Western Courier

Issue date: 3/31/04 Section: News

Media Credit: Randl Besse

Media Credit: Randl Besse

There is no official dress code for students at Western Illinois University, but if there were, it would probably be sneakers, jeans and a sweatshirt. The majority of students on campus portray the casual, laid-back look when going to class. However, those approaching graduation realize they cannot wear flip-flops every day in the "real world."

When preparing for an interview with a possible future employer, students may touch up their résumés or think of original reasons for why they would be a good employee for the company.

What some forget to think about is what they are going to wear. Interviewers look for professionalism in applicants, making appearance more important than some may think.

Jeri Harper, career development specialist for Western's College of Business and Technology, works with students to help them prepare for job interviews. She offers advice such as wearing the interview outfit before the actual day of the interview.

This allows students to make sure it fits and does not sag or bunch up when sitting down. Harper also tells students to make sure they are wearing nice, closed-toe shoes that are not scuffed or dirty.

"I've had recruiters tell me, 'Shoes are the very first thing we look at,'" Harper said.

Harper added sometimes it is seemingly obvious things that students forget to do for their appearance on the day of an interview. Recruiters who have come to Western for job fairs have told Harper they were not happy with students wearing wrinkled outfits. She said they have also noticed some girls wear very short skirts or low-cut blouses. Interviewers do not think this shows professionalism, according to Harper.

Career Services at Western provides a flier for students seeking advice on proper interview attire. A few tips for women include wearing hosiery at all times, keeping make-up and hair natural, keeping nails manicured with light or clear polish and wearing only a few pieces of jewelry.

For men, nails should be clean and trimmed, hair should be neat and facial hair should be trimmed or shaved off. Both men and women need to wear a suit neutral in color, such as black or gray and keep papers in a briefcase or some kind of professional folder.

Harper said the bottom line to remember when dressing for an interview is that the outfit looks professional and the accessories go along with that look.

"It's a complete picture," Harper said. "Some students forget that."

Harper added a few tips for those who get hired and are not sure what to wear on the job. Harper said keeping a conservative look is a good idea until the new employee sees what everyone else is wearing. Harper said if moving up in the company is a goal, dressing like those in higher positions might help.

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