The end of the semester means another group of SF State students are preparing to graduate and start careers in their chosen professions.

After years of attending SF State graduates will have to pay more attention to their appearance in order to catch the attention of employers and hiring agents.

“I just know to be professional,” said Brooke Estin, 22, a senior who is graduating this fall with a degree in international relations. "Wear a suit, not jeans, and it’s better to dress too formal."

Many students aren’t aware that looking for a job as a college student it is different from looking for a job after graduation according to Jim Wong, a counselor in the Career Center.

“Most college students look at job hunting as being the same as always after they graduate,” Wong said, “but it’s a different kind of job hunting.”

According to "Find your first Professional Job," by Scott Weighart, one of the books available in the Career Center, graduating students shouldn't wear khakis and sweaters to interviews. Instead, they should wear what businesses prefer their prospective employees, men and women, to wear: a suit. The suit should be a dark neutral color like grey, black, navy or brown.

“It doesn’t have to be a $1,000 suit,” said Wong, “but dress for the role.”

Target, Wal-Mart and Ross have reasonably priced suits. At Wal-Mart you can get a jacket and matching pants for around $100.

Wong also recommended department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom because they have personal shoppers who can put together an outfit for someone having trouble picking out the right look.

Wong said a light colored shirt should be worn. Women should avoid wearing blouses that are low cut or too tight.

“Women want to be seen as a professional,” said Wong, “not as being distractive by their appearance and sexuality."

Although most employers prefer suits, Janelle Metz, another counselor in the Career Center, said some fields don’t expect it. She encourages applicants to find out in advance about what their prospective employers expect.

“It depends on the industry,” said Metz. “Know what company you are applying for and how people dress there.”

When unsure of what to wear, looking at clothing worn in the office can be helpful. According to Metz the general rule is to dress more formally to an interview then to work.

“Dress one step above the day to day environment,” Metz said.

According to Collegegrad.com, a Web site where students can find advice on transitioning to the workplace, part of an applicant’s appearance employers pay attention to, but is often overlooked, are shoes. Women shouldn’t wear open-toe shoes and avoid excessively high shoes. Both men and women should wear dark colored, polished, and scuff free leather shoes.

“My pet peeve is white socks with dress shoes,” said Wong. “And no excessive bling necessary. Put away the thick gold chains and the loud Rolex with diamonds. Go low-key."

The Career Center is free to all SF State students and alumni that have graduated less than six months ago. Lectures on appropriate interview attire are given as part of its “Get Hired” seminar offered once per semester. The next seminar is scheduled for March 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“You want to present yourself as a young professional,” Wong said. “Employers like to see students who know how to dress.”