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  • What do I wear to an interview?

    It only takes twelve to fifteen seconds to form a first impression. More than half of that first impression is based upon appearance. In professional settings, clothing sends a message about us, so the impression you make is crucial, especially during first meetings such as job interviews.

    Hints for Dress for Success for Men and Women

    Attention to details is crucial, so here are some tips for both men and women. Make sure you have:

    • clean and polished conservative dress shoes
    • well-groomed hairstyle
    • cleaned and trimmed fingernails
    • minimal cologne or perfume
    • no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercings for women
    • well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
    • no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
    • minimal jewelry
    • no body odor


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  • Guideline for Women's Interview Attire

    • Select a skirted suit, pantsuit or conservatively tailored dress that draws the eye to your face.
    • Skirts are traditionally knee-length but those slightly shorter or longer are also acceptable.
    • Select blouses or sweaters that provide visual interest, but avoid transparent, tight fit, or have low necklines, revealing waistlines or details that detract from your face as a focal point. Typically, arms are covered at least to the biceps and often to the wrist.
    • Always wear hose to interviews even in Florida . Wear plain-style, non-patterned hosiery and select colors that flatter your coloring. For traditional industries, wear a neutral color. For other industries, you may choose to wear hose that coordinates with your skirt. Carry an extra pair in case of runs.
    • Perfume should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or offend the interviewer. When in doubt, do not wear perfume.
    • Make-up should be minimal and use natural-looking makeup and clear nail polish. This keeps the focus on the interview.
    • Do not carry a purse with a briefcase. Choose one or the other.
    • Wear flat shoes or low pumps in colors that avoid making your feet a focal point. Be sure that they are clean and polished. Avoid shoes that hinder walking fast. This lowers credibility. Avoid open-toed shoes since associated with social agendas.
    • Add accessories to express your personality and accentuate your best features. A scarf or necklace is an effective way to focus on your face. Keep it simple!
    • Women in general wear too many accessories at the same time such as earrings, necklaces, and rings. These can accentuate your personality and can be an asset if worn in moderation. Avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch. Be sure all jewelry focuses on the face.


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  • Guideline for Men's Interview Attire

    •  Wear a matching suit in navy, black or gray (pinstripe or solid) or wear a navy blazer and gray dress slacks. They serve as a visual background that draws the eye to the face.

    • Wear white or a light blue dress shirt that contrasts with the jacket and/or tie. Typically, arms should be covered to the wrist. Exposing arms by rolling up your sleeves is interpreted as less powerful and is less formal.
    • A tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant but choose one that strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt; selecting subtle or simple patterns enhances credibility.
    • Socks should be calf-length or above the calf. Choose natural-fiber blends that allow a flow of air and do not hold in perspiration and heat. Choose colors such as dark blue, black or gray.
    • Wear conservative, clean, and polished shoes.
    • Select lace-up (not slip-on) dress shoes. The color should be dark or blend with pant.
    • Select a leather belt that visually blends or matches your shoes.
    • A short hair cut and no facial hair is expected.
    • Minimize jewelry. Avoid a necklace. Wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch. Be sure all jewelry supports a focus on the face.
    • A full-length coat can be worn over your suit; avoid casual coats.
    • Cologne should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or offend the interviewer. When in doubt, do not wear cologne.
    • Your briefcase is part of visual effect; consider a simple portfolio as an effective substitute, and try to select a color that supports your visual effect.


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  • What is a reference?

    References are an important part of the job-search process and employers expect them. Here are some types for choosing people to be references:

    •  Choose the ones who can best address your skills and can give specific examples of your accomplishments.

    • Ask their permission before submitting their names as references.
    • Send each of your references a copy of your résumé and the job description or advertisement for each position you are pursuing.
    • If you are asking faculty members to serve as references for you, give them copies of projects you completed in their classes to help them remember the quality of your work.
    • Let them know each time you submit their names as references.
    • Keep them informed of your progress and send them thank you notes for their efforts on your behalf


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  • How do I write a résumé?

    An employer will usually spend about 15 seconds reviewing your résumé. This in not much time to catch someone's attention. Therefore, you need to create and design your résumé so that employers can quickly see what you have to offer them.

    • Your résumé is a personal marketing tool used in securing an interview.
    • It is a written summary of your education, work experience, professional skills, and interests.
    • It is a sample of your ability to organize and express yourself in writing, clearly, concisely, and neatly.
    • Résumé preparation begins with self-analysis. What is your career goal? What are your KSAs: knowledge, skills, and abilities? What are your strengths, values, and interests? What is your experience?
    • Target your résumé to your audience. How does your experience match the employer's needs? Your resume may need to be revised to address different employers.


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