February 28, 2003 Student
News
Job
hunting? Make Your Appearance Count
From the Hard
News Cafe (2/25/03)
 It's
that time of year again: the time when college seniors everywhere
start planning for life after college.
No more ball-cap remedies for a bad hair day. No more jeans
and t-shirts seven days a week. It's now time to take a professional
approach to the future and the career opportunities that lie
ahead.
First impressions occur within 30 seconds, during which time
an interviewer makes 10 value judgments about you, according
to Janine Giorgenti, president of Giorgenti, a clothing-design
and wardrobe-consulting firm in New York City. In "A Polished
Appearance Pays Off for Candidates," an article written
for The Wall Street Journal, Giorgenti said that when you look
the part and feel good about your appearance you'll want to
perform well professionally.
She emphasized to men and women the importance of dressing
to the highest level of their target company's dress code. Giorgenti
says to pay attention to detail and make sure the outfit fits
well, is contemporary, is spotless and is well pressed.
 Annie
Wanagel, a recent graduate of Utah State University in animal
science, said that experience has shown her the importance of
appearance on creating positive first impressions.
"A well-kept appearance signifies that other things are
important to you, including attention to detail," Wanagel
said. "You want to appear to have it all together."
In a survey conducted by John Molloy for his book "Live
for Success," 100 percent of those interviewed said they
think employee dress affects the general tone of the office.
Seventy-eight percent said they would hold up a promotion of
a person who did not dress properly.
A survey conducted by the Men's Apparel Alliance found that
seven in 10 executives agreed that when employees wear a suit
they project a better image.
The survey of more than 200 companies nationwide with over
$500 million in annual revenue also found that executives believe
a switch from casual to professional dress would boost productivity
by nearly 4 percent.
Jaimie Kandler, a senior majoring in public relations at USU,
suggested students always look professional regardless of what
work attire is "required" by the organization.
"Looking professional will always be to your credit,"
Kandler said. "Individual style is great and sets you apart,
but overly trendy styles of clothes and hair can work against
you."
Kandler has worked at the Space Dynamics Laboratory for five
years, and says she is proof that college students can put together
wardrobes on a budget.
"I'm all about online shopping," Kandler said. "I
check out the clearance sections and buy basic clothes that
don't go out of style." She said picking a color scheme
and buying basic mix-and-match items can save students a lot
of money.
Are you wondering how you should appear for an upcoming interview?
A website maintained by Student Services at Georgia Institute
of Technology, Interview: First Impressions, outlines some tips
for both men and women. The site suggests women choose a hairstyle
that is stylish, but not too "girly," and choose understated
jewelry to complement clothing. Trendy styles should be avoided,
and dark suits or dresses are recommended. Shoes should be closed
toe and heel, with the heel being one to two inches high. Neutral-color
hose should be worn.
The site advises men to wear a white or light blue shirt with
a dark, wool-blend, well-fitting suit. Socks should be a dark
color to match the suit. Men should select a dark-color, leather
dress shoe.
An online news release from Bitmore Fashion Park said woven
cloth ties bring "a rich look to the suit," and that
popular styles have small patterns without bold colors.
Pat McAsey, a USU junior studying business finance, said he
would advise students to dress as professional as possible,
and pay attention to the dress code at the business you are
applying for.
"I'd make sure you get a haircut," McAsey said. "If
you have a goatee or beard, make sure it's trimmed, too."
A site maintained by Kent State University advises women to
pull their hair away from the face and to wear skirts that fall
no more than one inch above the knee. The site advises men to
avoid facial hair or long sideburns, and advises against wearing
jewelry, except for a wedding or class ring.
Still concerned about your appearance? An upcoming image enhancement
seminar here in Logan may be of interest to you.
"Making the Most of YOU," will be held March 15 at
Bridgerland Applied Technology College. Keynote speaker Louise
Young will talk about "The Perfect Woman." The presentation
will focus on self confidence and how it relates to appearance.
Participants will be able to select and attend four one-hour
workshops. Topics include Body Makeover - No Exercise Required;
Wardrobe Basics on a Budget; Conquering the "I have nothing
to wear" Syndrome; Clue in on Color; Hair Helps; About
Face; Trend Training - At Any Age; and Stress-less for Success.
"I decided to hold this seminar for a couple of reasons,"
said Colette Pulsipher, head of the fashion merchandising department
at BATC. "We often get groups asking us to make presentations
on these subjects, and it will make people more aware of the
fashion program at BATC."
Pulsipher said she hopes seminar participants will take a lot
of knowledge home with them that they can apply to themselves
immediately.
"Specifically I hope it will help them gain more confidence
in themselves as they learn how to make the most of what they
have," Pulsipher said. Students can contact her at cpulsipher@m.batc.tec.ut.us
for more information on the seminar.
Pulsipher advises students to do their homework as far as the
companies they are applying with. She said to find out about
their dress code and then dress above that.
"Pay attention to details." Pulsipher said. "First
impressions are crucial, so make sure you look your best from
head to toe."
By Karina Fain
utah
state today/archives/February
2003/archives
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