02-07-2008

Looking Sharp

Thanks to Deirdre Clemente, Carnegie Mellon students are looking sharp today as they meet recruiters from more than 250 companies at the Employment Opportunities Conference in the University Center.  Yes, they left their Simpsons ties, dirty backpacks and seasonally inappropriate clothing at home...for now.

Clemente, a Carnegie Mellon doctoral student in history, recently gave a talk on campus titled "You Look Terrible: How NOT To Dress for a Job Interview." According to the former fashion editor, students have been trendsetters for decades, spawning such trends as tennis shoes, jeans, sports coats and khaki pants. But in an era of business casual dress, she believes students can benefit from tips on how to look professional without being constricted to a traditional black suit.

Before pursuing studies at Carnegie Mellon, Clemente earned a master's degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and was a fashion writer for Mademoiselle, Self and the New York Times.

Click here to watch Clemente reveal her "seven deadly sins" of dressing for a job interview.

Abby Houck