The Better Image

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        I.            Title Page

a.       The Better Image

                                                              i.      “Welcome to Midlands Technical College, the department of Student Employment Services online workshop, The Better Image. I am your presenter today, Justin Thompson.”

      II.            Slide 2

a.       Content

                                                              i.      “During this presentation I will discuss the importance of dress etiquette; addressing the proverbial question of “Why”, why do I have to dress better. In addition to proper attire and styles, addressing: Business Casual, which is quite often misunderstood; Business Professional; and Formal Wear. As well as addressing Common Mistakes: which is the rubric for do’s and don’ts. Obtaining the Edge, How do I obtain the edge over my competitors?”

    III.            Slide 3

a.       Dressing Better

                                                              i.      “Dressing Better, why dress better? Have you ever realized that by dressing better at times you feel better? It promotes self-confidence. It also creates a dynamic first impression. Often times during the interview, before the employer has the chance to speak with you, they normally get a visual observation, to see if they are dressed accordingly for the occasion. It also shows interest in the company’s culture.”

    IV.            Slide 4

a.       Business Casual

                                                              i.      “Business casual, business casual is actually more business or formal, than what you think. It is normally worn during classroom presentations, receptions, informational sessions, and turning in a resume or job application.”

      V.            Slide 5

a.       Business Casual

                                                              i.      Men

1.       “Business Casual for men; normal attire: button down shirt or polo, a Sportcoat or blazer. A Sportcoat is a jacket that contains a tweed, herringbone, or window pane pattern. However, a blazer is traditionally plain color with brass buttons. Khakis or slacks are normally worn with the Sportcoat or Blazer. Ties are optional and loafers are acceptable for Business Casual.

    VI.            Slide 6

a.       Business Casual

                                                              i.      Women

1.       “Business Causal for women: pantsuit, sweaters: normally draped over the shoulders; skirt and blouse; slacks and blouse; and pumps or open toe shoes are all acceptable.”

  VII.            Slide 7

a.       Business Casual

                                                              i.      Example Photos

1.       “Here are just a few examples of business casual for men and women.”

a.       Description:

b.      There are 5 examples of business casual for women.

                                                                                                                                      i.      The first example is a charcoal grey pantsuit with a white or beige blouse

                                                                                                                                    ii.      The second example is dark slacks with a black shirt and a two-toned Sportcoat with window pane pattern.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      The third example is a long dark skirt with a two-toned horizontal striped blouse and a light color blazer

                                                                                                                                   iv.      The fourth example is a plaid slacks with a neutral color blouse with a sweater draped over the shoulders

                                                                                                                                     v.      The fifth example is a knee length skirt with blouse and a sweater worn over the blouse

c.       There are 5 examples of business casual for men.

                                                                                                                                      i.      The first example is a charcoal grey suit with a white dress shirt 

                                                                                                                                    ii.      The second example is a dark colored slacks with a neutral color dress shirt and light colored blazer without tie.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      The third example is light colored slacks with a dark color dress shirt and dark blazer with a tie.

                                                                                                                                   iv.      The fourth example is a khakis color pants with a neutral color dress shirt without a tie.

                                                                                                                                     v.      The fifth example is a pair of dark slacks with a checkered shirt with a tie.

VIII.            Slide 8

a.       Business Professional

                                                              i.      “Normally worn during the first and second interview and if there is a third interview stage. Also at career expositions/ job fairs, and lunch and/or dinner receptions. Business professional is your fortune 500 outfit; you want to impress your employers.”

    IX.            Slide 9

a.       Business Professional

                                                              i.      Men      

1.       “A belt that matches your shoes; undershirt that is white and has no advertisements that may show through your dress shirt; suit and tie; laced dressed shoes as opposed to loafers; socks that are over the calves; and a dress shirt that is white or light blue, are all acceptable attire for business professional.”

      X.            Slide 10

a.       Business Professional

                                                              i.      Women

1.       “Shoes, pumps are acceptable; pantsuit or suit, hose that are skin toned, conservative blouse (discreet), and conservative accessories/jewelry.”

    XI.            Slide 11

a.       Business Professional

                                                              i.      Example Photos

1.       “Here are just a few examples of business professional.”

a.       Description:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Center Photo: Contains a picture of two men dressed in a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie. Also, the picture contains a woman dressed in a suit jacket with a dress shirt.

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Upper Left Photo: A picture of a pair of black laced dressed shoes.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Bottom Left Photo: A picture of a belt.

                                                                                                                                   iv.      Bottom Photo: A picture of a pair of pearl earrings.

                                                                                                                                     v.      Bottom Right Photo: A picture of a pearl necklace.

                                                                                                                                   vi.      Upper Right Photo: A picture of two skirt suits (Red and Black).

                                                                                                                                 vii.      Top Photo: A picture of a pair of black pumps

  XII.            Slide 12

a.       Formal Wear

                                                              i.      “Formal wear attire, worn during weddings, debutante balls, proms, and other formal social events specified.”

XIII.            Slide 13

a.       Formal Wear

                                                              i.      Men

1.       “For men: black tuxedo, vest or cummerbund, tuxedo shirt: specify the collar, whether wingtip, spread, or lay down; cuff links, tie or bow tie, and patent leather dress shoes.”

XIV.            Slide 14

a.       Formal Wear

                                                              i.      Example Photos

1.       “Here are just a few examples of formal wear for men.”

a.       Description:

                                                                                                                                      i.       Photo 1: A picture of a man wearing a tuxedo suit, vest, and bow tie.

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Photo 2: A picture of a tuxedo shirt (wing collar), vest, and bow tie.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Photo 3: A picture of one black patent leather shoe.

                                                                                                                                   iv.      Photo 4: A picture of a dress tuxedo shirt (lay down collar) with cuff links, and a bow tie

  XV.            Slide 15

a.       Formal Wear

                                                              i.      Women

1.       “For women: evening gloves, cocktail dresses, long elegant dresses, earrings and necklaces, and evening sling back shoes as opposed to  pumps.”

XVI.            Slide 16

a.       Formal Wear

                                                              i.      Example Photos

1.       Here are just a few examples of formal wear for women.”

a.       Description:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Photo 1: A picture of a woman in a green long elegant dress.

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Photo 2: A picture of a pair of white sling back shoes.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Photo 3: A picture of a woman in a navy blue cocktail dress with a shawl.

                                                                                                                                   iv.      Photo 4: A picture of a woman with white evening gloves (wrist length).

XVII.            Slide 17

a.       Common Mistakes

                                                              i.      “Some dos and some don’ts: you do want to maintain good hygiene and avoid HBO. No, that’s not Home Box Office, that’s Human Body Odor. In addition, to maintain a clean and proper grooming while not over indulging in cologne or perfume. This is especially important during interviews; you may not want to overcome the employer’s sense of smell. Clothing should be neatly pressed and comfortable fitting. Avoid too tight or baggy garments.”

XVIII.            Slide 18

a.       Obtaining The Edge

                                                              i.      “How does one obtain the edge of their competitors? First, is to research the employer’s culture. Research by usage of internet options, brochures, and/or asking company personnel. Secondly, remove all visible body piercing. Thirdly, cover tattoos. Fourthly, if undecided on how to dress, it is always safe to lean towards a more conservative style. Last but not least, one must be persistent in dressing better with consistency.”

XIX.            Slide 19

a.       Final Thought

                                                              i.      “In final thought, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out” by Robert Collier. Thank you for your time. I am Justin Thompson from Midlands Technical College, Student Employment Services. I hope you enjoyed our online workshop, giving you The Better Image.”

  XX.            Slide 20

a.       Closing and Gratitude