Helping our alumni to make a good first impression and land a job over other candidates from other universities is always our goal, therefore, we recommend reviewing the following tips concerning how to dress professionally. Bernice, Jessica (our intern) and I checked in alumni during the Chicago Alumni Job Fair last week. We were surprised to see some of the candidates form Illinois and the other institutions wearing less than professional business attire.

• Suits, suits, suits. When an event indicates “professional/business" attire, a full suit should be worn, even if it is a hot and humid summer day. If you do not have a suit and cannot get to the store to buy one, gentlemen may wear dress slacks with a long sleeve button up shirt and tie. Women may wear a conservative dress or dress slacks with a button up blouse or cardigan sweater set.
• Jackets should be worn. If business casual is more in line with your profession, consider wearing a casual jacket for men or a cardigan sweater set for women. Women should not wear tight, low cut or sleeveless blouses or sweaters without a jacket or sweater.
• A summer sundress worn by women with a business jacket is not a substitute for a suit. Both jacket and pants/skirt should complement each other and be the same material and style.
• The men's skinny pants suit may be fashion forward, but wallets and smarts phones shouldn't ruin the clean lines of the suit.
• While the short suit for women may be making a comeback on the fashion pages, it is not considered professional business attire.
• Flip flops or sandals should never be worn regardless of their fashion or your gender.
• Use a portfolio to hold the copies of your resume instead of the resume paper box or the box from the copy shop.
• Always think ahead when heading to a job fair. There may not always be a check-in booth for coats, bags, etc. When possible, do not bring more items that you wish to accompany you throughout the room of employers.