10 Tips to Follow When Dressing for a Job Orientation

Were you recently hired for a new job? If so, let me first congratulate you on your new employment. Getting a new job is always exciting, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. However, it's important that you dress appropriately for the job orientation. Not to be confused with a job interview, an orientation is type of training in which new workers are introduced to the workplace, their coworkers and other aspects of the job. To make a strong first impression and lay the foundation for a successful, long-lasting career, you should follow these tips when dressing for a job orientation.

#1) Check the Company's Dress Code

As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is a good rule to follow when dressing for a job orientation. Prior to attending the orientation, check to see if the company has a dress code, and if so, what it entitles. If the company for which you work has a dress code, you should follow this code when dressing for the orientation.

#2) Don't Wear Dirty Clothes

It should go without saying that wearing dirty clothes to a job orientation is a no-no. Because the orientation isn't as important as the interview, some workers believe it's okay to wear dirty clothes when attending it. And while your employer may not fire you for wearing dirty clothes to the orientation, he or she may think less of you as a professional worker. To present yourself in the best manner possible, only wear clean, strain-free clothes to the orientation.

#3) Go Light on the Fragrance

It's best to either avoid wearing cologne or perfume when attending a job orientation. Or if you're going to wear it, use a very little amount. Assuming the job orientation is indoors -- which most are -- wearing heavy fragrances may be nauseating to other workers. Furthermore, it's poor etiquette to wear large amounts of cologne or perfume in the workplace.

#4) When in Doubt, Wear a Suit

But what if the company doesn't have a dress code? In this case, it's best to err on the side of caution by wearing a suit. Men can wear either a two-piece suit or a three-piece suit. The former consists of trousers with a matching jacket, while the latter consists of trousers, a matching jacket and vest. Three-piece suits are slightly more formal than two-piece suits, but you can't go wrong with either outfit when dressing for a job orientation. Wearing a suit allows you to create an attractive formal appearance that speaks volume about your level of professionalism.

#5) Wear a Necktie

In addition to a suit, you should also wear a necktie. A necktie will define your torso while adding new colors and style to your outfit in the process. The key thing to remember is that you need to wear a necktie that compliments your suit. If you're wearing a black suit with a white button-up dress shirt, you can wear a black tie. The combination of a black necktie with a black suit is a stunning yet simple appearance that's perfect for a job orientation. Of course, this is just one of many options from which to choose. There are countless other suit and necktie color combinations that you can wear to an orientation.

#6) Iron or Press Your Suit

It's probably easier to wear a wrinkled suit to your job orientation, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best idea. On the contrary, a wrinkled suit will hurt your ability to create a professional, formal appearance. Upon seeing your wrinkled suit, your employer may assume that your work ethics are equally messy. The opposite happens if you wear a wrinkle-free suit: Your employer will assume that you are diligent, punctual hard-worker.

#7) Wear the Right Colored Socks

Don't underestimate the importance of wearing the right colored socks to a job orientation. Although they are worn on your feet, other people may see your socks when you are sitting down (or even standing up at times). Therefore, you should wear the right colored socks to your orientation. A good rule of thumb is to wear socks in the same color as your suit trousers. If you're wearing a charcoal gray suit, for example, consider wearing socks in a similar charcoal gray color.

#8) Wear Dress Shoes

Wearing the right colored socks is only beneficial if you wear the right shoes with them. Conventional wisdom should tell you to avoid wearing tennis shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops or other casual footwear to an orientation. Instead, you should wear formal footwear, such as a pair of Oxford loafers. And if you haven't worn your formal shoes in a while, consider cleaning them with a high-quality shoe polish. Giving your shoes a little polish will make them shine, thereby enhancing your appearance while creating a more formal and professional-looking outfit in the process.

#9) Avoid Flashy Colors

Bright, flashy colors aren't suitable for the workplace. Whether you prefer a two- or three-piece suit, it's recommended that you stick with a basic, formal color. After all, you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb when attending the job orientation. You'll probably discover that most if not all other workers wear basic colors like black, white, navy or gray. All these colors are acceptable choices for the workplace and, subsequently, an orientation.

#10) Wear the Right Size Suit

Finally, it's essential that you wear a suit in the right size when attending a job orientation. If your suit is too small, the bottom of your trousers may rise up to your ankles and your jacket's sleeves may stop around your wrists -- two major fashion faux pas. You can avoid this headache, however, by ordering your suit here at StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing on all suits at no additional charge. You tell us your specific body measurements, and our team of designers will create a custom suit to help you make a strong and positive first impression at your orientation.