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Show Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 Page 5 AggieLife Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.aggietownsquare.com Dressing for your success What to wear to an interview By TAM ROUND staff writer Appearance sticks in the mind of employers long after a job interviewing, making it imperative that students understand how to dress for success. USU Career Services offers helpful suggestions to students to improve their chances at getting a job. Randy Jensen, assistant director of Career Services said, "The Golden Rule for what to wear to a job interview is to dress one step above what employees normally wear in the industry that you are applying for. However, if a suit and tie is the norm, you do not need to step it up to a tuxedo. You can never go wrong with a business suit." Jensen cautions students who have unconventional looks, including tattoos, piercings, and unconventional hairstyles and color. Tattoos should be covered with clothing, any piercings other than the traditional one per ear for women should be removed. This is a good time to be clean cut. Men may want to shave their beards and normal colored hair is a must, he said. "Students may argue that this stifles their self-expression and individuality, but they really need to look at it from a potential employer's point of view," Jensen said. "Making it to the interview point says that you have the skills and abilities that the company requires for the position. They are looking for someone who fits into their organization and appearance is crucial in how they determine this." One huge mistake he commonly sees is students wearing their regular school attire to an interview if it happens to occur during a school day. "Students may think that an employer should understand that they are in the middle of classes. The reality is that by dressing casually an employer gets the impression that you are unprofessional," Jensen said. Julie Hollist, director for The Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, said when applicants comes in wearing jeans and a T-shirt it shows they don't care and is disrespectful. She said students should be aware of this even if the position is an unpaid internship. "I don't feel disrespected personally, but I'm especially unimpressed when I see this," Hollist said. "I want you to go to a little effort (with your appearance) because that shows me that you will bring that to your work as well." Hollist suggested that students research the company that they are applying to. From the company or organization's Web site, students will learn what the business' dress code is and what their required duties may encompass. Four key points employers look for are applicants' interest, intelligence, initiative and enthusiasm for the job. "I want you to show me how your skills will benefit my company and how you can be a successful part of our team," she said. Hollist offered a tip for students nearing graduation: "Shop for next spring's interview suits now, while they are on the clearance rack. Department stores usually have the previous season's clothes marked down, so planning ahead can save you some serious cash." Hollist also cautioned against wearing too much, if any, perfume or cologne. "Many people are allergic to fragrances. You need to take this into account when getting ready. Apply any scents at least an hour before your interview and don't drench yourself," she said. As part of one's attire, Hollist recommended that job applicants bring a notebook and pen in a portfolio or a briefcase to take notes during the interview. She said it demonstrates one's interest in the position and is an excellence source of information for follow-up questions. "A follow-up note, thanking the interviewer and restating the strengths that you will bring to the position, is impressive and shows your initiative," she said. In addition to advising students on what to wear in job interviews, Jensen said Career Services, located on the bottom floor of the University Inn, offers coaching in a variety of other areas related to supporting USU students in getting the jobs they want. Jensen said students should take advantage of the help, even if they just want to drop by to get an opinion on their appearance before an interview. "We have a couple of mirrors for students to use when they interview in our offices. I would add this final tip: double check yourself in a mirror just before going in to the interview," Jensen said. 4110.. 101 —tarn.r@aggiemail.usu.edu Secondhand Serenade to play at USU By CHELSEY GENSEL staff writer The Kent Concert Hall on USU's campus will host Secondhand Serenade Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tom Atwood, owner of concert-promoting company Pakt House Productions, will bring the concert here after a show in Blackfoot, Idaho, was canceled last month. "When I work with an agent, it's never in my mind to bring them to Logan," Atwood said. "You want to put them in Salt Lake, in a primary market. This is a total fluke." Fluke or not, Atwood said the band is pretty excited to be playing in Logan because Utah is one of its biggest markets "in the entire world." Secondhand Serenade's single "Fall for You" has been heavily featured on local station 94.5 FM since it was released. Atwood said the band hardly gets any radio play in Phoenix and the market has a lot to do with its live shows and how it's promoted. This is the third show he has booked for Secondhand Serenade, including two others in Utah at Thanksgiving Point. "On their part, they trust me as their promoter. They know I'll put them in a venue that will ensure a successful show," Atwood said. He has relied heavily on radio and Facebook campaigns to get the word out about the concert, as well as posters and flyers. Local bands — Falk, Allred and We Shot the Moon — will be opening for Secondhand Serenade, and the show will coincide with the release of We Shot the Moon's album release the following day. "They are just stoked to be on the SECONDHAND SERENADE WILL be performing on Nov. 17 to the Cache Valley community in the USU Kent Concert Hall. Local bands, Falk, Allred and We Shot the Moon, will be opening for the band. photo courtesy of TOM ATWOOD same bill with Secondhand Serenade again," Atwood said of We Shot the Moon. Because this show is over a month later than the original planned show in Idaho, it isn't part of a tour, Atwood said. Usually, a band tours with other bands that open for them and the concert promoter often doesn't get to choose opening acts. "I picked acts that are popular here," Atwood said. "Allred and We Shot the Moon are personally two of my favorite artists to work with." He expects the show to be well attended and said his previous shows with Secondhand Serenade drew more than 5,000 people. He said this show isn't a sellout, but it'll be close. "The really interesting thing about the timing of this show is that people are catching Secondhand Serenade right before a brand new album release," Atwood said. Secondhand Serenade's third album will be released next spring. "They're gonna hear new material before anyone else does. What's going to be on the radio next spring, they'll hear at this concert," Atwood said. A unique aspect of this particular event is local and university involvement. KSM donated a guitar, which Secondhand Serenade will sign, and the USU Bookstore will give it away in a drawing the day of the concert. Only ticket holders can enter the drawing by visiting the bookstore and showing their concert ticket. "It's a brand new electric guitar," Atwood said. "That's a way to get people excited." Tickets are available at www. boxoffice.usu.edu or by visiting the Caine School of the Arts box office or calling 797-8022. They will be $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show. — pulcre.puella@gmail.corn |