample Accessories for Males

16. Clothing for the Interview
FEMALES
Skirt suits are the recommended attire
Dresses are acceptable but a matching jacket/blazer is recommended
Slacks are acceptable but less appropriate than skirts
Blouses in solid colors that complement the skirt is recommended. Avoid blouses with frills and plunging necklines

17. Clothing for the Interview
FEMALES
Wear polished, neutral color pumps with a low to medium heel
Select accessories that complement the shoes (no more than one ring per hand)
A briefcase is preferred to a purse
Select make-up that complements your skin tone and features but does not overwhelm. Dark eye shadows should be avoided.
Nail polish is in subtle tone such as pale pink or a clear gloss

18. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

19. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

20. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

21. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

22. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

23. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

24. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

25. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

26. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

27. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

28. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

29. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

30. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

31. Sample Outfit for Job Hunting

32. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

33. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

34. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

35. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

36. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

37. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

38. Can you spot the inappropriate item/s?

39. Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget
The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles at Washington State University makes the following suggestions for dressing professionally on a budget:
Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for the outfits you need to purchase
Make sure that your outfits can be mixed and matched to make a variety of outfits
Select neutral tones such as black, dark gray, or navy
Budget appropriate accessories and shoes into your overall plan.

40. Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget
Purchase items that are washable to avoid dry cleaning expenses
If travel or commuting may be required for the interview/job, select clothing that is less likely to wrinkle
Invest in clothing that is well-made, of durable fabric, and of a classic design that is less likely to go out of style with the next clothing trend
Consider thrift shops when necessary.
Find someone who can help you select best items for your professional wardrobe.

41. Posttest (Answer: False)
You should wear enough perfume or cologne that the interviewer acknowledges that it is you that smells good___________________
You should not get your hair cut because you are not due______________

42. Posttest (Answer: False)
Today, it does not matter what you wear to an interview as long as you are comfortable_________________
If you have a body piercing you should leave it in. It is better the interviewer know up front that you have one________________
Make-up should be used to hi-light your eyes and lips________________

43. Thank you and happy shopping!