Despite the ever-growing prominence of virtual networking, making live first-impressions is still an important part of gaining employment.

“There are numerous studies that state the importance of a first good impression at an interview,” said Gail Zemmol, affiliate professor of hospitality and tourism management at Grand Valley State University. “The Career Center has many stories about students not understanding the importance or not understanding what is appropriate clothing for interviews.”

That is why the Career Services department, Seidman College of Business, Women’s Center and Hospitality and Tourism Management Department are teaming up to sponsor the third annual Dress for Success Fashion Show.

“The program was designed so that students understand the importance of wearing proper attire to interviews,” she said. “The university wants to give students every opportunity to be successful in finding internships and jobs. Understanding what is appropriate dress for an interview is one skill needed in order to be successful. The Career Center knows that students do not always wear appropriate clothing to interviews.”

The fashion show will highlight appropriate dress for interviews as well as daily business wear. Zemmol said students will also learn where to purchase similar dress wear on any budget.

Vendors will be available during the event to discuss other concerns with students regarding the average interview process, and the GVSU Career Center will have representatives on hand to give tips on resume building.

Students will also have access to tailoring tips from Plantenga’s Cleaners to talk about tailoring, hair and makeup tips from Douglas J. Aveda Institute and lessons on how to tie a tie from Old Navy.

Zemmol said the Event Management class served as the event manager for this year’s program, as well as the past events, which were attended by about 170 students.

“The students are completely responsible for the event,” she said. “The students created and carried out a marketing plan, created the menu, designed the room layout, contacted the vendors, created a budget, etc.”

The students have also collected more than 50 donated prizes, including an overnight stay at local hotels, tickets to the Grand Rapids Whitecaps and a Kindle. Those in attendance will have multiple opportunities to win the prizes. Faculty and staff have also donated business wear, which Zemmol said will be available to students free of charge.

The event is Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 2250 of the Kirkhof Center.

For more information on the event, visit the Facebook page.

[email protected]