Appropriate and Inappropriate Job Search Attire

I’ve been taking tests for state positions and it’s amazing to see what people wear. I mean, this is still part of the job search process.

I’m not the fashion police by any means but here are a few things that made me go “Whaaat??? They wore what?”

Inappropriate Job Search Attire

• Men and women: Workout pants, workout shirts, gym shoes
• Women: Flip flops, leggings, tight-fitting clothing
• Men: Sweat suits, pants below the waistline, sandals

Thankfully, I haven’t seen anyone in pajamas – yet.

You are being watched all the time; you just don’t know who’s watching. First impressions are everything and people judge your appearance first.

When I go to take tests I wear slacks, a top or blouse, maybe a blazer and black loafer. I dress in business casual attire because

1. I want to feel a little comfortable taking tests (they are rather intense).
2. I want to be prepared just in case someone wants to meet with me.
3. People’s treatment of you tends to be based on your appearance.
4. I don’t know who I may run into that could help me with any of my endeavors.

Every time you do something related to your job search you should dress business casual at a minimum. Following are my recommendations for job search attire based on advice I’ve received since college. This applies to people

• Attending job fairs
• Taking employment tests
• Having informational interviews
• Delivering resumes in person
• Attending networking events

You want the focus of your interview to be on your skills and experience, not your clothes. The job search process is hard enough: don’t give recruiters ammunition to disqualify you.

Appropriate Job Search Attire

Women

• Shirts or blouses that cover that fit and cover your entire cleavage. Nothing should be peeking out.
• Dresses below the knee and arms covered. No spaghetti straps and tank tops unless they are worn with blazers or sweaters. Wear executive colors – black, brown, grey and navy, if possible.
• Pants and skirts that allow movement. Wear executive colors. If you struggle to put it on, do not wear it.
• Jewelry that accentuates the outfit, not distract from it.
• Shoes with 3-inch heels or shorter in executive colors.

Men

• Dark or khaki slacks.
• Shirts with a collar. No t-shirts or other casual shirts.
• Dress shoes in executive colors – brown, black, navy blue. No gym shoes.
• A fitted belt. If your pants slip down, the belt is not tight enough; adjust it accordingly.
• Remove all earrings

All Job Seekers

• Cover tattoos as much as possible during your job search activities.
• Cell phones are not accessories. Put them away as soon as you enter where you’re going. If you’re having an emergency situation, put your phone on vibrate.

That’s my spiel on job search attire.

What Did I Miss?

What are your thoughts on what job seekers should and should not wear during job search activities?

Let us know in the comment box below.

 

Image credit: pexels