Dress for Success

First impressions are really important whether you are going to an interview, attending a networking event, job fair or meeting with an employer for an information interview. One important part of first impressions is how you are dressed. Here are a few things to remember:

Basic Expectations

Each interview and event’s expectations will be different. Before you attend an interview or event, take the time to research the expectations. We suggest that you dress a little better than the basic expectations so that you leave a good impression. 

  • Interviews Consider the organization and position for which you are interviewing. We recommend that you dress the way you would on the most important day of the job (e.g. meeting the CEO or most important client). If you are not sure about the dress code, you can visit the organization’s website. If you have visited the organization before, think about how staff dress on a daily basis and model your outfit based on the best dressed person.
  • Networking Events. Read the posted information carefully. Most events will mention whether they are Business Formal or Business Casual. Any event that is organized by the UTM Career Centre will clearly state the dress code.
  • Job Fairs. While most job fairs are Business Casual, consider the position for which you are applying. If it typically requires a more formal dress code, you can consider being dressed in business formal attire.

 

Employment Laws

According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission

  • “When setting out dress codes to meet business needs, employers should not rely on stereotypes or sexist ideas of how men or women should look. They should think about a range of clothing options. Dress code policies need to be flexible and include everyone, regardless of their sex, gender identity, race, disability, gender expression or religious faith. Employees should be able to choose from this range of options without pressure or coercion.” These principles apply to all aspects of your job search and networking.

 

Business Formal, Business Casual, Casual Friday’s/Casual Workplaces, Gender Inclusive Professional Dress 

What is Business Formal/Formal Dress?

  • Business Formal is the most formal level of business attire, typically characterized by a suit for both men and women. It's often seen at important meetings, award ceremonies, and client dinners. For men, this usually means a suit or blazer, dress shirt, tie, and polished dress shoes. Women might wear a tailored suit (pants or skirt), or a long evening dress with closed-toe footwear. 

What is Business Casual/Casual Dress?

  • Business casual is a polished, put-together look that’s less formal than a full suit but still professional. This might mean wearing a blazer or sweater over a button-down shirt or blouse, paired with dress pants, chinos, or a knee-length skirt. Closed-toe shoes like loafers, flats, or low heels complete the look. Avoid ripped jeans, athletic wear, or overly casual items like hoodies or sneakers. 
  •  When in doubt, aim for clean, neat, and modest—it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. 

What about Casual Friday’s or More Casual Workplaces? 

  • Since the pandemic, many organizations have adopted more casual dress codes. You might have seen images of people in certain industries coming to work in jeans. It’s important to do your best to achieve the balance of fitting in (e.g. don’t be really overdressed), while still looking your best. It’s OK to be a bit overdressed during your first few weeks on the job and then see what others are doing.  

Gender Inclusive Professional Dress Guidelines 

  • More information on gender inclusive professional dress guidelines and check out the Dress for Success infographic courtesy of Stetson University). 

 

Grooming Tips

  • Clothing Fit: Clothing fit is extremely important. If you are unsure about fit, ask a friend or family member to take a look. You don't want your suit to be too snug or too loose. Most shopping malls have at least one tailor shop, and many dry cleaners offer alteration services as well. Ask for a cost estimate, and be prepared to try your outfit on, including shoes. If the cost is within your budget you may just find yourself with a perfectly tailored suit! 
  • Hair: Ensure your appearance is kept, clean and professional for your industry/work environment, including facial hair. You are selling yourself so first impressions go a long way. 
  • Deodorant, Anti-Perspirant: Ensure that you take a shower and prior to  you interview or networking event and wear deodorant or antiperspirant. 
  • Perfume, Cologne and Body Spray: Many workplaces are implementing scent-free policies to ensure a comfortable work environment for everyone. It is best to avoid wearing cologne, perfume or body spray fragrances for the following reasons:
    • The people you are meeting with may have allergies/sensitivities to fragrances
    • You don’t know how big or ventilated the space is where you will be meeting
    • If you wear a scent frequently you may have become accustomed to it and not notice its strength 
  • Smoking: Avoid smoking or vaping before your interview or event. Tobacco and vaping odors can cling to your clothing, breath, and hair, while vape odors may linger on your breath. 
  • Breath: Make sure you have fresh breath. If you choose gum or take breath mints to freshen your breath get rid of it before you enter the building or meet anyone. 

 

Other Tips

  • Tattoos: Make sure to reflect on what tattoos you have that would be considered work-place appropriate and limit the amount that you display based around that.   
  • Piercings/Earrings: If you have earrings or other piercings try to avoid dangling or oversized rings and stick to something small and discrete. 
  • Cell Phone: Turn off your cell phone or place it on silent (not on vibrate) before you arrive at your event or interview. Avoid bringing out and looking at your cell phone unless it’s to share contact information for networking. You want to ensure that you are engaged and are showing people at the event or interview that you are giving them your undivided attention. Leaving your phone in your pants pocket may cause it to fall out when you sit, so you may want to leave it in your bag or in your inner jacket pocket instead. The exception to this is when you are exchanging contacts with a recruiter at an event – feel free to bring out your cell phone at the end of the conversation to see if you can add them on LinkedIn. 
  • Bags, Padfolios and Purses: Depending on the situation, you may find that you need a place to store things that you bring with you to the interview, the meeting or event. Regardless of the event, do your best to avoid bringing a backpack. Aim for a professional padfolio, or professional-looking tote bag such as a nice laptop bag. If you are bringing a purse, it should be large enough to hold 8.5" x 11" papers and other items, but not much larger than that. The bag should not be too colourful, flashy or intricate. Stay away from bags that are woven, knit or straw as they convey a more casual feel. Appropriate materials include leather, or fake leather, or a finely woven fabric such as microfibre. 
  • Umbrella and Outerwear: Be prepared to bring appropriate weather attire according to the temperature and time of the year that you are attending. This might mean brining a coat, jacket or umbrella to deal with either rain or snow. Remember to bring outerwear that looks professional and matches your existing business attire. 

 

Budget

Employers are aware that many students have a limited budget for clothing. You won’t need to have more than one or two outfits for your interviews and events. You can also save money by mixing and matching clothes and by shopping at vintage clothing stores.

The Career Centre can help if you have any concerns regarding business clothing affordability. Please contact us at 905-828-5451 or come into the Career Centre location at the Student Services Hub