Fashion Friday: What to wear to a Career Fair

Next week Virginia Tech is hosting four career fairs on campus.  (Go here for details.)  I was busy this week critiquing resumes and helping students prepare to attend the fairs.  I also did a presentation to a Senior Seminar course on how to stand out in the crowd at a career fair.  So, students have been busy getting ready to network and put their elevator pitches to use with employers recruiting on campus next week.  I did a blog post last semester called "5 Ways to STAND OUT in the crowd at a Career Fair".  I thought I would follow up today with What to wear at a Career Fair.

Appropriate attire for a career fair is Business Professional or Business Casual.  If you have a suit, you should wear it.  Remember, you are trying to make the best 1st impression you possibly can.  Looking "the part" in a business suit is a great way to start.  But, some of you may not have invested in a suit yet.  Maybe you are a freshman or sophomore looking for an internship for the summer or a co-op position.  If you don't have a suit, model the the tailored professional look as closely as possible.

1. Wear a watch.  If you need to be checking the time while at the fair, use a watch and not your cell phone.  Recruiters might mistakenly think you are more interested in Twitter or text messages than talking to them.
2. If you don't have a blazer, use a cardigan has a great layering piece that models the look of a suit jacket.
3. Wear natural looking make-up and nail polish - and make sure you wear it.  It will make you look more polished to have thought through the details of manicured nails, natural lip gloss and blush on your cheeks.  It's February and most of us could use a little color on our face so we don't look washed out.  Luckily, spring break is just 3 weeks away!
4. Consider wearing a kitten heel.  This is a lower heel that may be more comfortable to stand in all day at the fair.  May sure your shoes are polished and professional looking.
5. Carry a padfolio into the fair with copies of your resume, a notepad and pen.  They often have a pocket where you can keep the business cards you collect at the fair.
6. Wear simple and classic jewelry.  You can't beat a pair of diamond stud earrings for a touch of class and sophistication.  And don't forget other details like a belt.

Now, let's look at what NOT to wear:

1. Inappropriate shoes.  Platform heels and strappy evening shoes are not appropriate for a job fair or a business/office setting.  Plus, your feet would be miserable by the end of the day.
2. Skirts that are too tight and too short.  Your skirt should fall right above your knee so that when you sit down your thighs are covered.
3. Cell phone.  Please leave it out of the fair.  Constant checking of your cell phone makes you look immature and unprofessional.
4. Backpacks.  Don't bring big bulky backpacks into the fair.  They don't look professional and they can be cumbersome.  Please carry a professional padfolio and small purse/wristlet for keys and other essentials.
5. Big bags/purses.  Although this purse is lovely and classy looking it should be left home also.  Same idea as the backpack, it is just too big and hard to handle in a crowded fair.
6. Sleeveless shirts.  Again, this peplum top is beautiful and trending right now and would be appropriate in an office business casual setting.  But, it is not your best option for a career fair because it is sleeveless and not tailored enough.  If you are going to wear a sleeveless top make sure you layer it with a jacket or cardigan.
7. Riding boots.  Riding boots are certainly in style right now and may be appropriate is some office settings with a dress or skirt, but they are not a good choice for a career fair.  Again, you are trying to model the business professional look and riding boots would not fit that criteria.

Good Luck at the fairs next week!