I’ll start by saying that by no means am I a fashion maven, or even what someone would consider a “snappy dresser”. I don’t seek designer labels, and I’ve been known to refer to winter as “black pants season.” Given my small stature, simply buying pants that don’t trail like a train behind me can be a major item on my “to do” list (translation–I have some basics that I stick to, and only occasionally do I stray from the “norm” when it comes to work dress). I do, however, have experience evaluating future business school students. And I can tell you, that while you can’t always judge a “book by its cover”, how you present yourself to a recruiter is very important. That includes what you choose to wear to a recruiting event, how you decide to style your hair and makeup, and what accessories you select. This advice is for men and women–so listen up.
In the spirit of wanting to see people be successful and present themselves as confident professionals in the application process (yes–as early as the “just looking for information” at an MBA fair), I’ll proceed with a few tips that will hopefully help b-school applicants avoid some big professional dress “no-nos”. Unfortunately, my inspiration comes from a series of recent recruiting events (which, even in this month of Halloween, have scared me more than any horror movie). The egregious errors I will address are not for the faint of heart–but will hopefully serve as a warning to others.
Monsters
-Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy are classic film characters (and even breakfast cereal stars). Where they do NOT belong: on your leggings underneath your business casual, otherwise lovely, navy blue dress.
Bloody Bandages
-Where you expect to see them: operating rooms, accident scenes, and in some Halloween decorations and costumes. Reality check: shaving accidents happen. That’s ok. Just please, PLEASE, change the Band-Aid before putting on your dress clothes. No one wants to see the aftermath of what happened in your bathroom earlier in the day.
Curtains
-Traditionally used to cover windows, for vampires to hide behind in Bela Lugosi movies, and for the occasional nanny sewing project in such films as The Sound of Music. If your wardrobe choice consists of anything that looks like Mary Kate and/or Ashley Olsen wore it 10 years ago, save it for another occasion. The bohemian look can be trendy–but it’s not trending in the b-school application process. (For those mystery novel fans, “Curtains” is also a great book for spook season by Agatha Christie).
Crocheted Ties
-I love a good find on Etsy. I appreciate the handicraft of a talented knitter. I’ve even been known to crochet a scarf or two. Would I recommend wearing something grandma made with your suit, loafers and French cuff dress shirt? No. Points to said wearer for boasting school colors, but way too artsy for the business school recruiting fair scene. Save this tie for the school graduation celebration, and instead, pick a traditional silk tie–even one with a pop of color– if you want to add some whimsy to your business casual dress on recruiting day.
Pants
-If your dress begs the question “did she forget pants?”, it’s too short to wear to a business event. If that’s your best option, at least grab some tights or leggings. Enough said.
T-shirts
-T-shirts are a casual staple. You can even dress them up (a little bit), with jeans and a blazer for a put together look. Logo t-shirts that boast the acts from the last music fest you went to and/or promote your favorite cocktail–paired with a suit AND SNEAKERS–don’t cut it. Just. Don’t.
Unmentionables
-They call undergarments unmentionables, because no one should be mentioning them. Only you should know what’s under that suit or dress. Do a trial run of your outfit and check a mirror from all sides. If anything is causing lumps, bumps, or showing through your clothing, it’s not the right item for your outfit.
Questionable Graphics
-If you choose to express your personal style on a handbag, backpack, or other garment/accessory, that’s up to you. Just think about the image it might portray in a professional situation (example: toting a purse with a handgun spraying bullets on your pocketbook might not make the best initial impression with those reviewing your grad school application.) Show them how tough you are by flying through the application process with professionalism and poise.
In no way is this blog an attempt to thwart your personal style, but there is a time and place for everything–and that time and place may not be a recruiting fair. Use good judgment. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter. Ask a good friend for a candid assessment. And then go out there and put your best foot (and shoe!) forward.
Happy Halloween!
–Stacey Dorang Peeler
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11 Oct 2015, 20:38
