You either don't know about the biz world or don't care

At least one-third of the people at the Working World Job Fair need a black rectangular over their eyes and a “don’t” stamped on their forehead. They don’t seem to understand that dressing unprofessionally is a deal-breaker on finding a job.

“But I’m a great worker and a fine human being regardless of what I’m wearing,” you object. “It shouldn’t matter that I’m in jeans and baseball cap.”

My dear Grasshopper, allow me to present a vital life lesson: Maybe it shouldn’t matter, but here in the real world it does.

It’s About Marketing, Not Self Expression
How you present yourself is important because in a split second that recruiter has to make a decision about you. The resume you hand him will stay on the top of the pile or get shuffled to the bottom. When you dress like you’re on the way to a Dodger game, the message you’re transmitting is that you either don’t know how to dress for the business world or don’t care.

If you don’t know, that means you don’t have much experience in the working world and/or haven’t been paying attention. If you don’t care, well, sorry but you’re a walking bad attitude.

Give Yourself the Advantage
It’s not fair, it shouldn’t matter, wa wa wa — but if you’re serious about finding employment, you need to project professionalism. If you don’t own a suit, borrow one. You’ll need it for the job interview!