Dress for Success!
What do you wear to a career fair or a job interview?
Alfred State's Career Development Center offers the Professional Pioneers Place to assist students with clothes for job interviews.
Office Professional
Suit
Conservative, two-piece suit in solid colors such as black, grey navy. If choosing to wear a skirt, the length should fall above the knee. Shirt: Wear a long sleeve or short sleeve dress shirt under and pair with a tie OR wear a blouse.
Shoes
Wear polished dress shoes, dark socks, and a belt to match your shoes.
What Not to Wear
Athletic wear, sweatpants, t-shirts, jeans, sandals/flip flops, see through clothing, low cut clothing, shorts, short skirts.
Business Casual (Check with employer and/or interviewer if appropriate)
Athletic wear, sweatpants, t-shirts, jeans, sandals/flip flops, see through clothing, low cut clothing, shorts, short skirts.
Other Tips
- Wear a minimum amount of jewelry and/or makeup, keep nails trimmed and clean.
- Stay away from strong smelling soaps, perfumes, colognes, body sprays etc.
- Hair should be brushed and pulled away from face if possible.
- If you have body piercings or tattoos check with the company policy on if they are appropriate.
- If you can't find any information, it might be better to not wear or cover until you can find information about their policy.
Skilled Trades
Professional Dress
Wear your cleanest and newest uniform shirt or a button down. Tucked in solid-colored button-down shirts pair well with black, brown, or olive pants. Your darkest rip free, stain free denim will also work.
Shoes
Closed toe, full coverage, clean shoes are best. The effort to clean and polish your boots/crew shoes shows attention to detail. Valued in the skilled trades emphasis on precision work and measurement.
What Not to Wear
Sweatshirts with the hood up, stains, personal opinions, t-shirts, sandals/flip flops, see-through clothing, low cut clothing, shorts and short skirts.
Other Tips
- Hands cleaned and nails trimmed.
- Review the organization's policy regarding tattoos and piercings. If you cannot locate, consider covering until you know more.
- Avoid strong smelling soaps, perfumes, colognes, body sprays, etc.
- Hair should be brushed and pulled away from face if possible.
- Minimal jewelry and makeup.