The Follow Up

The job and interview search can be very intimidating, especially if you are a beginner. There are many different methods and advice regarding to how to follow on an interview and it can be a little confusing. Here are some tips in order to follow up on your interview in a successful manner!

There are two ways of following up that are very important – the email follow up and the physical follow up. Bottom line: an email follow up is EXPECTED.

An email follow up is a very simple way to follow up but is crucial for most employers to consider you as a candidate. Make sure that when you are interviewing, you receive a business card from the potential employer as a means of being able to reach out to him or her. After your interview you should follow up in the next 24-48 hours.

First comes the subject line. This can seem tricky, but you really just want to get to the point. It is often appropriate to make the subject line “Interview Follow Up” or “Follow Up for XXXX Position”. This gives the potential employer an idea of what the email is about.

Next, when writing the follow up email you should introduce yourself if you have not already contacted this person via email, then thank the potential employer for taking the time to interview you for the specific position that you applied to.

After that, you may want to mention something that you discussed during your interview such as a skill or quality that you possess and how it directly relates to the position that you are applying for and how you would make a perfect fit for the position.

Make sure to show your enthusiasm through your wording! Let the potential employer know that he or she is more than welcome to contact you with any questions regarding your resume and that you a looking forward to hearing from him or her soon. If there was any small talk that took place or you had something that you both related to (such as you both are NY Giants fans) you can always add in a “Go Giants” near the end of your email.

Close with a professional phrase such as “Best Regards” or “Best” and sign your name.

***BEFORE YOU SEND THE EMAIL DO A SPELL AND GRAMMAR CHECK***

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is sending a follow up email with a spelling error or grammatical mistake. It looks poorly on your part and will show that you are not detail oriented or that you do not have good communication skills.

After you have sent an email follow up, you have the option to send a physical follow up such as a thank you card. Although it is a small token, it really goes a long way and brings your professionalism to a whole new level.

It is less common to send a thank you card as a follow up, but it shows that you are very dedicated to the position. If there is a position that you are applying to that you are very interested in, it would be very beneficial for you to send the potential employer a thank you card.

Victoria Williams
Marketing Intern
Office of Career Services, The University of Tampa

Seeking Career Advice through Blogs

Many of you may have been required to read a blog or write a blog at some time in your college career but did you really understand the power of this tool?

Blogs related to your career area of interest, location or work environment could be some of the most helpful tools that can lead your decisions while in college or after you graduate.

Here are my top 5 career blogs. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and I challenge you to find the blog that speaks to you. We all have a certain style and each blog writer is intended for a certain audience. Do your own research and subscribe to a blog that you will read daily.

1.       http://www.lindseypollak.com/blog

Lindsey gives career advice for millennial employees. She helps this generation to bust through the stereotypes and own the strengths that will make millennials thrive in their careers.

 

2.       http://www.mscareergirl.com/category/work/job-search/

Ms. Career Girl aims to help ambitious young professional women find passion in their profession, or a profession out of their passions. 

 

3.       http://blog.linkedin.com/

Have you heard all of the hype about LinkedIn but are still unsure as to how to use it? This blog is an excellent tool to give you insight as to how to use this tool to network and job search.

 

4.       http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/blog/category/career/

Learn from a former Google employee on tips of how to thrive in your life after college.

 

5.       http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/tag/finding-a-job/

Do you know what makes you stand out? Subscribe to this blog to continually learn about how to differentiate yourself in a global marketplace.

 

Remember, your job search is your own. It’s time for you to take control and actively seek success whether you are a Freshman or Senior. You all will be job searching very soon!

 

Best Regards,

Jessie

 

Jessie Amanda Bush, M.A.

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Professional Development

Start of the Spring Semester the Right Way

There are many thoughts that may go through a student’s head when beginning college. Many students are worried about making new friends, being away from home and on their own for the first time, finding independence, choosing a major, re-creating one’s self-image, time management, - the list goes on and on. With everything else going on during this major life transition, staying career focused is often times pushed to the back burner.

It is completely normal for students to go through this transitional period – but at some point it is crucial for a student to re-focus on his or her goals, and the sooner the better. We have often times hear the expression “You get what you put into it”, and that is true for college as well. This is the time period for you to gain as much knowledge and experience as you can in order to make yourself marketable to the work force when it is time for you to graduate.

The University Of Tampa Office Of Career Services offers an amazing workshop called “What Makes YOU Stand Out?” in order to help students with setting themselves above other candidates when applying for jobs. One of the questions that this workshop helps answer is “Why should a company hire you over all of the other job candidates?” Think about it – there are thousands of students in your graduating class, all taking similar classes, all competing for the same jobs as yourself upon graduation. It is your time to differentiate yourself.

A professor of mine, who used to hire for the previous company that he worked for, told my class that having a high GPA is noteworthy, but if all that candidate did was take classes then he usually wouldn’t hire that person. He told our class that he would much rather hire a candidate with a lower GPA (note: a 3.5 compared to a 4.0) who is well rounded and that gives of him or herself. He mentioned that students should join organizations, volunteer, and be involved with things that are going on. He said that doing things like those mentioned above prove that the candidate is dedicated to working without compensation, can work with and get along with other people, and has great time management.

But, where to start? The University of Tampa offers a plethora of resources that are great to help create a well-rounded, one-of-a-kind student. There are over one hundred clubs and organizations at The University of Tampa and many more resources. Getting involved gives you the opportunity to take leadership roles, network and gain experience in your field. Getting involved on campus will also give you more experience to put on your resume in order for you to land your first position.

Remember that it is a process to build your resume, get experience, and show employers that you are who they should hire. Get started as soon as you can and when it is time to graduate you will be prepared for what is next to come.

Tori Williams

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

 

 

Internship Fair Prep 101

Experience is vital when applying for post-graduate positions. However, getting your foot in the door can be easier said than done these days. While competition remains heavy in a world enthralled with tech savvy young adults with high ambitions, how can students ensure they gain the proper experience necessary to get hired?

 Internship fairs are a great chance for students to not only get the chance to gain experience, but also to network and practice “selling themselves” to employers. Preparation is key here. With The University of Tampa’s Internship Fair coming up on February 2^nd, students should keep the following tips in mind prior to attending.

1.      Suit Up

To ensure that you look the part, prepare your outfit in advance – this includes ironing and any dry cleaning that may be necessary. Refer to the following infographic if you are struggling with determining if your attire is appropriate or not:

 

2.      Do Your Research

Prior to attending the fair, know what firms will be there and further research the ones that interest you.  Once you have found the ones that interest you, rank them. This will come in handy when trying to navigate the crowded room packed with equally as eager students as yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to visit some of the tables that are not on your list – be open minded. Lastly, employees appreciate it when candidates are knowledgeable about the company, so keeping some facts handy before you approach them can be helpful.

3.      Know How You Want to Sell Yourself

Internship fairs are not interviews, but merely a couple of minutes to make an impression – good or bad. You aren’t given a whole lot of time to make a first impression, however you are given time to prepare one. Before attending the fair make a list of 4 or 5 key points from your resume/prior experience that can serve as talking points when you meet employers and are met with the question, “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”

4.      Be Ready to Network

Work the room. Whether you are talking to employers or just fellow students, be friendly and approachable. If you have business cards – bring them. If not, it’s okay, but do make sure you have plenty of copies of your resume and that they are stored in a protective folder so that they are presented to employers in a polished manner. If you need help with your resume stop by our office in RIVC 116 and someone will be happy to help you.

 

5.      Google Yourself

Last, but not least, google yourself before attending the fair. Ask yourself if the persona that is portrayed in the results is someone you want a future employer to see. Always be mindful of what you are doing/posting on the internet because employers DO look at your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. when considering you for a position.

With these tips in mind you will surely be prepared for the upcoming spring 2015 Internship Fair, Monday February 2nd from 1-3:30p.m. in Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall.

 

For a list of companies log into your HIRE-UT account now:  www.ut.edu/hireut .

 

We can’t wait to see you there and hear about the experiences you gain from attending! Use the hashtag #utampainternshipfair2015 to document your time at the fair!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Eliza K. Majka

Marketing Intern, Office of Career Services

The University of Tampa

Your Quick Guide to Achieving Your Career After UT

Welcome and welcome back to another semester at The Unviersity of Tampa! As you return to campus you may be asking yourself, how do I get through the next 3 + months with rigorous academic coursework and still make progress toward my career?

The answer is simple. Have a plan. “Invest in the future because that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” ― Habeeb Akande

1.     Start where you are. You are a student. Utilize the services offered to students.  Did you know that you have an office dedicated to Life after UT in the office of career services? Employers are on-campus many times during the Spring semester. Have you pre-registered on Hire-UT? What other offices on-campus have professionals that can assist you? Do your research!

 

2.     Pace Yourself. Much like any workout or training plan you must pace yourself when making strides toward your career. What will you do this semester that will open doors for your career? Will you begin to network through information interviews, job shadowing or volunteering? Maybe this semester you begin searching for an internship. Whatever you do make a plan. Time goes by fast!

 

3.     Enjoy the ride. Enjoy talking with professionals. Ask professors, employers, career coaches and other professionals questions. What do they suggest you do to make the most of your time while you are in college? Shoot for the stars and make a plan that fits into your semester. One sample goal would be to make contact with a professional twice/month at an event on-campus or off-campus. Be open to life’s possibilities now and you will thank yourself later.

 

All the best for your career!

Best Regards,

Jessie

Jessie Bush, M.A.

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Professional Development

 

 

 

 

When filling out job applications online is not working!

We have all heard the story that persistence pays off. This statement is true but make sure you are directing your energy in the right direction. A recent CareerXroads survey shows that only 15% of positions were filled through applying to positions online. This is quite staggering when you think that the mindset of MANY college students is to continue applying until something sticks. You may apply to 50+ positions without receiving a single callback depending on the market in which you are applying. In today’s job market you need to be proactive rather than reactive. Even if you are not graduating this semester or next semester or not until next year, you still need to be thinking of your future job search.

Here are 3 tips to become more intentional with your search and start gaining results!

1.       Join LinkedIn! You are a budding professional and this is not Facebook. LinkedIn is a professional networking tool which can assist your job search in many ways, including, actually meeting contacts that work directly in your field of interest. For more information please read: http://spartancareers.blogspot.com/search/label/linkedin’

2.       You need to talk to people. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Professionals are just like you. Do not be afraid to reach out to someone who works in your field of interest. Remember, they were a college student at one time as well. Setup an informational interview to ask them questions about their path, the company they work for and their advice for you as a transitioning professional.

3.       Talk to the people you already know! You are the only one who can spread the message that you will be job searching soon. Remember relatives, professors, professionals in your life, family friends, supervisors, etc. can all be great people to assist you in reaching that post-graduation position.

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts

Now is the time to take control of your job search!

Best Regards,

Jessie Bush

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Professional Development

A New Academic Year. A fresh start to a more professional YOU!

Welcome to all new students and welcome back to those returning! This academic year will be the best yet. In order to ensure that the internship or job of your dreams is right around the corner you should follow these top 5 tips to manage your professional image both in-person and online.

1.       Your Professional Career Starts TODAY

a.       Take on the challenge of a new academic year through the lens of the professional that you are becoming. Every person you interact with is a potential mentor, reference, future colleague and networking contact. Arrive to class on-time, take the time to get to know your professors (they are the experts in their fields!) and consider ways to enhance your  professionalism.

2.       Guard your personal reputation!

a.       Make sure that you know and OWN what is being said about you. What do classmates, professors and/or supervisors think about you? If you don’t know, now is the time to ask!

3.       Google yourself!

a.       What comes up when you google yourself? If an employer searches for your name, what do they find? OWN your image online. Create a professional blog, perhaps a dream career journey. Social media can be a very positive way to interact with the professional world around you. Make sure you DO NOT post inappropriate photos or posts. They could change the course of achieving that dream job.

4.       Dress for the job you want!

a.       We all know you do not have to wear a professional suit to make an impression in everyday life. On the contrary, those students who dress in business casual (no flip flops, short shorts, tank tops, etc.) have the opportunity to stand out amongst their peers and show respect to the faculty teaching these courses. Also, make sure you review the professional dress blog prior to the upcoming Professional Job Fair on October 22. http://spartancareers.blogspot.com/2012/10/dress-for-success-career-fair-attire_15.html

 

5.       Become a LEADER!

a.       Challenge yourself to take on an active role in a student club or organization. Employers are interested in those students that not only excel in the classroom but also in the community around them. Leader stands out on a resume!

Take control of your career. Only YOU can dictate your future and it starts TODAY!

 

Jessie Bush
Assistant Director
Career Coaching & Professional Development

May and August graduates, Life After UT and Career Expo next week!

Are you about to graduate and worrying about what’s next?  We’ve partnered with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to plan a week of informative and entertaining workshops to help you in the transition from student to young professional.  All of the events will be from 5 to 6 p.m.; please see the schedule below for locations and topics. 

Mon., March 31          Resume Development                         Reeves Theater

                        Speaker:  Katie Fields, TQL

Tues., April 1              Your Professional Brand                    Reeves Theater

                        Speaker:  Katherine Steffan, PLS Logistics

Wed., April 2             Behavioral Interviewing                       Brevard Community Room

                        Speaker:  Meagan Greenberg, T. Rowe Price

Thurs., April 3             “The Real World” alumni panel          Brevard Community Room

As an added bonus, if your student organization is participating in Relay for Life on Saturday, April 5^th, the group (one small and one large) with the greatest turnout from its organization to these Career Services workshops will receive a $250 reward donated by TQL and the Tampa Bay Alumni Chapter!  Come out to one or all and help your group add to its donation to Relay for Life!

And the final event of the week will occur on Friday, April 4^th, when we will have our last career fair of the year, our annual Career Expo, which will be held in Fletcher Lounge from noon to 3 p.m.  We will have over 60 employers who are seeking graduates for full time professional positions after graduation.  A list of employers can be found at https://ccfcc.experience.com/stu/cf_registered_employers?fhnd=6339. Professional attire is REQUIRED for this event.  (Take a look at the right hand side of the page for your “Suit Up” requirements!)

Interview tips from etiquette expert Virginia Edwards

If you’ve attended our Etiquette Dinners in the last few years, Virginia Edwards’ name will be familiar to you since she has been our speaker.  I always enjoy reading her monthly newsletter, and, when I read her February newsletter, I immediately wrote to her and told her that she had just unknowingly written my next blog post.  With her permission, I’ve copied the first half of her article about interviewing below and will use the second half about follow-up after the interview at a later date.  From Virginia…..

“Your resume grabbed the attention of the HR manager.  You aced the telephone interview by having the company information at your fingertips and by remembering to keep background noise to a minimum.  You are at the next step.  The in-person interview.

HR managers tell me time and again how a candidate who has made it to the in-person interview can lose all credibility in an instant.  How does this happen?  Candidates need to remember they are being observed from the moment they arrive on company property until the moment they depart.  This includes driving your car onto the parking lot.  If it looks like you live in your car, clean it up or borrow or rent one for the day.

Do not underestimate the value of a receptionist!  Some receptionists are the first to interview a candidate.  This is not the time to be overly familiar with someone you just met or worse yet rude.  I have been hired on numerous occasions to play the role of receptionist in order to obtain a third party observation of how potential candidates interact with all levels of staff.

Most HR managers are driven to distraction when a candidate arrives with nothing in their hands.  Now I don’t mean you are to come bearing gifts.  You should arrive with a portfolio holding several copies of your resume, a list of your references, and pen and paper to take notes.  Your portfolio should be sturdy enough to lean on for note-taking since it is rude to lean on someone’s desk.  Even technology companies tell me they prefer the candidate to use pen and paper opposed to a smartphone or tablet for note-taking.  If you are unsure, ask in advance of your interview.  If told no technology, leave your phone in the car.  Even in your pocket or briefcase on vibrate; it is a distraction to you and those around you.  You are at the interview for human interaction, not to read your emails and texts, or to take calls.

Prepare a list of questions you would like answered about the company.  One HR manager told me how a sought-after candidate lost his credibility when the interviewer asked if he had any questions regarding the company or the position.  The candidate replied, “No.  I know everything.”  Even if you believe you know all there is to know about the company and the position, prepare some well thought out questions.”

Dress for Success: Career Fair Attire

The Professional Job Fair is only a few days away! Appropriate attire is a key ingredient to effectively navigating a career fair – after all, this is often an employer’s first impression of you! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled some tips on how to dress for success.

When attending a career fair, business professional attire is required.

Business professional attire for women:

• Business Suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. If wearing a skirt suit be sure that the skirt is knee level or slightly above – no short skirts! Also, be sure to wear a tailored blouse underneath. Avoid low-cut tops.
• Closed-toe leather pumps with low to medium heels.
• Jewelry – generally, a good rule-of-thumb is no more than three pieces of jewelry (e.g., earrings, watch, and ring). Jewelry should be understated and appropriate for the workplace.
• In addition, make sure your make-up and nail polish is neutral and professional. 

Business professional attire for men:

• Business Suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. If you do not own a suit, you can pair a long-sleeve dress shirt with a pair of dress pants.Long-sleeved starched oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue.
• Conservative necktie in color and pattern.
• Dress shoes – make sure your shoes are polished and well-maintained (i.e., no holes!).
• Over-the-calf dark socks. 

Additional tips to remember:

• A friendly smile and eye contact will make you stand out!;
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (no backpack);
• Well-groomed hairstyle - avoid unusual styles & colors;
• Wear minimal cologne or perfume;
• No visible body piercing or body art;
• Bring breath mints; use one before greeting recruiter. Do not chew gum! 

UT Job Fair- April 4th….Take a Chance

With 60 companies attending this year’s Spring Professional Job Fair on Thursday April 4^th, there will be plenty of opportunities available for you to identify job leads and network with area/regional recruiters.  We often see missed opportunities at these events as students often try to match their major perfectly to either the job or company.   We would like to offer you some advice we hear consistently from companies.  Take a step back and identify your skill set you have developed over your time at The University of Tampa and apply this to the jobs you speak to employers about.  It is often the case, that the employer is not seeking a match by major but instead what skills, personality and passion you bring to the organization.  We have witnessed over the years Accounting students getting hired by Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Psychology majors working at GEICO, Writing students working at Raymond James...the list goes on.   Take a chance and visit with as many companies as possible this year, you just may find yourself presented with a dream opportunity.

For a list of companies attending this year and event details please click here.   Best of luck and see you there!!  

Email Tips for Your Job or Internship

In today’s increasingly technological world, effective communication both electronically and verbally, is essential to being a successful employee.   The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently shared a 16 tip guide for successfully managing your email communication while on the job.  Following these tips will establish yourself as a s competent communicator and go a long way to establishing yourself in the company culture.   Check them out and let us know what you think!!

16 Tips for Using E-mail at Your New Job

1. Do not use your employer’s e-mail address for anything other than work-related correspondence.
2. Read e-mail carefully so that you can respond appropriately.
3. Don’t send confidential material by e-mail.
4. Use a subject line that reflects what your message is about.
5. Don’t use abbreviations or text-message jargon (BTW, LOL, or smiley faces, and so forth) in your e-mail.
6. Use a brief greeting as you might in a letter (Dear John, Good morning Mrs. Smith). Include a closing (Sincerely, Yours, Thanks).
7. Use spell check and reread your message before sending.
8. Respond to e-mail promptly.
9. Use typefaces and colors that are appropriate to your workplace. Ask if your office has a style that you should follow.
10. If you find you are e-mailing back and forth several times, pick up the phone to settle the issue.
11. If you forward a message, remove the FW from the subject line.
12. Change the subject line if the topic of the e-mail changes.
13. Do not share other people’s e-mail addresses.
14. Be careful using “reply all.” Consider whether it is necessary that everyone sees your reply.
15. Do not forward other people’s messages without permission.
16. Watch the tone of your e-mail. Remember, the person receiving the e-mail can’t see your body language. 

Suit Up!

Saturday’s Gasparilla dress code: Eye patch is a must, grab a few beads from last year to get ahead of the game, throw on that shirt you strategically cut up weeks in advance, and maybe use that bandanna you would never wear any other day of the year.

Now that we've hopefully taken off the eye patch or most likely lost it in Saturday’s chaos and proudly mounted our beads on the wall to document a day we scarcely remember, it is time to start putting just as much time and effort into planning what we wear for an interview in a business setting.

First impressions are everything. That line has been drilled into our minds since we started making friends on the playground. Don’t push Jessica off the swing or she won’t invite you to her birthday party, and you could kiss that goodie bag goodbye. In college, the best thing we can do to make a strong first impression is to present ourselves professionally or we can say goodbye to that job offer too.

Ladies and gentlemen, always suit up for an interview. 

It not only tells the world you mean business, but I am a firm believer in if you look good, you’ll feel good. It gives you that extra boost of confidence and that little pep in your step. Trust me, just the positive comments from friends on campus are enough to feel like a boss.

Ideally, invest in a suit that is 100% wool; it’s breathable fabric means you’ll sweat less and be more comfortable, even in the hot seat. The worst is when you can literally feel sweat dripping somewhere on your body. Gross, yes. True, you bet.  A suit with fancy Nikes or high tops will send mixed signals. You’re not going for the ‘I’m classy, but I’m here to party club vibe’, until the weekend of course. Put your best foot forward. Aim for a solid, basic, and recently polished shoe and closed toed for you ladies.

Make it your own. Feel free to add some stylish accessories, depending on how conservative the environment may be. Always match your belt with your shoes. Cuff links and jewelry can help you stand out and add a little sophistication to your overall look. Guys, shoot for a power tie: a bold red or gold will be your best bet.

Final reminders:

Wear high dress socks so your legs aren't exposed when you cross them.

Wear a watch. I can barely tell time on a regular watch, but it’s pretty fashionable.

Always leave the bottom button of your coat unbuttoned and unbutton your coat completely whenever you sit down.

Have the outfit pressed and ready to go the night before.

This is the first blog in a series of three titled “Nailing the Interview.”

Video found here

Dining Etiquette

Our annual Etiquette Dinner will be held on Friday, November 9^th in the Vaughn Center Crescent Club.  We expect over 150 students and 20 employer partners who will host the students at their tables for the meal.  Virginia Edwards, a nationally recognized etiquette and protocol expert, will again be the featured speaker.  In her October newsletter, she included a list of “Five Dining Ifs” that she allowed me to share with you.  These tips and many more will be shared at the dinner this Friday night.  If you haven’t made a reservation for this year, we’ll see you next year!

  

Five Dining Ifs

Handling oneself at the table during a business meal can be nerve racking.  Like anything else you have accomplished, it requires practice.  Here are just a few things to remember.

ü If your soup or beverage is too hot, do not blow on it or fish ice out of your water glass to cool it down.  It can be cooled by stirring with a spoon or left to cool naturally.

ü If you tend to “talk with your hands”, do not do so while holding your fork or knife.

ü If you are finished eating, do not push your plate away.  Leave it where placed when served.  Place your fork and knife in the “I’m finished” position as a signal to your server to remove the plate and utensils.

ü If you are not drinking coffee, do not turn your cup upside down in the saucer.  Place two fingers on the rim as the server approaches and say “No thank you.”

ü If you have separation anxiety when it comes to your cell phone, leave it turned off in your pocket when dining.  Even on vibrate it can be a distraction to you and to your dining companions as you constantly silence the buzz.

Don’t bring out your “manners” just for business occasions.  Practice makes perfect so remember to use proper dining skills at every meal.

Dress for Success: Career Fair Attire

The Professional Job Fair is only a few days away! Appropriate attire is a key ingredient to effectively navigating a career fair – after all, this is often an employer’s first impression of you! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled some tips on how to dress for success.

When attending a career fair, business professional attire is suggested.

Business professional attire for women:

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. If wearing a skirt suit be sure that the skirt is knee level or slightly above – no short skirts! Also, be sure to wear a tailored blouse underneath. Avoid low-cut tops.
• Closed-toe leather pumps with low to medium heels.
• Jewelry – generally, a good rule-of-thumb is no more than three pieces of jewelry (e.g., earrings, watch, and ring). Jewelry should be understated and appropriate for the workplace.
• In addition, make sure your make-up and nail polish is neutral and professional. 

Photo Courtesy of: Nordstrom.com

Business professional attire for men:

• Business suit in dark colors such as black, navy, or gray. 
• Long-sleeved starched oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue.
• Conservative necktie in color and pattern.
• Dress shoes – make sure your shoes are polished and well-maintained (i.e., no holes!).
• Over-the-calf dark socks.

Additional tips to remember:

• A friendly smile and eye contact will make you stand out!;
• Bring a briefcase or portfolio (no backpack);
• Well-groomed hairstyle - avoid unusual styles & colors;
• Wear minimal cologne or perfume;
• No visible body piercing or body art;
• Bring breath mints; use one before greeting recruiter. Do not chew gum!