In college, students learn things such as physics, music and everything in between. But what many do not learn is how to dress professionally for interviews, said Clay Woemmel, associate director of Career and Employment Services.
Next week the department will sponsor a Career and Internship Expo and business dress will be one topic discussed.
Roosevelt Morris, a senior criminology and criminal justice major, has never interviewed for a professional position and he, like some others, is mistaken when describing what is expectable attire.
"I would wear a button-up shirt and tie with a pair of Air Force Ones," he said. "I do think that I own a pair of slacks."
Other students know that when interviewing, they should be wearing business attire.
"I guess that you need to be wearing a suit," said Kayla Teasley.
Career and Employment Services, located in Wilder Tower, has various materials that students may use when getting ready for an interview.
There is literature that explains in detail what is suitable for business professional and business casual.
Students can even bring in what they intend to wear to an interview and the staff will let them know if it is appropriate.
When dressing for an interview, students should understand that your clothing is an extension of who you are, according to Woemmel.
"Your appearance says something about you," he said. "People will make judgments about how you look, and you need to make sure that your look fits how you want to be perceived and more importantly, it fits the image that your company wants to be perceived as."
Potential employers will also take notice of your entire appearance.
"It is not just your clothing," he said. "Your hair and your nails show should be trimmed and well-groomed. Males need to make certain to be clean-shaven."
Males should remember to be formal and conservative in both style choices and taste. According to Woemmel, males should wear a wool suit, making sure that you wear a matching silk tie.
A white or light-blue collared shirt is appropriate. All accessories, such as a belt, socks and shoes should coordinate in both color and style.
Women have a bit more leeway with clothing, Woemmel said.
"A skirt or pants suit is perfect, but remember that stocking should be worn with a skirt," he said. "Keep it conservative, remember to not wear anything too tight, too low cut or too short."
The average student's closet does not usually have many things that would be considered business professional, but buying a few pieces at a time is a good to buy clothes according to Woemmel.
"Start buying things during end of season sale, you can usually get things for 40 to 50 percent off," he said. "Asking for clothing or department store gift cards is a great way for getting professional clothing. You may even be able to rearrange items in your wardrobe to make things that could be worn to an interview."
Students may also go to the Career and Employment Services Web site: http://saweb.memphis.edu/ces/ for additional resources.
