Search This Blog

Friday, April 9, 2010

Job Fairs - Dressing for Success

Do you plan your wardrobe for a job fair?

Recently, at a job fair, the clothing choices I witnessed that individuals were wearing, brought up this topic.  The options ran the gamut.

First, let me say that you don't have to be a fashion plate at a job fair, but you need to be professional in your appearance. Many of the men had on suits with a dress shirt and tie, briefcase with resumes, and the women had on equally nice pants suits or skirts and heels.  These individuals were prepared for any situation.

Other men had on khakis, a nice shirt and tie, or the women were wearing slacks and tops.  In most situations this is considered appropriate attire.

What struck me the most were the individuals who had on jeans, sneakers and baseball jackets.

When working a job fair you are one of a sea of individuals who the recruiter will see.  You have potentially 10 seconds to make a good first impression. How you look and what you say are all judged within that time.  You want the recruiter to have a good impression of you from appearance to your skills.

Your thoughts?

1 comment:

  1. Dress for the job you want! That's tbe best advice I've received regarding this topic. In my opinion, baseball caps have no place at all in the career fair. Even if you're applying to interview with the MLB, I'd still recommend wearing a suit or at least nice dress pants, dress shirt and tie (for men).

    There's a trend among young females right now that is making it's way into the career fair, too. They're called Ugg boots (or similar). I've heard several comments from recruiters about it. They're opinion? While it may be fashionable, they don't have a place in the career fair (and in most cases, on the job). For both men and women, it's best to err on the side of being conservative.

    Of course, there are exceptions....an interview with Ralph Lauren, Vogue magazine, or anything in the fashion industry would most likely warrant a different thought process...

    ReplyDelete