Dress for Success

How important, really, is your appearance to your potential employers? Some of you, I know, have gotten jobs in jeans, mini skirts and Timberlands. Others of us have been told to always “dress for success” in the traditional suits complete with tie, pantyhose and as little jewelry as possible. Whatever you were taught, it’s important to know what’s expected of you if you’re looking for a possible career at Wednesday’s Career Fair.

While no one wants to be told what they can or can’t wear, no one wants to be unemployed, either. Take my advice: If you have to humor the company representatives for an hour or two in your Sunday best, do it. It’ll be well worth it when you find yourself hired immediately after graduation while your jobless peers are running around trying to find emergency rent money.

Since you’re only going to be there for an hour or so, what should you wear to the Career Fair? Unless you’re trying to be a summer camp counselor for the rest of your life, jeans and tennis shoes are probably not acceptable. Even though it may cause a bit of discomfort, gentlemen, put on some dress shoes, a pair of crisply ironed slacks and a collared shirt. If you’re really trying to impress, put on one of your good silk shirts and matching tie. Take out the earrings, cover the tattoos and fluff up the ‘fro.

Ladies, the same basic rules apply to you, as well. If cashiering at a local gas station is your career of choice, ignore what follows.  Career minded women today don’t necessarily have to wear ankle length business suits, but it is important to show class and taste. A clean pair of loose-fitting dress slacks, blouse and closed-toe shoes are the only fashion necessities you’ll need. Overachievers can wear the conservative black or navy blue suit with leather pumps.

Regardless of what you wear, a positive attitude will take you as far as any piece of clothing. Go to the Career Fair expecting to find a career and I doubt you’ll leave empty handed.

Marie Frasier, 20, is a junior English education student from Columbus, Ohio. She is the Opinions Editor and can be reached at famuanopinions@hotmail.com