Dress for Success

Meeting with a career coach in Career and Professional Development? No need to stress about what to wear. Students are welcome to attend appointments in whatever makes them comfortable, including casual attire.

Appointments with our office are designed to help you explore majors and careers, review resumes, prepare for interviews, discuss job and internship searches, and more. Whether you're coming from class, work, or the gym, the most important thing is that you show up ready to engage in the conversation.

Job fairs are often more casual than career fairs, but they still provide an opportunity to connect with employers and make a positive first impression. If you are actively seeking employment, business casual attire is usually the safest choice.

Consider wearing clean, neat clothing such as khakis, dress pants, polos, button-down shirts, blouses, sweaters, or other professional-looking attire. Comfortable, clean shoes are also recommended, especially if you'll be walking or standing for extended periods.

While a full suit is generally not necessary, avoid clothing that may appear overly casual, such as pajamas, clothing with offensive graphics or language, or attire that is excessively worn or unkempt.

Remember, employers understand that students are balancing classes, work, and other commitments. The goal is not to dress perfectly, it's to present yourself as someone who is prepared, professional, and interested in the opportunities available.

Example Events: Back-to-School Job Fair and Part-Time Job and Internship Fair

Career fairs are professional networking and recruiting events where employers are actively seeking students and graduates for internships, part-time positions, and full-time careers. Your appearance is often part of an employer's first impression, so business professional attire is strongly recommended.

Business professional attire typically includes a suit, blazer, dress pants or a skirt, a collared shirt or professional blouse, a dress, and professional shoes. Clothing should be clean, wrinkle-free, and fit appropriately. While attire may vary slightly by industry, it is generally better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at a career fair.

Remember that many employers use career fairs as an opportunity to identify candidates for future interviews. Dressing professionally demonstrates that you take the opportunity seriously and are prepared to represent yourself in a workplace setting.

If you are unsure what to wear, Career and Professional Development can help you determine appropriate attire for your industry and connect you with resources that can help you build a professional wardrobe.

Example Events: Career and Internship EXPO, EXPO Networking Night, Educators EXPO, Meet the Accountants

A mock interview is your opportunity to practice interviewing in a realistic setting while receiving valuable feedback on your responses, communication skills, and professional presence. Because the goal is to simulate an actual interview experience, students are encouraged to dress in attire that falls between business casual and business professional.

Business casual options may include dress pants, khakis, a collared shirt, blouse, sweater, or professional dress. Business professional attire, such as a suit or blazer, is also appropriate and can help you practice feeling confident in the clothing you may wear for future interviews.

If you have an upcoming interview, consider wearing the outfit you plan to wear for the actual interview. This allows you to receive feedback not only on your interview performance but also on your overall professional presentation.

Remember, the purpose of a mock interview is to learn and improve. While your attire can help create a realistic experience, the most important thing is to come prepared, ready to practice, and open to feedback.

Interview attire should reflect both professionalism and the expectations of the industry you are pursuing. While many corporate, business, healthcare, and professional office environments expect business professional attire, other industries may have different standards. The key is to dress one level above what employees typically wear on the job while still fitting the culture of the organization.

For many interviews, business professional attire, such as a suit, blazer, dress pants, professional dress, collared shirt, blouse, and dress shoes, is a safe choice. However, students pursuing careers in agriculture, natural resources, construction, manufacturing, and other hands-on industries may find that business casual attire is more appropriate. In these fields, employers often value professionalism, practicality, and authenticity over formal business attire.

Before your interview, research the organization, review photos on its website or social media, and consider the nature of the position. If you are interviewing for a role that involves fieldwork, production, operations, or working directly with equipment or livestock, a polished business casual look may be more appropriate than a full suit. Clean, well-maintained boots, khakis, button-down shirts, or other industry-appropriate attire can be acceptable in some settings.

When in doubt, ask the employer about the expected dress code or consult with Career and Professional Development. A little preparation can help ensure your attire supports a strong first impression and allows your qualifications to take center stage.