Center Feature ... Your Appearance, It's All in the Presentation

• 10 Tips for an Effective Resume • The Right Attitude • What is a Resume? • Basic Courtesy Goes a Long Way • Resume Cover Letters and Applications

Before an interview, and before you start a job, know what the dress code is. If business attire is expected, wear it. If a uniform is required or there are other dress requirements, do what's expected. If necessary, shop for a new wardrobe.

Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit you properly. They should show off your image -- smart, well put-together, and professional.

Shoes should be polished and well maintained.

If you're supposed to wear an identification card, wear it.

A few tips on dressing for work:

Young Women

• Blouses (that fit well, not suggestive)
• Skirts (not too short or tight)
• Slacks (avoid denim and other casual materials)
• Shirts (avoid casual materials and loud colors)
• Dresses (avoid short or low-cut, and loud colors)
• Shoes (avoid high heels and loud colors)
• Jackets (avoid metals, zippers and loud colors)
• Pantyhose or dress socks with slacks
• A scarf, earrings, pins, modest make-up, and soft nail colors are OK

Young Men

• Shirts (that fit well, with collars)
• Pants (avoid tight or baggy, denim and other casual materials)
• Ties
• Jackets (avoid sporty types)
• Shoes (avoid sporty or tennis shoes)

The basic rule is clean and neat:

Bathe and brush your teeth before your work day.

Hands and fingernails should be clean.

Hair must be clean and neat, in acceptable styles and colors.

You may want to keep some of the following at work: a comb, nail clipper, shoe brush, mouthwash, an umbrella, an extra tie or pair of stockings, make up and nail polish.