Dressing for Success at a Career Fair
How you choose to dress for a career fair, interview, or networking event can have a substantial impact on how others perceive you. Often lasting impressions are formed within the first 30 seconds of a meeting. Therefore, how you present yourself is as important as what you say during these situations.
Business Professional
- Wear a conservative tailored suit or dress suit (black, dark blue, gray)
- Skirt should hit the top of the knee—avoid extreme slits
- Wear well-shined basic medium/low-heeled pumps or shoes
- Limit jewelry and select subtle options
- Choose a small handbag or portfolio
- Have well-groomed hair
- Select white or blue cotton shirts—avoid other colors or stripes
- Wear a tie and match belt with shoe color
Business Casual
- Choose casual pants (pressed slacks or khakis) or skirts that aren’t too tight
- Choose skirts that come to the knee while standing and cover your thighs when seated
- Select tailored shirts, blouses, sweaters, and sweater sets
- Have well-groomed hair
- Select long-sleeved shirts (dressier) or short–sleeved in summer
- Wear leather shoes, (no sandals, athletic shoes, or boots)
- Typically less is more when accessorizing- choose a conservative watch and jewelry