Many believe outward appearances determine employment or unemployment for job-seekers. This concept of dress may translate into a pay raise, promotion or partnership in the professional world.

While most businesses search to hire qualified and diligent workers, appearance may also affect an employer’s decision.

?For guys it is important to dress up,” Scott Yantis, ’09, varsity football player, said. “You need to wear slacks, a dress shirt, nice shoes and shave to look professional. When looking for a job, I like to go in and see the boss a couple of times. Even if I don?t get the job, I want them to know I am not just some flaky kid. It is important for employers to take you seriously, or else you won’t get the job; street clothes don’t make you seem like someone who is trying hard to get the job.”

Similar to Yantis, junior Trent Souza believes his dress affects his academic performance.

?Dressing nicely before a test is a wise idea because it shows the teacher that the student is willing to work hard in the class,? Souza said. ?Dressing for success boosts the individual?s mindset. Their clothes provide them with the confidence that they are going to be successful no matter what the situation is.?

Chelsea Harkness attends Fresno City College and works at Abercrombie and Fitch part-time. Harkness believes her style will benefit her future aspirations of becoming a public relations worker or news broadcaster.

?Abercrombie allows us to wear anything made by them except for sweats,? Harkness said. ?However, I try to dress more professional by wearing a polo or button down shirt with jeans instead of a t-shirt. I feel like it is a better representation of the company.?

Molly Sargent, dean of women, finds modesty a practicable virtue. Sargent recognizes the conflict between adults.

?Whether it?s right or not, people will judge you on how you look,? Sargent said. ?Employers have a lot of preconceived notions about teenagers. It takes a lot of work and appropriate dress to change how adults think about you.?

Although many businesses require formal attire, Stowe Empereur, ’11, a patron of Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters and Zumies, finds casual clothes appropriate for his job.

?It is not too hard for me to dress modestly,? Empereur said. ?Kids have told me that I dress ?scene? and a lot of people criticize me for that. Students say that my shirts are too small or that I sag my pants too low. I like the way I dress and I think it is fine for school. I also prefer casual clothes because they are a lot more comfortable than restraining formal attire.?

Although dress may determine success for employees, Marci Deck, a Fresno State graduate and certified financial planner, believes success comes on different levels.

?You can be a success according to the worlds standards, or you can be a good person who strives to make good choices,? Deck said. ?I believe success comes in areas like your personal life and work if you try to be nice. Being part owner of this company would be deemed a success by the world?s standards, but it wouldn?t mean anything to me if I thought I wasn?t trying to be a nice person or at least trying to make good choices.?