Recently I participated in a local community college job fair, offering a seminar on “Dressing for Success,” and general job search tips. Hundreds of students and adults from the community attended. What amazed me, however, was how ill-prepared so many participants were in terms of making a good first impression.
Many made the effort to dress for success even if they didn’t have a wardrobe that included recommended interview attire. To those who made that effort, I applaud you. All of us who were there to receive you noticed and appreciated you.
Others dressed like they came directly from class, in workout clothing complete with towel, or like they came prepared to make social contacts. To those who made no attempt at all to make a respectful first impression, shame on you. Did it not enter your mind that the company representatives, human resource professionals, military personnel, educators and others who participated in order to offer you career possibilities and advice saw you and made instant, permanent first impressions of you? I have to include one Navy recruiter who apparently believed that “pants on the ground” worked with a military uniform. No, it doesn’t work — anywhere.
You must get visible in your job search, meeting people and developing network contacts, completing employment applications, knocking on doors and going on interviews. Every time you get visible in your job search efforts, dress for your own success. Make an effort to make the best first impression you can, to whoever sees you, most importantly a network contact or a company receptionist. Dress for your own success whenever you meet the public.
So, how do you prepare to attend a job fair if you don’t have traditional “interview” clothing? Here are five tips:
• With jewelry, “less is best.” Take off your piercings and wear one set of earrings (women), and maybe one piece of sensible jewelry.
, Dress sensibly, not like you’re going clubbing. Wear clean, pressed clothing and make sure your shoes are clean and polished.
• Shower or bathe before the fair and leave your cologne or perfume for the weekend. Soap and water will suffice.
• Bring copies of your resume, a legal pad and something to write with. A fresh manila envelope will work fine to carry your supplies.
• Do what others fail to do.