Fashion show highlights what to wear for job interviews

Ten models strode down a catwalk at Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday. But unlike other fashion shows, the audience got to vote on the outfits.

The fashion show and forum at the University Center was put on by Missouri Mentoring Partnership, the Cape Girardeau chapter of Zonta International, Southeast's Phenomenal Women's Group and graduates of the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life's 21st Century Leadership Academy. The event was aimed at women entering or re-entering the work force.

So the votes of the more 25 people in the audience were based on whether they thought the clothes were appropriate for a job interview.

Dr. Mary Johnson, representing more than one supporter of the program, including the Institute for Women in Public Life, was the fashion show's master of ceremonies and led discussions about the votes.

The audience split over the outfit that Elizabeth Baugh, 23, of Jackson wore -- a belted outfit with long beads, black crop pants and black close-toed heels. About half thought it was appropriate for a job interview, while the other half didn't.

"Why?" Johnson asked.

"Too much bling," answered one member of the audience.

"Heels too high," offered another.

"Be conservative," Johnson said. "You want them to remember you, not what you're wearing."

A model wearing jeans, a T-shirt and flip flops made a clear point -- even if the job being applied for is casual, the appropriate attire would be pressed khaki slacks and a blouse.

"No flip flops. T-shirts are out, blouses are in," Johnson said.

Patsy Graham, clad in a dress with coordinating jacket, a simple gold chain and close-toed shoes, was a thumbs-up vote, but an audience member questioned wearing a dress to an interview.

"Because the dress is not loud and has a matching jacket, this would be OK to wear on a job interview," Johnson said.

Besides appropriate office attire, the event covered business etiquette, networking advice, behavior at work and interviewing tips.

Diane Sides, director of university relations at Southeast, explained everything from the importance of proper introductions and handshakes to telephone, cell phone, e-mail and text messaging etiquette. Her advice on e-mails and text messaging: "If you don't want your mother to read it, don't write it."

For Baugh, the information Sides gave on dealing with angry people was most helpful.

"I just graduated and have a job at a pharmacy," she said. "The part about not taking it personally and staying calm is important in customer service."

Polly Holten, Cape Girardeau Zonta Club president, said, "I am absolutely surprised at the number of young women who came. I'd like to see it again during the school year. If they're away from home, they don't have anywhere to learn this."

Kathy Kearbey, one of the original Shear Fellows from Southeast Missouri University, organized the event. Kearbey named Johnson as her mentor, someone who went out of her way to help make sure Kearbey was successful.

"When I was recruiting models, the response was, 'I've been dreaming of this. I could be a model,'" Kearbey said.

The groups that organized the event also sought clothing donations of suitable office attire as a community closet for women in attendance.

Founded in 1996 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life helps women develop the skills to succeed in government, in elected and appointed offices and as policy-makers.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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