Saving Pennies with JCPenney

Written By: Eric Phomthevy, Johnny Chao & Michelle Mott

First impressions matter; that’s a proven fact. Therefore it’s imperative that all the small things under your control are utilized to make sure you have the right footing going into the workforce. Most of us know that we have to look snazzy for interviews, but just how important is it when it comes to landing a job? Well, let’s take a look at a few examples, both recent and dated.

Kim Zoller, founder and president of Image Dynamics, said that common mistakes amongst candidates are not paying attention to details. Wearing ill-fitting or too-tight of clothes can appear lazy or sloppy. It’s better to choose an outfit that is customary to your industry and take it up a notch. Some of us will be applying for companies that are modern and focused around the individuality of the Millennial generation, in which case a nice, clean-cut suit will surely do the job.

Another example comes from phenomenon studied in the early 1900s by E.L. Thorndike, a psychologist who found that an interviewer decides whether or not you are right for the job within the first 10 seconds of meeting.

In short: dressing to impress matters, but don’t worry, fellow Hornets. We have the know how on just how to dress up for the job you want and price in mind.

Dressing professional can be tricky, but once you learn the basics it’s a five minute routine. For most men, form-fitting clothing is not a top priority. However, men’s professional wear is quite simple.

The first step of any great impression is to have clothes that correctly fit your body. Knowing your body measurements will make finding clothes easier. Having measurements of your neck, chest, waist, and inseam will determine what size dress shirt, coat, pants, tie and belt you should buy. When it comes to men’s wearing a simple fitted dress shirt, slacks and dress shoes work great for any professional event.
 
Every company and function will have different ideas on a professional dress, so try to find out the appropriate attire either by asking someone within the company or looking at the information provided for the event. If the occasion calls for a vest, blazer or tie always remember to color match shoes to belts, vest to ties, and if wearing a suit, jacket to pants.
 
For women it can tend to be a little more tricky. We have the problem on our shoulders of balancing classiness… with sexiness. These days it seems it can be a little easier to slip up than anyone thought. A little too much collarbone shown and you can lose a chunk of your (hopefully good) reputation.
 
I always think the best way to avoid this problem is to play it safe. Something that may not be provocative to you, might be to your employer. Although it’s never about what others think of you, you want to be on good standings because life happens and you never know where you’ll end up. Whether married, single, or somewhere in between, save the sexiness for elsewhere.
 
When judging whether my outfit for the night is appropriate and fitting I always think about my parents- what would they think if they saw me in this? Would they feel uncomfortable? If both answers are good, you have a green light!
 
Looking appropriate is important, but feeling confident is a must. That’s why I shop at JCPenney for my professional attire. Their slacks always have elastic belts on the inside which make them so comfortable for me to wear all day- at my internships in the morning and after to school. The blouses that they offer are easy to dress up or dress down as well as the shoes, you’ll have to see for yourself. But the best part? The prices. JCPenney is affordable even for the average college student, and they’re sweetening the deal a little more for Sacramento State Students.
 
Sacramento State’s Career Center is partnering up with JCPenney to offer Sac state students and Alumni up to 70 percent off on professional wear. This event is on Sunday, March 4th during the hours of 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m. Bring your one card to receive 40% off your purchase.
 
It’s a great opportunity to find your career outfit for the upcoming Career Fair on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
 
For more information click here.