Dress for success: Appropriate clothing is essential when interviewing for a first job

School is back in session in Southeast Missouri, and for many young people, that means beginning a new chapter in their lives, whether starting high school or coming one step closer to graduation.

But for other students, the changing of the seasons might bring a first job.

Theresa Taylor, a business teacher at Central High School in Cape Girardeau and an adviser for Future Business Leaders of America, said dressing for success is one sure-fire way for teens to make an impression and establish themselves as credible job candidates.

That can mean different things in different workplaces.

"With a vet's assistant, you're not going to go in wearing heels," she said. "They're going want you to wear something a little more appropriate, depending on the task at hand."

Jeremy Trock dresses for success while working for the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department in the concession stand at Shawnee Sports Complex during a softball tournament Sunday in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Taylor suggested interested applicants ask during their job interview what is considered appropriate attire.

Taylor also suggested visiting the business a day early and observing what the employees wear during their shifts. She said it's generally a good idea to "dress up," meaning to see what the typical attire is and to exceed expectations.

As far as general clothing tips go, Taylor mentioned such issues as the length of a young woman's skirt, which should be appropriate for age and professionalism. Facial piercings are usually frowned upon, and undergarments should be left under the garments at all times, she said. Shoes are important, too.

"People tend to overlook shoes. Don't," she said, emphasizing the importance of choosing dress shoes over flip-flops when applying for a higher-end job.

There are no disadvantages in dressing professionally for job interviews, Taylor said. First impression is everything, and the outfit is often what potential employers will notice about applicants before anything else.

"With the exception of farming and construction, a business is not going to (not) hire someone that is overdressed, because it will give the impression that they are taking the job -- and the interview -- seriously," Taylor said.

Taylor added dressing professionally equates to acting and behaving professionally, both of which are essential when applying for any job.

Kylee Stevenson and Jeremy Trock are both 17 years old and seniors at Central High, and both are employed.

Stevenson works at an American Eagle store, while Trock works outdoors for the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. Aside from these jobs, Stevenson has been employed only once before, at a Popeye's restaurant. Trock hasn't worked before but interviewed for a job at Best Buy.

For her Popeye's interview, Stevenson said her dress was more casual -- basically a T-shirt and jeans. But when she applied for a position at American Eagle, which is known to be a more high-end clothing store, she upped her ante and wore a nicer shirt, making sure her outfit was layered well.

"Colors matched, nothing clashed," she said.

As for Trock, applying for a position at Best Buy required a professional outfit, including slacks, dress shoes and a button-down shirt.

The interview for the Parks and Recreation Department didn't require nearly as much effort, however; he said he chose to dress semi-casually, fit enough for a job outdoors but nice enough to represent the city well.

"As a basic rule of thumb, I would take a look at the type of job I'm applying for and dress for the next level up," Trock said.