How to Dress for a Research Job

Research jobs primarily involve collecting data through observation. Depending on the nature of research conducted, the place you work could be a laboratory (medical, pharmaceutical and aerospace research), the field (market, social and field research) or an office (financial, legal and political research). Knowing how to dress whether you are studying a slide in a laboratory or gathering facts and figures out in the field certainly carries benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Personal protection equipment
• Close-toed shoes

Laboratory Research

1. Wear casual clothing that you can afford to get stained permanently or destroyed by acidic chemicals in the lab. Depending upon the nature of research, most labs provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coat, overalls, scrub suits, eye protection, side shelters and respiratory protections.
2. Select clothing that fits close to your body and covers skin as much as possible. Cotton material is less likely to buildup static electricity and wool provides better protection from corrosive chemicals.
3. Choose close-toed shoes or sneakers that offer good comfort along with the protective shoe covers.
4. Pin together long hair or tie it in a knot to avoid it falling in your face and eyes.

Field Research

5. Dress modestly in business casual attire if you are interviewing people. Wear leather shoes with closed toes. Clothing should not carry suggestive or offensive languages and images.
6. Opt for old and rugged clothes if your research job involves getting down on your hands and knees in a dirty site. Fingernails should be filed smoothly. Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
7. Be prepared with wet weather clothing, sunscreen and mosquito repellents.

Desk Research

8. Follow the basic rules of professional dressing. Wear clean, pressed, well fitted and comfortable attire. Proper dress shows self respect and attention to details, qualities that are needed for a research job.
9. Choose a formal wear if your research job includes presentations or meetings with important people. A simple pantsuit or skirt and jacket for women (black, charcoal or brown) and a classic suit with tie for men are usually the standards.
10. Wear formal leather shoes. Flip-flops, athletic shoes and slippers are not considered appropriate. Preferred colors are black and brown and should be coordinated with your attire.
11. Accessorize with good taste by not mixing metals. An elegant chain with pendant, matching ear studs and bracelet or a finger ring should give a complete look. A conservative watch for both men and women is professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wear synthetic or nylon clothing as they increase the severity of injury in case of fire.
• Avoid wearing wristwatches or fingerings as they could react with chemicals.
• Do not wear high heels or platform shoes.

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