Dress to Impress – Wardrobe Tips for the Recent Graduate
College students are notorious for a laid-back carefree type of wardrobe style, which most definitely fits their lifestyle at that moment in time. Students typically are busy juggling classes, assignments, a part-time job, and their personal life, which leaves little time to worry about their wardrobe. For those who are nearing graduation, however, it’s time to start thinking about your wardrobe in a whole other manner.
While the clothing that you wear may not seem like a big deal, it helps to shape how you are seen by the outside world. So, why is this so important? Let’s look at this example. Let’s say you are a graduate of the master of liberal studies program at Rutgers University Online. Sure, Rutgers prepares you from an academic standpoint, but when you head out into the world you need to present an image to potential employers as well.
Your Rutgers University degree can get you in the door and land you an interview, but you need to present the kind of professional image the employer is looking for. So, if you’re nearing completion of your studies, or you’ve just recently graduated, here are a few wardrobe tips that can help you to project a professional image that helps you land your first job. It’s all about dressing for the job you want to land and projecting that image at all times.
Dress Based on the Interview
It’s important to state that there is no one-size fits all approach to what to wear for an interview. Much of it is based on the employer, the type of job you’re applying for, the organization’s culture (their dress code), and where the interview is taking place.
If you are going for an informal interview, perhaps at a casual restaurant or coffee shop, then you want to go for the business casual approach, such as a pair of slacks and a simple shirt or top. You want to keep your outfit low-key and neutral. As far as accessories and footwear go, men can pick a loafer style of shoe. Women should opt for a flat or low heel such as a kitten heel and keep the jewelry fairly basic. Because you aren’t exactly sure of the work environment and the existing dress code, business casual is a safe bet.
If you don’t have an interview set-up or you are attending a network-style event, you can amp up that business casual look by a notch or two just to appear even more professional. That exact same look can be used when going into a business for an interview. It’s always going to be better to look more professional than necessary rather than underdressing. It helps to create a positive image, which can allow you to stand out from the competition.
Project the Right Kind of Image to Employers
While you are free to dress in any way you like in the comfort of your personal life, when heading out to search for a job and attend interviews, you will want to give thought to the image you are projecting.