Dressing for Success

1. Dressing for Success One Key to Your Future Dr. Julia Barnes Interim President Forrest Junior College Lifestyles for Ladies Conference Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

2. Medical providers, legal assistance, and shelters can give you a hand in getting out of an abusive situation. Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

3. But once you are on your own….. • What do you do? • Financial Security comes from a JOB and.. • A steady income. • Bottom line – you need one, and here are tips on what you need to know to get it! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

4. Appearance Matters… • Recent studies have indicated that 60% of employers will determine whether you will land a job or not based on your appearance alone. • Contrary to the movie, the Erin Brockovich look is not likely to be hired! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

5. Always remember there is never a second chance to make a first impression A first impression is like a finger print -- it can not be rubbed off or removed Negative or positive a first impression is permanent!!!! First Impressions Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

6. Know the company dress code Wear neat and clean clothing Make sure your clothing fit Go easy on trends Watch “heaviness” Aim for a smooth look De-clutter Look at yourself in the mirror Not too casual on Casual Day People-watch People-ask Read magazines HYGIENE General Attire Tips Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

7. Men= suit and tie Women= suit with skirt The standard uniform of the Past Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

8. Today... • Remember companies each have their individual culture – what is typical in that work setting. • Investigate what the standards may be for dressing for each company you contact for an interview. • Ask the human resources department what would be appropriate if you are not sure. • Scope the area out if necessary. Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

9. How do I dress for a job interview in a Business-Casual World? • This will depend on the place of employment you select • Many companies have emerged to casual dress codes • Others are still focusing on suits and ties Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

10. BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL FOR WOMEN • Matching suit jacket and knee length (or longer) skirt or pants • Conservative colors, (i.e. navy, black, gray) • Long sleeve or short sleeve blouses • Dress shoes or dress boots with long skirts or pants only • CHECK OUT GOODWILL & OTHER THRIFT SHOPS! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

11. Best Colors to wear for a job interview…….. • Black • Grays • Burgundy • Browns • Navy • Muted plaids Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

12. If you are NOT to wear a suit… then what should you wear? • Rule of thumb – • Wear something dressier than what the employees are wearing to work • Slacks/coordinate or skirt suit for women is safe. Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

13. Hillary Clinton’s “PANTSUIT” trademark… • Pants? Skirts? Or Pantsuit??? • The question is still somewhat controversial. • The first ladies image since 1900’s has been skirts and dresses, until Hillary Clinton. Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

14. Accessories&Fragrances • Conservative, again depending on the company • Ease up on jewelry and perfume Examples-- American Eagle store vs. Bank Hospital vs. Restaurant Wildlife Park vs. Public school Dell vs. Dillard’s Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

15. Make up??? • Broadway environment or office environment? • Determine your work environment ahead of time • Dress the part or role for your job Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

16. Nails, hair, glasses, shoes… these “little” things matter too!!! • Nails should be trimmed and clean • Hair should be well groomed and away from your face • Glasses should be smudge free and clear • Shoes should be cleaned and polished Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

17. Interview Attire for Women • Conservative navy or gray skirted suit • Skirt length below the knee • Light/white cotton or silk blouse • Conservative colored, flawless pantyhose • Low-heeled shoes • Briefcase rather than purse • Minimal make-up, perfume and conservative nail polish Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

18. BUSINESS ATTIRE FOR WOMEN • Business knee-length dresses with suit jacket • Suit jacket and pressed pants (do not have to be of the same set) • Blouses • Third piece • Dress shoes or dress boots with long skirts or pants only Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

19. “Casual” Casual for Gals • Doesn’t mean that you can show up wearing anything you want • Remember that you are still portraying an image of yourself • Don’t try out the newest fashion trends • Don’t overdress Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

20. BUSINESS CASUAL FOR WOMEN • Pressed khakis or slacks-NO JEANS • Knee-length or longer dresses/skirts • Sweater sets • Long or short sleeve blouses • Non-athletic socks and shoes • Dress shoes, heels, or boots Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

21. Interviewing Tips • Research your company • Know your resume inside out • Practice with your friends if you have trouble with interviewing • Prepare answers for your weaknesses • Get to the interview 15 minutes early and give yourself a pep talk • Firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile show confidence • Analyze your interviewer and shine • Ask unique, educated questions, do not ask about salary! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

22. Suits: Color: Navy, gray, cobalt blue, and black Length of skirt: below the knee Blouse: Best fabrics: Silk, cotton, or rayon Color: Neutral nothing overwhelming Modest cut Shoes: Match your suit, no contrasting tones Color: Black or navy Style: Closed toe pump with small heel (no more than 2 inches) Accessories Neutral hose Belt and purse match shoes Jewelry: subtle do not want to draw attention to any one thing INTERVIEW ATTIRE FOR WOMEN Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

23. Interview Tips • Wear your best “interview outfit” unless specified otherwise • Wear dress shoes • Conservative accessories • Bring something to take notes with and a pen • Have a strategy and know what events/activities you want to talk about • You want the job, so know how to take control • Ask questions, make them talk Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

24. New Wave Trends…That need to be addressed • Be careful with tattoos, nose rings, brow rings, spiky and colorful hair styles- • Again, some employers may frown on this depending what the work environment is… • They may not “say” a thing – but may not HIRE! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

25. Example Interviews • Fast Food • Telemarketer • Manufacturing • Janitorial • Gardener • Housekeeping • Child care worker • Waitress Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

26. Example Interviews • Administrative support • Hotel desk clerk • Retail sales • Trainer • Social worker • Nurse • Paralegal • Photographer • Clerical Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

27. Example Interviews • Management • Architect • School teacher • Project manager • Attorney • Insurance agent • Executive secretary • Banking • Engineer • Sales representative • Personnel Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

28. This is NOT the time to be “unique.” • Don’t go in jeans! • No spiked hair, t-shirts, overly casual attire. • One ring per hand. • One earring per ear. • Be “neutral.” • You can show your individuality AFTER you are hired! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

29. A second interview… What should I wear? • If it is an office environment where everyone wears a suit…have another suit ready to go • If the workplace is casual -- a skirt suit or pant suit . Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

30. Part of you is your behavior, verbal and non- verbal cues…… • Posture • Eye contact • Body language • Tone and pitch of voice • Facial gestures • Hand gestures Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

31. Websites to visit… • Monster http://www.monster.com/ • America's Job Bank http://www.ajb.dni.us/ • Career http://www.career.com/ • College Job Board http://www.collegejobboard.com • College Recruiter http://www.collegerecruiter.com/ • Hot Jobs http://www.hotjobs.com/ Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

32. Good luck……….. You’re Hired! Presentation courtesy of Forrest Junior College

33. Questions? Ask Now or Regret it Later For more information: Julia Barnes Forrest Junior College 225-7653 juliabarnes@forrestcollege.edu www.forrestcollege.edu