DCC Counseling and Careers Office Helps Students Prep for Job Fair

Release Date March 22, 2007

The stage in the Dutchess Community College Louis Greenspan Dining Room became a fashion runway on Wednesday, March 21 as DCC students modeled dress-for-success job interview attire. The “On The Runway” Fashion Show was sponsored by the DCC Office of Counseling and Career Services, the DCC Student Activities Office, and Dress Barn.

It was just one outreach event on campus to help students prepare to put their best foot forward at the Hudson Valley Job Fair, an annual fair sponsored by the College and the New York State Department of Labor. This year’s Hudson Valley Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 from 11:00 am. to 3:00 p.m. in Falcon Hall at DCC’s main campus in Poughkeepsie.

More than 100 companies have already pre-registered for the fair, and up to 150 are expected, according to Chris Daly, DCC Job Developer/Outreach Coordinator. These include large and small businesses from service, manufacturing, finance, hospitality, and retail industries, health care institutions, nonprofit organizations, and county and state government agencies. They represent Hudson Valley-based firms, but also include employers from neighboring counties and states. Job seekers can also get information about educational and training opportunities at DCC. Admission is free. For information, contact the Office of Counseling and Career Services at (845) 431-8040.

The fashion show featured male and female DCC students of traditional and nontraditional ages. It was organized in response to employer surveys from last year’s Job Fair. “Overwhelmingly, they wished students would dress more professionally to show they are taking the job search seriously,” said Deborah Porter, DCC Job Placement Coordinator. Since some employers conduct on-the-spot interviews, and others may keep resumes of prospective employees or encourage them to follow-up with the company later, it is important to make a strong first impression.

Porter and Daly contacted Dress Barn Manager Karen Marcojohn to help organize the Fashion Show, and Dress Barn loaned the outfits for the event. A key component to the show’s success was that the models – real students who came in all different sizes, shapes, and ages – picked the clothes that were most appropriate for them. “It’s what they would wear – not their mother’s clothes,” said Porter.

In most cases, it was NOT what students ordinarily wear to school, either. Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, gym shoes, and sandals are not appropriate interview attire. Porter summarized key points for the student audience: First impressions are critical. An employer makes a visual assessment in the first five seconds, and they do make judgments based on what you wear – a quick scan of how you’ve dressed sets the tone for the interview. Under-dressing tells the potential employer you don’t care about the job. Appropriate attire says you looks like you fit into the organization.

For women, suits, not dresses, are best. Some specific suggestions: Conservative two-piece suit – solid dark blue or grey. Conservative long-sleeved shirt or blouse, white or pastel. Clean, polished, conservative shoes. Well-groomed hairstyle. Clean, trimmed fingernails. Moderate jewelry – only one pair of earrings, and no clinking bracelets. Minimal cologne or perfume. No gum, candy, or cigarettes. No visible tattoos or body piercings.

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