Dress for Success
Professional Dress
A recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) showed that 88% of employers surveyed indicated they expect job candidates to be dressed in business casual or better for an interview. A large part of the first impression you will make on potential employers comes from your ability to dress appropriately. Remember, you are dressing for the interview, not the specific job. When in doubt, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
General guidelines for professional dress:
Suits: Pants and jacket set or skirt and jacket set (black, grey, or navy).
Blouses and Shirts: Pressed and appropriate coverage (white or light colored).
Shoes: Polished dress shoes. Pumps or flats should be closed toe and heel (nude, black, brown, or navy).
Accessories: Conservative color ties, belts that match shoes, and a minimum amount of jewelry (a watch, a ring, small earrings, simple necklace).
Grooming: Well-groomed hair and nails and natural-looking makeup.
Business Casual
In some cases an "interview suit" is not necessary and business casual attire is appropriate. The business casual look can be slacks, skirts to the knee or khakis. It includes a collared shirt (button-down or polo style), a nice blouse with a sweater, or coordinated separates. Avoid low-cut blouses. Never wear jeans, shorts, tank tops, excessive jewelry, tennis shoes, or flip flops. Always be well groomed.
Career Closet
The Career Closet is open by appointment only. Please visit Handshake to schedule yours TODAY.
The Office of Career Services strives to provide all students with the resources needed to be successful in their career development and job search processes. We understand that many students are on a strict budget and may not be able to afford professional clothing, which is why we have established the Career Closet.
The Career Closet provides UL Lafayette students with free, gently used professional clothing for interviews, career fairs, and professional networking events. The goal of this program is to offer students in need of professional attire with clothing options that will allow them to make a positive first impression on potential employers.
Any current UL Lafayette student or alumni that graduated in the last six months can visit the Career Closet in Agnes Edwards Room 104 during business hours to shop for suits, ties, belts, shoes, and other professional clothing items.
For more information, please contact career@louisiana.edu or 337-482-1444.
Donations to the Career Closet may be made by appointment. Please call 337.482.1444 or email career@louisiana.edu.
Please complete this form to have someone from Career Services contact you about your donation.
In order to provide this service to students, we need the assistance of campus and community members. Please consider donating the following gently used items:
Pants and jacket suit sets
Skirt and jacket suit sets
Blazers and sports coats
Dress slacks, pants, and skirts
Dress shirts and blouses
Belts and ties
Gently worn shoes- black, brown, nude, or navy. Ladies pumps or flats should be closed toe and heel.
Hangers
*Black, gray, navy, or other neutral colors are preferred for professional attire.
Donations can be brought to the Office of Career Services located in Agnes Edwards Hall (former Conference Center) Room 104. For questions about donation drop off, please contact career@louisiana.edu or 337-482-1444.
Community Partnerships
If your business or professional organization is interested in becoming involved with the Career Closet, we would love to hear from you! Partnerships could include annually holding your own clothing drive, collecting donations at a membership meeting or event, or anything else you think would be appropriate! We are open to any suggestions or ideas you might have on becoming involved. Those professional associations and organizations that hold clothing drives or collect items will receive proper recognition as supporters of the Career Closet.