Pages

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Make a positive and lasting first impression

Professionals consistently say they assess a student's willingness to take an internship seriously based on their dress and personal image. Below you'll find tips on what to wear and what to avoid.

DO:
Carefully select your attire.
Carry a pen, planner, and portfolio with plenty of resumes.
Dress conservatively.
Groom your hair.
Iron your shirt.
Keep it basic with your the jewelry selection.
Make sure your colors coordinate.
Remove piercings.
Stick with basic colors: black, navy, gray, brown.

Ladies should wear:
dark closed-toe shoes and avoid stilettos.
pantyhose with skirts.
skirts at or below knee length.

Men should:
shave or trim facial hair.
wear a tie.
wear a sports coat- if you have one.

DON’T:
Dress as if you’re going to a nightclub.
Soak yourself in cologne and perfume.
Wear revealing clothes.
Wear spaghetti strap tank tops and limit cleavage.
Wear short skirts.
Wear excessively tight clothes.
Smack on gum, candy or other foods.

Bottom line: first impressions are lasting. Take a few extra minutes to reconsider your dress. You'll appear ready to take on a professional opportunity that could very well catapult your career.