Going to Co-op/Internship Job Fair, what should I wear?

[trmiv]

On Thursday I'm going to a Co-op/Internship Job Fair at my school (San Jose State University). There are going to be like 130 companies there, and I'm going to try to talk to companies like Cisco, Microsoft, Agilent, Compaq, IBM, HP, about MIS Co-op/internship opportunities. So, what should I wear to this thing? I don't want to look super dressed up ( that means so suit) because it is a large job fair that will require some walking around, but I don't want to look like a slob. I want to look professional and good enough to make a good impression. Anyone have any ideas? I'm a guy by the way.

 

[Thanatopsis]

I would wear a polo shirt and khakis. Just stay away from a t-shirt and cargo pants, and I think you'll do fine.

 

A pair of slacks.
And bring a suit case with all the various hot deals free t's you picked up.
And change into the company shirt when you go talk to them


Simple button up or a polo will do.

 

[Harrald]

Thanatopsis is right. Polo shirt and khakis is the way to go. Nice shoes too. You may (if it's not to far from your room) want to have a suit pressed and ready to go in case you are "way" under dressed.

Don't forget to clean under your nails and behind your ears.

 

[bcterps]

Wear a suit, it will at least make you "feel" more professional. There's no harm in it anyways. I really doubt what you wear is really gonna make a difference, its all in your resume.

--Ben

 

[MrBond]

I wore a blazer and khakis last time I went to one. It does look better when you're dressed up more, besides, you gotta get your moneys worth out of those expensive suit jackets

 

[Viper GTS]

Damn, never mind... I should read more carefully...



Viper GTS

 

[trmiv]

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't own a suit, and I don't plan(read:can't afford) to buy one for this job fair. I have a nice pair of Kenneth Cole khakis that I can wear, with a nice pair of brown dress shoes. I guess I'll go pick up a shirt. So tell me, which would be the better choice a polo type shirt, or a collared shirt with a tie?

 

[bcterps]

Collared shirt with a tie would be a better choice IMO. Yeah, if you dont have a suit, dont go out and buy one for a job fair, but you will need them for interviews. But dont buy black, that's the biggest mistake that people make. Buy a nice dark blue suit, or maybe something grey, you can mix and match the tops and bottoms a lot better. Black should be worn to weddings and funerals.

--Ben

 

[Mule]

Definately a collared shirt over a polo shirt. You can never be overdressed, unless you're a geek then you'll just look stupid. It's all about the personality and how you present youself that makes the biggest impression. When they take your resume, sometimes they will jot down some personal info about yourself and if you made a really good impression they will write that down on the resume so when they go back to review them yours will stand out.

 

[AmitPatel]

collared shirt with or without tie, and slacks or khakis...

 

[Plantanthera]

Slack/khakis & a sport coat, and keep a tie in your bag/case for safe-gard.