How do I dress?

With all of the upcoming Career Fairs and Networking events this week it's good to know exactly what you should wear, particularly as a STEM major.  It is important to make the right first impression on recruiters by being appropriately dressed.

Make sure you post any other recommendations that we might have missed in the comments section!

General Recommendations:

• Always aim for a non-controversial, traditional overall look; when in doubt, choose the more conservative dress option.
• Good grooming and general cleanliness—including clean hair, teeth, and nails—are critical to a professional image.

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Professional Attire for Men

Clothing:

• Choose a dark-colored business suit in wool or a wool blend. The best colors are navy blue, dark grey, black, or chocolate brown.  Make sure the suit fits properly! There are several places in State College that will tailor your suit to perfection.
• Under the suit jacket, choose a pressed button-down cotton-blend shirt in a light solid color (white, blue, etc.). If you will be wearing a white or thin shirt, add a plain white undershirt. Be sure to tuck in both your shirt and your undershirt.
• Your tie should be conservative in style, with a small pattern or stripe, and properly knotted. (http://www.ehow.com/video_2970_tie-tie.html)
• Your suit pants should be worn belted at the waist (not below); pant legs should be creased, with the cuffs breaking at the shoe tops.

Accessories and Footwear

• Your belt should be leather or leather-like, in black or another dark color that coordinates with your suit.
• Your socks should be thin and in a dark color that coordinates with your suit. Do not wear white athletic socks.
• Shoes should be clean, polished, and conservative in in black or another dark color that coordinates with your suit.

Personal Grooming and Style

• Hair should be freshly cut or trimmed above the collar, if short. If you have long hair, wear it pulled back and out of your face.
• If you have facial hair, make sure it is neatly trimmed and clean. A traditional mustache, beard, or goatee is acceptable; think twice about more trendy facial hairstyles.
• Remove visible piercings, don't wear more than one ring per hand.
• If possible, hide all tattoos.
• Go light on the cologne, if you wear it at all. Keep in mind that many people have allergies to strong scents.

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Professional Attire for Women

Clothing:

• Both skirt suits and pants suits are acceptable for job interviews or career events.
• Whatever type of suit you choose, make sure it is of high quality, in wool or a wool blend and in a dark color. 
• Make sure your suit fits properly—employers often complain that female candidates' skirts are too short and jackets too tight.
• Skirts should be about knee length, and should cover your thighs and almost touch your knees when you are seated. Remember that your goal is not to look cute, but to look professional, so seriously think about whether your skirt is too tight or short.
• A jacket is too tight if the buttons appear to be straining when you close them!
• Under your suit, choose a light-colored button-down blouse or a shirt with a rounded or high v-neck. Tops should not be tight, sheer, lacy, or low-cut, and there should never be visible cleavage.
• If you wear a skirt, be sure to wear neutral-colored pantyhose (even in the summer!); if you wear pants, thin trouser socks are your best choice. Pant cuffs should always break at your shoe tops.

Accessories and Footwear:

• Shoes should be clean and polished, in a color that coordinates with your suit, and with a low or medium heel.  They should be closed-toed.
• Your purse or portfolio should be made of leather or another good-quality material, in a neutral color.

Personal Grooming and Style:

• Hair should be neat and out of your face, regardless of its length.
• Keep makeup low-key and natural.
• Your nails should be neatly manicured and not too long; if you wear nail polish, choose a light-colored shade. Make sure your polish isn't chipped!
• Keep jewelry to a minimum—one or two rings per hand, one earring per ear, and one necklace.
• Remove visible piercings other than earrings.
• If possible, hide all tattoos.
• Avoid perfume if possible, since many people are allergic to strong scents.

The Engineering Career Week is coming up on January 29-31st. Check HERE for a schedule of events.