Professional Attire for Job Fairs and Interviews

What is your first impression?

·         I think he looks great!  Nice appearance.  Clean cut hair style.  Nice suit…stylish.  Not too flashy or over the top.  Excellent choice for an interview.

·         Very professional.

·         Overall looks good.  Still has the tag on his arm.

·         Very nice suit, but it doesn’t look like it fits – jacket too large and pants too long?  Hard to tell for sure from photo.  Nice haircut – professional.

·         Very nicely dressed.  Classy.

Is this appropriate for a career fair?

·         Yes (6)

·         Yes, but perhaps a little too much for a career fair.

·         It could be, although people come to career fairs dressed more business casual.  Something they might wear to work (in a school).

Is this appropriate for an interview?

·         Yes (6)

·         Very appropriate for an interview.  I would be very impressed with this candidate if he appears for an interview.  He would make a very lasting first impression.  It would make me remember him when reviewing all interview material.

·         OK, but, again maybe blazer, tie and slacks would be better.

·         Yes, although the suit doesn’t fit very well.  Yet, I could overlook the fit.

What is your first impression?

·         Again, nicely done.  It’s a little more casual and depending on the district, this could be totally appropriate.  Candidates need to dress for their audience.

·         Jacket looks a little small.  Khakis are okay, but a little causal.

·         OK – would be better with a tie.

·         Seems a little laid back, ,causal perhaps.

·         Ok for a teaching position, but I don’ t like to see the t-shirt under the open collar of the shirt.  The fit/look should be more crisp so it says, “I’ve got it together”. 

Is this appropriate for a career fair?

·         No.   Needs a tie.  Should have a suit.

·         Yes

·         Yes (if tie was added)

Is this appropriate for an interview?

·         No

·         Yes

·         Maybe

·         Add a tie for sure.

·         No, I wouldn’t recommend this if you are wanting to make a good first impression.  The opened button and lack of a tie make it appear too casual.

·         Too casual

·         Could be, but again, it should be more polished if possible.

What is your first impression?

·         LOUD.  Looks like he is going to a dance club.  I’d be too distracted by the shirt to hear anything he had to say.

·         Looks good, but missing a jacket.

·         Neat, clean clothes, shirt is a bust – it distracts from his face.

·         This is a nice look.  While he’s not wearing a jacket or tie, it’s a very sleek, nice look.

Is this appropriate for a career fair?

·         No (2)

·         Probably

·         Perhaps

·         Yes (4)

 Is this appropriate for an interview?

·         No (3)

·         Maybe

·         Would like to see a more polished look.

·         Would suggest adding a tie.

·         Too informal

·         A little too casual for an interview.  Are those jeans?  Denim pants, no matter the color, do not belong in an interview situation.

What is your first impression?

·         Nice suit!  The pink is a little loud, but other than that, it’s a nice outfit.

·         Very professional

·         Nice professional look – conservative suit.

·         Perfect…but is that a tattoo on her right foot?  If so, she may wish to find a pair of shoes that cover it.

·         Very nice!  She looks very professional and confident.

Is this appropriate for a career fair?

·         Yes (5)

·         Yes...but is that a tattoo on her right foot?  If so, she may wish to find a pair of shoes that cover it.

·         Maybe a little too much for a career fair.  She could maybe lose the jacket and then it may be a little less professional and fine for a career fair.

Is this appropriate for an interview?

·         Yes (5)

·         Yes – if I could send a picture to my applicants of what to wear for their interview, this would be it.  However, if she is applying for a kindergarten teaching position, I would maybe suggest pants, so she can get down and interact with the kids during the lesson portion of the interview.

·         Yes, absolutely.  As long as she is comfortable in this.

What is your first impression?

·         Too trendy – looks like a “fun” outfit to go out with friends – not an employer

·         Way too short and no pantyhose.  I know it sucks wearing pantyhose, but that is something that college age girls need to learn is a must when applying for jobs.  Her look would be much better just with the addition of pantyhose.  However, the skirt is still much too short for someone looking for a teaching career.

·         Totally inappropriate.

·         Oh my.  What image is she trying to project?  I would feel uncomfortable having her work before a group of high schoolers in that get-up.

Is this appropriate for a career fair?

·         No (8)

·         Totally inappropriate.

Is this appropriate for an interview?

·         No (7)

·         No.  A general suggestion for all of these would be to look at the School District’s dress code policy.  Definitely do not wear anything to a career fair or interview that would not be acceptable to wear if you worked at that District.  Take it a step above and just be as professional as you can.  If you have an outfit that you wear out with friends on Friday night, it’s probably not going to be appropriate to wear to an interview or career fair.

·         Totally inappropriate.