How to Dress for an Engineering Job

Wearing the right clothes on the job is important to success and advancement. The general rule is to dress according to the written or unwritten dress code of the engineering company. Many firms even include dress guidelines in job listings. The trick is figuring out the subtle stuff, especially if there is nothing in writing!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business casual clothing
• 2 formal business outfits
• Shoes (such as loafers, brogues--but not sneakers)!

1. Ask the Director of Human Resources if there is a formal dress code. If so, read through it carefully.
2. Whether there is a written dress code or not, look around at other people working in the engineering firm. Most firms allow what is known as "business casual" clothing, though some will be dressed in suits (and ties for the men). Make notes of what you see, such as the kind of slacks women wear, types of blouses or knit tops, and whether men seem to favor collared golf-style shirts or cotton button-downs.
3. Sit in front of your closet and bureau with the dress code, or notes of what you have observed in the office. Organize clothing that will fit in with the style in the firm.
4. Make sure there are at least two formal business outfits in the closet for special meetings, especially with firm partners and client meetings out of the office. Take a cue from what the partners wear.
5. Check your hairstyle. Long hair on men is usually acceptable if it is well groomed. Women should avoid extreme styles or unusual hair colors (lose the hot pink streak)!
6. Double check before going to work. Make sure clothes are clean and pressed and look professional, even if they are casual. Ladies: leave the low-cut and tight stuff at home and make sure the heels are not too high. You should be able to stride down the hall or visit a job site. Guys: keep tie and suit combinations to the classics (striped tie and white shirt) if you are not sure. Of course, remember socks should match!

Tips & Warnings

• Dressing for the job interview is not the same as dressing for the job! Most engineering schools tell their students to put on a suit for an interview. Wait until the interviewer tells you to lose the tie or take off the jacket.
• Classic styles are never wrong. A cotton button-down shirt with a subtle stripe, paired with khaki slacks and loafers, is perfect business casual for men. A well-tailored blouse and dark slacks with mid-height pumps are perfect for women.
• Color is good. Business casual does not mean it has to be black and white. A pink shirt or a red blouse works great!
• Unless others wear them (and no one comments), leave the jeans at home.