Although it might be the most overused expression, it is also the most important: dress for success. First impressions are critical because you are marketing yourself to a potential employer. Most college students are experiencing the interview process for the first time in their lives which can be a daunting and overwhelming process if not prepared.

As soon as you first steps foot in the interviewer’s office the first thing they notice is your attire which is why it is so vital to put forth the effort to dress for the type of job you are seeking. Many college students today assume having an eloquently penned cover letter and resume dripping with accolades gives them a pass to dress down or casually as they are used to. Just as a script of a movie may seem great on paper, it would not become a success without compelling visual scenery to bring the words to life and sell the story line.

With a job interview, how you are dressed sets the tone for the consultation. A study done by an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, Frank Bernieri, revealed that within the first ten seconds of meeting your interviewer, that person has already made the decision whether or not you are right for the job.

“Dressing conservatively means you care on a couple of different dimensions. One, you’re making an effort; two, you’re making an effort not to offend; three you’re polite and respectful” states Bernieri.

Proper attire is additionally important because it not only gets your foot in the door of the organization, but it will also create a halo effect meaning the interviewer will be more willing to forgive minor gaffes you may make. E.L. Thorndike who was an American psychologist who worked on the learning process which lead to the theory of connectionism and was credited with laying the scientific foundation for modern educational psychology was the first to study this phenomena. He discovered that if an individual is found to possess one desirable trait, it is assumed that the same person has many other desirable traits as well.

Bernieri notes “We would like to think that we’d make decisions based on rational evidence. The truth is it’s about how well they dress.”

While dressing conservatively is arguably the safest route, it is also imperative to size up your office. A little investigating goes a long way, checking out what the successful managers wear and emulating their style makes you look as though you fit with the company. Because most college students dress to rival their counterparts and have had little, if any, contact with professionals outside of retail stores or their professors, picking out the perfect outfit is especially challenging.

Up to this point in students lives’ extra money has been spent of party clothes rather than a professional wardrobe. Often the line between work and pleasure often becomes blurred for young adults as some think because they look attractive going out, the same wardrobe will work in an interview.

“I strongly believe the way I dressed for my interview helped me land the job I have today. Wearing professional attire made me feel as though I fit into the organization which gave me confidence” notes recent TCNJ graduate Christina.

If the office does not have a written dress code here are some wardrobe suggestions that you cannot go wrong with.

Dressing for an interview for men:

• Navy or dark gray matching two piece suit with tailored including pants length
• Long sleeve shirt with collar either white or neutral colored
• Ties are always required, here you can add a pop of color but be sure not to go overboard with a wild print or pattern
• Clean, dark leather shoes
• Matching dark leather belt
• Neat and groomed hair

Dressing for an Interview for women:

• Suit either black, navy or dark gray
• Skirt either just past or at the knees (avoid miniskirts at all costs)
• Coordinated shirt or blouse either white ivory or a light color
• Closed-toe conservative shoes with a 2 ½ max heel height
• Stick to natural makeup with neutral lipstick
• Add a scarf to add color and personality

Reflecting on her outfit choice, TCNJ Sophomore Emily recalled,

“For my interview I wore a long black skirt which went to the length of my knees paired with classic black pumps that were comfortable to walk in. I was going to wear a white top, however it was a bit see-through so I opted with a light blue button down shirt. I’m so glad I went with the blue top because when I got to the office I knew that the white top would not have been appropriate.”