The way you look bears a lot on the hiring decision. The choice of clothes you wear shows the amount of respect you show to the interviewer and the position for which you are being interviewed. In order to maintain neutrality of attitude, wear moderate clothes.
Wear clothes that are more formal and conservative. Make sure that your clothes contribute to your professional image. Although this is not a book devoted to dressing sense and you have been dressing yourself for years, following are certain tips which would help you to dress appropriately for interviews:
Dressing Tips for Men
Suit
• A conservatively styled, two-piece suit, dark in colour preferably grey or blue or black will give a professional look. Dark colours serve as a visual background that draws the eye to the face.
• Make sure the suit is well-tailored and fits you. The coat sleeve and trouser length should be such that the suit is neither too long nor too short. Moreover, it should fit well and remain in place while sitting or walking.
• A full-length coat can be worn over your suit.
• If you do not have a well-fitting business suit, you may wear pants (other than jeans) with .a shirt.
Shirt
• A full-sleeved shirt preferably white, off-white or light blue in colour. (No T-shirts.)
• Make sure it is neatly pressed and has a good fit.
• The shirt must have a collar. Preferably it should be button-down instead of a loose collar. Chinese collars or turtlenecks are a big no.
• Typically, arms should be covered to the wrist. Exposing arms by rolling up your sleeves is not formal.
Tie
• A solid (plain) colored tie preferably dark blue or red in color made of 100% pure silk.
• If you don't have plain colored ties, you may wear ties with simple, uniform and subtle patterns, either stripes or small dots.
• Avoid ties that are too wide or too narrow.
• Also avoid bow ties.
A tie pin will ensure that the tie is held in its place and you won't have to adjust your tie again and again in the interview. Use a plain, single colored, non-flashy tie pin.
Socks
• Socks should be dark in colour preferably black, grey or blue.
• Choose socks that allow air to flow and do not hold perspiration and heat.
• Don't wear athletic socks.
Belt
• The colour of the belt should match with the colour of the shoes.
• The belt should preferably have a small buckle.
Hair
• Hair (if they are still there!) should be short, well combed and conservative in style.
• Avoid hair styles that cover more than your forehead.
Shoes
• Shoes should be hard-soled preferably black or brown in colour. (No tennis shoes, sandals or boots)
• Make sure they are clean and polished. Pay special attention to toes and heels. They should not look dirty.
Beard & Moustache
• If you do have a beard or moustache, shave it off. It is not an asset in an interview.
• However, if you still want to keep the moustache, just make sure it is neat and trimmed.
• Don't use too much of aftershave while performing your normal shave.
• In case you keep the beard because of your religious affiliations/faith or just because they look good on you, you may keep them.
Dressing Tips for Women
Suits or Sarees
• Business suits with skirts are preferable than suits with pants.
• The skirts should not be too short. They should be long enough to reach the knee or just below the knee.
• Acceptable colours are black, grey and blue. Solids and pinstripes both are acceptable.
• Should not cling or shine.
• Sarees which are too decorated or gaudy should be avoided.
Blouse
• Avoid low necklines and revealing waistlines.
• Arms should be covered to the biceps.
• Should be pressed, clean, and well-tailored.
• White, off-white or light blue colours are best suited. Don't forget to match it with your suit.
• Solid colours or subtle patterns are best.
• Fabric should be cotton or silk.
• Avoid lace and frills.
• Also avoid see through blouses.
Hair
• Keep your hair simple.
• Ensure that your face is not hidden behind your long or wavy hairs.
• Consider having a trim.
• If you use hair spray, use an unscented brand.
Make up
• Use natural-looking makeup that matches your complexion.
• If you wish you may use nail polish.
• Ensure that your makeup is not noticeable.
Stockings
• Stockings are a must with skirts.
• They should be flesh-toned or a colour very closes to it.
• Wear plain-style, non-patterned hosiery.
Shoes
• Wear pumps/court shoes with a low-sized heel (2 1/2" at most)
• Avoid shoes that hinder walking fast.
• Acceptable colours are black, brown or blue in colour
(Matching with the colour of the suit).
• Flats, high heels, sandals, tennis shoes, boots etc. are not for wearing at interviews.
• Ensure that the toes and heels are covered.
• Make sure they are clean and polished.
Once you are ready, glance at a mirror and detect smeared makeup, lipstick, windswept hair and other slips.
After reading the entire article and dressing accordingly, if you see your interviewer wearing jeans and army boots then don’t get angry with me. It is you who has to give an interview not the interviewer!
All positions do not call for professional dress code. There are positions such as advertising, designing, programming and writing which generally allow for a more liberal dress code.
Thanks
Ashriwal
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