Interview Attire Guidance
I am Alka. Currently, I am in Bangalore and searching for a job in HR. I have completed my PGDM in HR. I just wanted to know which attire I should wear while coming for an interview. Most probably, I have seen girls wearing jeans and kurti for interviews. Is it formal attire for the interview?
I am thin, and mostly when coming for an interview, I prefer wearing a salwar kameez. Should I change my dressing style to trousers and a shirt, or is a salwar kameez okay?
Kindly assist me.
Regards,
Alka
From India, Bhubaneswar
Acknowledge(2)
Amend(0)
3I am Alka. Currently, I am in Bangalore and searching for a job in HR. I have completed my PGDM in HR. I just wanted to know which attire I should wear while coming for an interview. Most probably, I have seen girls wearing jeans and kurti for interviews. Is it formal attire for the interview?
I am thin, and mostly when coming for an interview, I prefer wearing a salwar kameez. Should I change my dressing style to trousers and a shirt, or is a salwar kameez okay?
Kindly assist me.
Regards,
Alka
From India, Bhubaneswar
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Hi, Thanks a lot for your posting this can be helpful a female job searching candidates and i can suggest that not wear jeans and wear the plan dress which does not contains any designs.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)
Amend(0)
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
You should wear the dress in which you feel comfortable.Otherwise the discomfort may affect your performance. B.Saikumar
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(4)
Amend(0)
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(4)Amend(0)
This is in addition to what other members have said. In some companies, jeans are allowed on all working days, while in others, they are not allowed on any day. The best thing for you to do is ask the contact person about the dress code of the company. If you are going through a consultant, then ask the recruiter about the dress code policy of your future employer.
In addition to normal dress, do not wear excessive jewelry (imitation or real), keep makeup to minimal colors, and ensure that footwear is clean and polished.
All the best!
Regards,
DVD
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(3)Amend(0)
In addition to normal dress, do not wear excessive jewelry (imitation or real), keep makeup to minimal colors, and ensure that footwear is clean and polished.
All the best!
Regards,
DVD
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(3)Amend(0)
Dear Alka, just go to the company, stand outside, and observe what sort of dress the women employees wear. This will also help in your interview. Note the route you should take, the time taken to reach the workplace, etc. Just visit the company website and find out about their products, etc.
All the best,
Regards,
S. N. Rao
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
All the best,
Regards,
S. N. Rao
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Somebody has suggested that you stand outside and watch how the employees are dressed and follow the same! I am sorry, I don't agree with that approach. A candidate for an interview is different from an employee. The first impression that you create is going to be the lasting impression on the minds of those interview panel members. It is possible one of them may become your boss also, in case you are selected. So, please don't create a wrong impression about yourself even before you are considered for employment.
Interview Dressing Etiquette
The dressing or grooming etiquette differs from one organization to another. To be on the safe side, while going for an interview, you can wear a salwar kameez in pastel colors without any add-ons like chumkis, shiny attachments, etc.! No revealing clothes, plunging necklines, etc. No decorative bright, gold ornaments. Wear a thin, very thin chain which is more than enough. Once you are selected, you can follow whatever the organization's dress code says during your induction program.
More than these things, wear a 'smile' on your face, especially when you greet somebody or the panel members and also while you are being greeted by them.
Confidence and Presentation
Walk into the interview room with self-confidence and an erect body posture. When a question is asked, respond with confidence, talk clearly, pronounce the words clearly, and don't exhibit nervousness or fidgeting.
Best wishes
From India, Bengaluru
Acknowledge(9)
Amend(0)
Interview Dressing Etiquette
The dressing or grooming etiquette differs from one organization to another. To be on the safe side, while going for an interview, you can wear a salwar kameez in pastel colors without any add-ons like chumkis, shiny attachments, etc.! No revealing clothes, plunging necklines, etc. No decorative bright, gold ornaments. Wear a thin, very thin chain which is more than enough. Once you are selected, you can follow whatever the organization's dress code says during your induction program.
More than these things, wear a 'smile' on your face, especially when you greet somebody or the panel members and also while you are being greeted by them.
Confidence and Presentation
Walk into the interview room with self-confidence and an erect body posture. When a question is asked, respond with confidence, talk clearly, pronounce the words clearly, and don't exhibit nervousness or fidgeting.
Best wishes
From India, Bengaluru
Acknowledge(9)+4 more
Amend(0)
I agree with N K Sundaram. Dressing sense plays an important role, but it is a part and parcel of how you carry and present yourself in the interview. If we strictly stick to the dress code, then as an HR person, I would prefer a girl wearing a simple formal pant and shirt with minimal imitation jewelry, or a plain salwar and suit, but of course not jeans.
Most important along with dressing sense is good body language, confidence, and of course, a presentable smile.
Best wishes,
Regards
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Most important along with dressing sense is good body language, confidence, and of course, a presentable smile.
Best wishes,
Regards
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I think Indian wear like salwar kameez is the best option. It is accepted by all sorts of companies. It is modern yet traditional. Even women can consider wearing a saree if they are comfortable with it.
Regards,
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Regards,
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Interview Preparation Tips
Present yourself in a Salwar, preferably in light colors. Once you enter the interview area, please take a moment to refresh yourself and take a deep breath. The first three minutes of the interview are crucial, so ensure you present yourself neatly. Allocate two hours for preparation; do not ignore any topics and try to cover all subjects. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the company profile, including their products, etc. This will give you an edge over other candidates. Do not sit until the interviewer asks you to.
Maintain a smile and stay calm if you are unable to answer a question. Approach the interview with confidence; it will reflect positively on you in many ways.
All the best!
Thanks and Regards,
R. Parthasarathy
MLM, MBA, LL.B
Chennai
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Present yourself in a Salwar, preferably in light colors. Once you enter the interview area, please take a moment to refresh yourself and take a deep breath. The first three minutes of the interview are crucial, so ensure you present yourself neatly. Allocate two hours for preparation; do not ignore any topics and try to cover all subjects. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the company profile, including their products, etc. This will give you an edge over other candidates. Do not sit until the interviewer asks you to.
Maintain a smile and stay calm if you are unable to answer a question. Approach the interview with confidence; it will reflect positively on you in many ways.
All the best!
Thanks and Regards,
R. Parthasarathy
MLM, MBA, LL.B
Chennai
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Hi there, your query is very useful, and I suggest that if you are comfortable with a simple sari, light jewelry, and light make-up, it looks very professional. When I walk into an interview with a well-dressed sari, all eyes turn on you. Hope this is helpful. Take care.
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Kolkata
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Does that mean she can wear a "HALF SKIRT" if she is comfortable? I wonder why candidates (women) don't think of dressing decently in a way that doesn't divert the attention of the interviewer, but rather just try to impress?
With profound regards,
From India, Chennai
Acknowledge(1)
Amend(0)
With profound regards,
From India, Chennai
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Both Mr. SUNDARAM and Mr. PARTHASARATHY have given good guidance. Just one more thing to remember: stay true to what you are used to, and please don't try to imitate anyone. You are going for an interview, and if you are not comfortable, you will not be able to perform well. But please remember to go through your subject matter so you can provide proper answers.
Mr. Shaik, I really don't understand why you have to jump to all the wrong conclusions. When Saikumar mentioned being comfortable, none of the other members thought of a short skirt, only you did. Also, what do you mean by stating, “I wonder why candidates (women) don't think of dressing decently that doesn't divert the attention of the interviewer, rather than just trying to IMPRESS?” Please, don't you think you are generalizing, and you need to change the way you are thinking?
There are both good and bad people in both genders. So before you make any statements, think properly. We don't have to dress indecently to prove our caliber.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Mr. Shaik, I really don't understand why you have to jump to all the wrong conclusions. When Saikumar mentioned being comfortable, none of the other members thought of a short skirt, only you did. Also, what do you mean by stating, “I wonder why candidates (women) don't think of dressing decently that doesn't divert the attention of the interviewer, rather than just trying to IMPRESS?” Please, don't you think you are generalizing, and you need to change the way you are thinking?
There are both good and bad people in both genders. So before you make any statements, think properly. We don't have to dress indecently to prove our caliber.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Hello Skhadirji, I think Anitaji is right. It's not a debate question. You are giving a side to the subject. Instead of debating on "what women should wear and what not," we should concentrate on the query asked by Alka. We should give her good options so that she can choose the best amongst them, rather than making her confused.
Blaming others for their choice of wear, I don't think it's a wise one. Every individual has their own view towards life.
Regards,
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Blaming others for their choice of wear, I don't think it's a wise one. Every individual has their own view towards life.
Regards,
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
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, the following are certain tips that would help you to dress appropriately for interviews:
Dressing Tips for Men
Suit
• A conservatively styled, two-piece suit, dark in color preferably grey, blue, or black, will give a professional look. Dark colors 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 color. (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 color, 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 color of the belt should match with the color 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 hairstyles that cover more than your forehead.
Shoes
• Shoes should be hard-soled, preferably black or brown in color. (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 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 to 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 colors 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 colors are best suited. Don't forget to match it with your suit.
• Solid colors 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 hair.
• Consider having a trim.
• If you use hair spray, use an unscented brand.
Makeup
• 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 color very close 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 colors are black, brown, or blue in color (matching with the color 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 a professional dress code. There are positions such as advertising, designing, programming, and writing which generally allow for a more liberal dress code.
Thanks
Ashriwal
Job and Education | career advice | Study Abroad - Interview question and answers - Colleges and Universities
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
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, the following are certain tips that would help you to dress appropriately for interviews:
Dressing Tips for Men
Suit
• A conservatively styled, two-piece suit, dark in color preferably grey, blue, or black, will give a professional look. Dark colors 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 color. (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 color, 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 color of the belt should match with the color 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 hairstyles that cover more than your forehead.
Shoes
• Shoes should be hard-soled, preferably black or brown in color. (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 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 to 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 colors 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 colors are best suited. Don't forget to match it with your suit.
• Solid colors 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 hair.
• Consider having a trim.
• If you use hair spray, use an unscented brand.
Makeup
• 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 color very close 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 colors are black, brown, or blue in color (matching with the color 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 a professional dress code. There are positions such as advertising, designing, programming, and writing which generally allow for a more liberal dress code.
Thanks
Ashriwal
Job and Education | career advice | Study Abroad - Interview question and answers - Colleges and Universities
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)CiteHR is an AI-augmented HR knowledge and collaboration platform, enabling HR professionals to solve real-world challenges, validate decisions, and stay ahead through collective intelligence and machine-enhanced guidance. Join Our Platform.
Formal Dress Code.pps
Your image is you, professional dressing.doc