Professional Dress Code for Women

(This handout was originally intended to help ECE students prepare for interviews. The majority of the tips are applicable for presentations, so you’ll find this handout helpful as you prepare for the PDR.)

• A dress, jacket, and skirt or pants are considered appropriate, even if you are going to work at a company renowned for its casual dress code for employees. Choose a dark color for your jacket or dress. Avoid “loud” prints for skirt or dress. You should wear a shirt with a collar, although some t-shirts or shells are fine as long as they fit under a well-structured jacket. Your neckline should not be too low. Avoid anything too loose-fitting or unstructured. Always wear hose with a dress or skirt.
• Jeans are not appropriate, even under a jacket. Pants should be full length, not cropped; skirts should approximate knee length. Remember to press/iron your clothes. Interviewers always notice the details.
• Shoes should be leather, with moderate heels. Avoid obvious “evening” shoes, like sandals with very high heels or shoes with bright finishes, and likewise, avoid wearing anything too casual. Sneakers and flip-flops are out. Avoid boots unless under pants. Shine your shoes, if necessary. Hosiery is required for skirts or dresses, even in mid-summer. You will be seated across from the interviewer, who may have plenty of time to see your outfit. Carry a business-like handbag, nothing too large or cumbersome.
• Hair should be clean and dry. No wet hair or caps should ever be worn in a professional setting. If your hair is longer, pull it back and away from your face. Let the interviewer see you. Also, you may need to fill out more paperwork while there, and you don’t want to be seen pushing your hair back so you can accomplish simple tasks.
• Wear no more than one matched pair of earrings, and moderate jewelry. If you have multiple piercings, remove all except one earring per ear. Do not “pile on” rings or bracelets. If it makes noise, leave it at home. Do not wear heavy fragrance or “evening” makeup.
• All personal electronic devices should be left in your car. Avoid carrying your cell phone, even if it’s turned off. By bringing it with you, you possibly show an interviewer your personal phone calls matter more than the interview. Likewise, carrying your PDA is inappropriate. IPods should never be taken in, even if you must wait a long period for your interview.

A trip to the mall is appropriate if you are unsure of what to wear to an interview. Better department stores and many boutiques have departments devoted to professional clothing for the working woman. Seek them out and ask a salesperson for ideas about proper interview clothing. Think about color choices and remember you want to convey professionalism at all times. Following these simple guidelines does not mean your individuality is hidden, but, rather, that you are focused on the details of your work.

A few days before your interview or presentation…

• Lay out your clothes and try them on.
• Look for missing buttons or wrinkles.
• Check the condition of your shoes.
• Rehearse your smile in the mirror.
• Remind yourself to establish and maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
• Work on your handshake with friends. It should be firm and not too brief.