As college students start looking for jobs in the work force, students including myself question what to wear to interviews and even after interviews when they either get the internship or job. According to CNN.com appearance is ranked second under communication skills that are qualities associated with professionalism in the work force.
When going to apply for different positions I think it is extremely important to dress appropriately and not too over the top. When men go to do these things I feel they need to look the part for what they are interviewing for.
It is completely inappropriate in my eyes for men to come to work dressed in anything else besides a proper suit and tie. I don’t think there is any way that your employer will take you seriously, regardless of what type of job you have I think it is necessary to always look put together and professional. Some things like flip flops, jeans, and unkept hair. I think it’s very important also to have a proper fitting suit so you get that clean and together look.
However, sometimes the clothing isn’t the only thing contributing to the look that men need to look clean and put together. The way a man wears his hair can give off either a vibe whether your look says sloppy or not. A man’s hair needs to be kept clean in order to achieve a well and successful look.
When thinking about what to wear as a woman to work you most likely would think in order to achieve that proper and put together look they can wear a pencil skirt and pair it with a button-down shirt. Sometimes women take these guidelines a little too loosely and dress either too over the top for work or way too casual.
Some women think that length doesn’t matter when wearing a pencil skirt to work. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. There is an appropriate length and an inappropriate length when wearing this type of clothing to work. My rule of thumb is if it’s above the knee it is probably too short for work. If you wear a short enough skirt in the office your co-workers could get the wrong idea about you because of the way you are presenting yourself. The look the woman is giving off can add to the continuing sexualization which I think has existed in the office world for years.
Along with the length of the skirt, what is on the skirt also plays a factor in deciding what is appropriate and what isn’t for the office. Women, I believe, should not be walking into the office like it is a nightclub. They should stay away from any type of sequins and glitter while in the setting of your work.
When dressing for work I would stay away from the club-type heels to keep your image in the office as professional as possible in the eyes of your peers in the office. Keep it under four inches if you are going to wear heels.
People can make their own opinion on what is professional and what isn’t but to keep your presentation clean and simple I would advise to keep it classy clean and not too over the top.
