What Am I Going To Wear?

Okay, so you went to the Career fair, you collected all your prizes, you went home and sorted through all your business cards and company information and now.........the phone rings.

Someone has reviewed your resume again and after talking to you at the career fair, wants to bring you in for an interview!

YES! I knew that advice I gave you would pay off someday!

Okay, but now what......you already wore your best clothes to the career fair. You can't possibly wear the same thing to the interview.

What are you going to wear to the interview?

Well, here are the things not to wear. (Well, most of them anyway, some are self explanatory and need not be listed here)

The Top Ten Things Not To Wear To An Interview

• Wild Nail Polish. (By the way, this goes for men and women)

• Jewelry that jangles (I might add that if you are in to piercings in places that are very open, you might take them out)

• Open Toed or Backless shoes (I think this is a judgement call depending on the time of year, but if you want to be safe, don't do it)

• Bare Legs (this means wear stockings, even when it's 105 outside. Men, no bare legs for you period, even with stockings)

• Out of date suits for Men (No lapels that are too wide or too narrow. You don't want to look like you are from the 50's or from the 70's)

• Short Skirts (Even with stockings, don't be a distraction. I believe the rule is no shorter than 3 inches above the knee)

• Leather jackets for men or women (This one threw me a little but I can see it. They are not professional dress)

• Turtlenecks for Men (Even if you don't have a tie, at the very least wear a dress shirt)

• Printed or trendy handbags (You should be conservative. Some people differ on this because they think it is an expression of themselves. Don't express too much on the first interview)

• Red Briefcases (I don't know what to say. I can't remember the last time I saw one and if I did, I would definitely be distracted. Be conservative)

Okay, so there you go. You made thought the Career Fair mall.

You are getting dressed up for the first interview.

Don't forget to do some more research.

You look great!

Good Luck!

Chuck

The Top Five

Recently I posted a question about whether or not a Career Fair was an interview.
Then today, I'm cruising the http://www.military.com website and I come across the Top Five things to take to a Career fair and guess what? I was right?

"Pretty Scary Huh?"

So, here they are, the Top Five!

Five Things to Take to a Career Fair

• Copies of Your Resume (They say at least 34, I say depends on the size of the fair)
• A smile, A strong handshake, and a positive attitude. (Duh...)
• A 30 second sales pitch (told ya)
• Information about the organizations that will be attending (told ya again)
• Energy! (Yea, I get tired just watching people walk around those things)

Five Things Not To Do at a Career Fair

• Don't cruise booths with a group of friends (it's not a social event)
• Don't carry your backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with you (it's not a shopping event)
• Don't come dressed for rugby practice (it's not a lounge)
• Don't "wing it" with employers (you remember, the what are you guys here for question?)
• Don't come during the last half hour of the event (Lot's of employers leave early, or get tired and cranky, they have been there all day giving out gifts to people in rugby shirts)

Five Things to Take Home from a Career Fair

• Business cards from people you have met (told ya..........again)
• Notes about contacts you have made (good idea, you will forget before you get home)
• Information about organizations you have contacted (you know, the handouts)
• A better sense of your career options (Think about which ones are really a good fit)
• Self-Confidence in interacting with employer representatives (whether you know it or not, you just honed your interview skills)

So, with the Career Fair season heavy upon us, pick up the paper, search the Internet, and find out where the next big career fair is.

You are now prepared to do battle in the employment shopping mall we call career fairs.

Good Luck!

Chuck