You have probably heard the saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”, but what are some steps you can take to actually follow this advice? As college aged students, it’s important to go ahead and get out in the job world as much as possible. More employers these days are wanting to hire people with actual, real world job experience. In order to stand out in an interview or your new job, bulking up your resume with extracurricular activities and volunteering go a long way. Whether you want to become a teacher, accountant, doctor, or anything in between, these tips and tricks on dressing for success are sure to benefit your career.
First, you want to make sure your professional attire fits you in the right way. It might seem trivial, but an employer or superior will notice if your outfits are too big or too small for you. Having tailored business attire will reflect positively on you because it shows you care about how you project your image to the world.
Next, sometimes less is more, especially with accessories. While there is nothing wrong with pair of earrings and a few bracelets, be mindful that your accessories aren’t any kind of distraction. In an interview, it is key to project the best image for your potential new employer. Anything that might get in the way of that, including accessories that are too shiny, loud, or otherwise a bother, should be removed before the interview.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is to do your research about the company you either are interviewing with or want to eventually be a part of. You can never be over prepared, especially when it comes to your career. You will want to ask as many questions regarding the employment position and the dress code that it requires. One of the most common mistakes people make on their first day of a new job is not being appropriately dressed. For example, if you nail your interview at the newest boutique in town, you should not show up to your first day in Nike shorts and a tank top. Thankfully, the feeling of not being prepared can easily be avoided! By taking your time, planning your outfits, and asking a friend to look at your potential work wardrobe, you can know for sure that you are dressed for success!
By Alexandrea Moore