Clothes The Deal

“Anyone’s suit is going to look professional… but is it polished?”
- Jill DeSena-Shook


On Thursday, April 8th the Career and Scholarship Center along with the CSI Marketing Association presented the “Clothes the Deal- Dressing for Success” VELA event. It was held in building 1P and lasted approximately an hour and a half. The main theme throughout most of the evening was, “How to make your suit polished.” That just means what are the little things one could do to make themselves look that much better.

Whether you like it or not first impressions are everything! One quote I have heard all too often is, “You’ll never have a second chance to make a great first impression.” With the economy in the condition it is in today, it’s hard enough to find a job for the seniors graduating this May. This event really urged and tried to prepare the seniors with all the knowledge they will need to succeed on job interviews. Dressing professionally is a MUST. Professional dress can often make or break your chances for advancing in the job seeking process. Some tips given to improve your overall appearance were:

Men
- Business suit in black, blue, or gray with a fresh white long sleeved shirt and an appropriate business dress tie. Avoid ties that are “loud” or contain a theme such as cartoon characters or sports teams.
- Leather belts in black, brown, or burgundy are appropriate.
- Black, brown or cordovan shoes should be worn and always be clean and polished.
- Dress socks that match your suit and reach your mid-calf should be worn. White socks, athletics socks, or socks with loud design patterns regardless of color are always inappropriate. No backpacks or ski jackets. Professional overcoat is a must.
- Jewelry should be limited to a business watch. No earrings, neck chains, bracelets or body piercing.
- Clean-shaven. Always get a hair cut prior to the interview and be certain you are well-groomed – mustache or beard trimmed, fingernails trimmed and clean, hair neatly combed, teeth brushed, use deodorant after showering.
- Do not use cologne or aftershave.

Women
-Business suit (preferably skirt and jacket) – black, blue, or gray with a simple white or muted blouse or shell. Avoid pants suits and dresses if possible.
- Shoes should be simple classic 2-inch pumps, clean and polished, in black, blue or brown. Avoid platform heels, open toed or open heeled shoes, heels higher than 2 inches. Absolutely no sandals or mules.
- Skinned-toned hosiery tests well in business. No black, brown, white opaque, or fishnet stockings, no leggings, no designed or themed stockings. NEVER go to an interview barelegged, even in the summer months. Always bring a spare pair or pantyhose with you incase you get a snag on the way to the interview.
- Jewelry should be limited to simple stud earrings, a business watch, no bangles bracelets or ankle bracelets, no dangling earrings, no heavy neck jewelry.
- Hair: longhair pulled back away from face, no hair clips, barrettes, hairpins, scrunches, etc. Short hair neatly combed and styled. Avoid spiked hair. Hair color should look as natural as possible. Absolutely no unusual coloring such as: purple, blue, some reds, etc.
- Nails should be well manicured. No long nails and absolutely no nail art. Choose to wear a light colored or neutral nail [polish. If you wear acrylic or fiberglass nails, make sure they are not so long that they appear “Claw-like” or that they glow or glitter.
-Purse should be small and business appropriate- just enough to hold a wallet, keys, makeup etc. Avoid carrying an oversized purse that looks like an overnight bag. No backpacks or ski jackets. Professional overcoat is a must.
- Always make sure you are well groomed. Finger nails cleaned and trimmed, makeup fresh and business appropriate. Teeth brushed, use deodorant.
- Wear a light perfume or cologne. No heavy scented perfumes.



These are all excellent tips that could help students not just land great internships but ultimately great careers when they graduate. But obviously the way you appear is not the only thing that goes into whether you get the job or not, just a mere stepping stone towards your final goal.

Students were also advised to act professionally at all times. Always introduce yourself and provide a firm handshake with good eye contact. Be friendly but also professional. Do not smoke, chew gum, or engage in other distracting mannerisms. At the end of your conversation, make sure to thank the person with another firm handshake. Be polite and considerate to everyone that day; anyone you meet might be an interviewer you will see later that afternoon. Before your interview, you should always hand over a copy of your resume to the interviewer. Before hand, you should develop questions you plan to ask about the company, especially pertaining to job duties, structure and culture, and how you expect to contribute. Do not ask salary and/or benefit related questions during you initial contact with the company. This will run the risk of coming off overly aggressive.

The event began with a Meet & Greet type atmosphere where refreshments were offered. Then began the faculty and staff model runway show. Lisa French- Macaulay Honors College Advisor graciously volunteered to walk.



With each model there was something incorrect with their wardrobe and it was the audiences job to point out what was wrong. Some were wearing white gym socks while others texted on their cell phones while chewing gum. It made for a very entertaining time. The guest speaker of the evening was author of Just Tell Me How To Get Hired! Jill DeSena-Shook. She emphasized the difference between being “professional” and being “polished.” Next was a group of CSI students modeling the correct way to dress for a job interview. Copies of DeSena’s book were raffled off to students to close out this great educational event.

“Polish and professionalism can go with not just a suit but with your persona as well. Marilyn Monroe was polished, but she was not professional. Whoopi Goldberg is professional, but she is most certainly not polished.”