What to Wear? Professional. Simple. Comfortable. These are three words that will help you put together any outfit for a career fair. Professional attire is always an essential part of the interviewing and career process. Career fairs are great for networking so it is especially important that you present yourself in a professional manner. Lately, with emphasis on business casual becoming the norm, it has been hard to decipher what exactly is professional attire.

For Women:
• Tailored skirt suits in dark colors, i.e. black, navy, or charcoal gray
• Dress Shirt or Shell
• Sensible Heel Pumps
• Stockings that match your skin tone
• Simple and essential-only jewelry
• Portfolio to carry resumes
• Breath mints
• Smile

For Men:
• Tailored suits in dark colors, i.e. black, navy, or charcoal gray
• Dry cleaned dress shirt preferable in white or blue
• Conservative Tie (basic colors and patterns are best, bold prints and cartoons are strongly discouraged)
• Polished Dress Shoes
• High-fitting dark socks
• Simple and essential-only jewelry
• Portfolio to carry resumes
• Breath mints
• Smile

Suits
When choosing a suit for the career fair/interview process it should be one that you will be comfortable wearing for more than eight hours. Also remember skirt and pant lengths are important. Skirts that fall to the knee are the proper length. Even though fashion has made skirts shorter and added slits to them, these skirts are not appropriate for career fairs or job interviews. Men should have a slight break in their trousers. The pants should not be too long or too short. Any questions you have can be answered at a store that does alterations or your local tailor.

These days, women do have the option to purchase pants suits. The choice to wear a pants suit should be an informed one. In a recent study, 90% of college recruiters agreed pants suits for women are acceptable. Unfortunately, a small percentage of employers strongly disagreed. Only a few employers feel that skirts give a female credibility. It is important to weigh the options of your choice to work for an employer or industry that has a strong opinion either way.

Shirts
Both men and women have learned that every suit needs the right accessories. The shirts is easy one. Men and women should keep it simple. White is usually the safest choice in this category. Subtle colors are okay. Men can get away with lighter blue dress shirts, and women can be very professional in pastels. But always remember your outfit should enhance your demeanor not distract from it.

Shoes
Dark shoes are the best ones to go with a variety of options. Since most of the day of a career fair will be spent on your feet, remember that comfort is of the greatest importances. Most shoes will feel great for the first two hours, but will begin to haunt you in hours 4 and 5. Always remember to judge a shoe as an extension of you.

Jewelry
Earrings have gained popularity for both sexes in recent years, but they really are only appropriate for females in the career fair/interviewing arena. Ladies should only wear one pair of simple earrings for these events. Watches are good for both sexes, but they should be of the same caliber as the rest of your appearance. Rings and bracelets can be worn but in moderation and if they are essential to you. One ring is most appropriate unless it is a engagement/band set. Jewelry should never be a distraction for you or the employer.

Other Accessories
Portfolios are usually leather bound folders that hold legal pads. They are a good investment for any would-be professional. They can hold your resumes and also hold information that you receive throughout the fair. They usually have a place for you to write down information about different employers and programs that are of interest to you. Handbags and briefcases can be in the way at career fairs, so make sure that these items are not a distraction and are of a professional style. Backpacks and messenger bags are not acceptable.

Smiles
The best thing about career fairs and interviews is that you can sell yourself personally to an employer. Always present yourself as a positive future addition to the employer. Don’t hesitate to refresh yourself and your outfit throughout the fair. Career Fairs have many employers in one location. That can burn out anyone if tackled all in one continuous stream. Take breaks just to clear your head. It will make you think clearer and give you an added boost to seem just as impressive to the last employer you meet as you did to the first.

 

By David Adrine, Fashion Guru and Consultant