A nicely polished resume and years of relevant experience mayland some University of Memphis students an interview with anemployer, but their unprofessional appearance may find them jobhunting longer than expected.
"Appearance plays off the big picture of giving students an edgeover others and since the job market is very competitive they willneed that edge," said Karen Hayes, career and employment servicesdirector.
David Potter, a U of M communications graduate, learned thatmaking a good impression is important for any interview.
"You never know who will judge you, so give them a clean slateand let them judge what you say, not what you look like," saidPotter. "I took out my earrings, cut my hair and shaved my goateefor an interview and I think that had a lot to do with me getting ajob offer."
Nonetheless, some students said appearance should not be adeciding factor in obtaining a job.
"I would definitely not change my looks because I do not want towork for anyone that is that superficial, said Roslyn Weiss,environmental studies sophomore.
Even though appearance may set an impression for employers, somestudents and officials believe it does not affect their jobperformance.
"I don't think it affects how well they perform the job, but itdoes affect how people perceive them," said Jennifer Coffey, seniorsocial work major. "Ideally, it shouldn't matter at all butstudents are trying to cater to ideals of what a responsible,mature and trusting person looks like."
Students need to be aware that they are setting an image forthemselves and The University, officials said.
"Most of the time employers get an impression of an applicantwithin 60 seconds of an interview," Hayes said. "Usually, employersknow that students portray their best during interviews, so theydecide if this is who they want to represent their company."
With the Career and Internship Expo this week, students have achance to meet employers of companies and give representativescopies of their resumes, so they should plan to dress formally,officials said.
"Always interview in formal attire and maintain a professionalappearance," said Sarabeth Beekman, internship coordinator incareer and employment services. "It is usually better to overdressthan underdress, and after getting the job students can adapt totheir work environment."
