Dear Seniors,
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 a 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
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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 a 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
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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
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From India, Hyderabad
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You should wear the dress in which you feel comfortable.Otherwise the discomfort may affect your performance. B.Saikumar
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Dear Alka,
This is in addition to what other members have said. In some companies, jeans are allowed on all working days, while in some companies, 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!
DVD
From India, Bangalore
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This is in addition to what other members have said. In some companies, jeans are allowed on all working days, while in some companies, 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!
DVD
From India, Bangalore
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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,
S. N. Rao
From India, Bangalore
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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,
S. N. Rao
From India, Bangalore
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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.
The dressing or the grooming etiquette differs from one organization to another. To be on the safe side, while going for an interview, you can wear 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 and especially when you greet somebody or the panel members and also while you are being greeted by them.
Walk into the interview room with self-confidence, an erect body posture. When a question is asked, respond with confidence, talk clearly, pronounce the words clearly, don't exhibit nervousness, fidgeting, and so on.
Best wishes
From India, Bengaluru
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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.
The dressing or the grooming etiquette differs from one organization to another. To be on the safe side, while going for an interview, you can wear 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 and especially when you greet somebody or the panel members and also while you are being greeted by them.
Walk into the interview room with self-confidence, an erect body posture. When a question is asked, respond with confidence, talk clearly, pronounce the words clearly, don't exhibit nervousness, fidgeting, and so on.
Best wishes
From India, Bengaluru
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Dear Alka,
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 dressing 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,
Rajesh Kumar Pradhan
Jr. Officer - HR
Bangalore
Mobile No: 8880348180
From India, Delhi
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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 dressing 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,
Rajesh Kumar Pradhan
Jr. Officer - HR
Bangalore
Mobile No: 8880348180
From India, Delhi
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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.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
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Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi Alka,
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 3 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
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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 3 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
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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
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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
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Does that mean she can wear a "HALF SKIRT" if she is comfortable? I wonder why candidates (women) don't think of dressing decently that doesn't deviate the attention of the interviewer but rather just try to impress?
With profound regards,
From India, Chennai
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With profound regards,
From India, Chennai
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Hi Alka,
Both Mr.SUNDARAM and Mr. PARTHASARATHY has given good guidance. Just one more thing just remember where what you are used to, and please don’t try to ape any one. You are going for an interview and if you are not comfortable then you will not be able to give your interview properly. But please remember to go through your subject matter so you are able to give proper answer’s.
Mr. Shaik I really don’t understand why do you have to jump to all wrong conclusion, when some Saikumar said comfortable non of the other member’s thought of short skirt, but only you. Also what do you mean by stating “I wonder why candidates(women) don't think of dressing decently that doesn't deviate the attention of interviewer rather just trying to IMPRESS?” Please don’t you think you are really generalizing, and you need to change the way you are thinking.
There are bad and good people in both the gender’s. So before you make any statement just think properly. We don’t have to dress indecently to prove our caliber.
Regards
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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Both Mr.SUNDARAM and Mr. PARTHASARATHY has given good guidance. Just one more thing just remember where what you are used to, and please don’t try to ape any one. You are going for an interview and if you are not comfortable then you will not be able to give your interview properly. But please remember to go through your subject matter so you are able to give proper answer’s.
Mr. Shaik I really don’t understand why do you have to jump to all wrong conclusion, when some Saikumar said comfortable non of the other member’s thought of short skirt, but only you. Also what do you mean by stating “I wonder why candidates(women) don't think of dressing decently that doesn't deviate the attention of interviewer rather just trying to IMPRESS?” Please don’t you think you are really generalizing, and you need to change the way you are thinking.
There are bad and good people in both the gender’s. So before you make any statement just think properly. We don’t have to dress indecently to prove our caliber.
Regards
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Ms. Anita,
There are applicants, if you allow them, for sure they will love to dress in HALF SKIRT or even less than that. Don't mistake me but i am talking the FACTS.
Since Indian dressing trend is rapidly changing, similarly GEN Y dressing style/pattern had also changed. Decency in dressing(clothing) is slowly vanishing and i am sure future is going to be unpredictable. We dress to cover our body, but not just to either SHOW OFF or IMPRESS/HYPNOTIZE/LURE individuals.
When we say wear something comfortable, ensure that 1) your body is totally covered 2) neither interview gets carried away nor its attracts OPPOSITE GENDER. 3) It should neither PROTRUDE or PROJECT structure which also attracts opposite gender.
Here is the statement from the western world. They said "We are adopting INDIAN CULTURE you(INDIANS) are adopting the culture we left" Now you correct me if i am wrong. I am willing to correct myself.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
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There are applicants, if you allow them, for sure they will love to dress in HALF SKIRT or even less than that. Don't mistake me but i am talking the FACTS.
Since Indian dressing trend is rapidly changing, similarly GEN Y dressing style/pattern had also changed. Decency in dressing(clothing) is slowly vanishing and i am sure future is going to be unpredictable. We dress to cover our body, but not just to either SHOW OFF or IMPRESS/HYPNOTIZE/LURE individuals.
When we say wear something comfortable, ensure that 1) your body is totally covered 2) neither interview gets carried away nor its attracts OPPOSITE GENDER. 3) It should neither PROTRUDE or PROJECT structure which also attracts opposite gender.
Here is the statement from the western world. They said "We are adopting INDIAN CULTURE you(INDIANS) are adopting the culture we left" Now you correct me if i am wrong. I am willing to correct myself.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
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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.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
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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.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
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Dear Shaik,
Please remember India is a country with vast diversity, where people follow different religion and culture. What is acceptable in one religion may not be approved by other. A true Indian will follow the policy of leave and let leave. You are going on harping about girls wearing Half Skirt’s could you tell me what’s wrong with it. Many wear it and still carry them self decently and where as some of them are fully covered but still can look indecent.
Also remember it is a traditional dress of some people, so by making such statement you are hurting the sentiments of many people. If you don’t like then you can see your close ones don’t wear it, but you can’t impose what you feeling on other’s.
“Your statement about western world. They said "We are adopting INDIAN CULTURE you(INDIANS) are adopting the culture we left"”
Please tell me should we get influenced by what they say, Indian culture is unique and has its own values. Indians are very much family oriented, and our foundation is so strong that no amount of western influence can change the core thinking of Indians. I do agree there are few who try to copy them, but majority don’t.
Regards
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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Please remember India is a country with vast diversity, where people follow different religion and culture. What is acceptable in one religion may not be approved by other. A true Indian will follow the policy of leave and let leave. You are going on harping about girls wearing Half Skirt’s could you tell me what’s wrong with it. Many wear it and still carry them self decently and where as some of them are fully covered but still can look indecent.
Also remember it is a traditional dress of some people, so by making such statement you are hurting the sentiments of many people. If you don’t like then you can see your close ones don’t wear it, but you can’t impose what you feeling on other’s.
“Your statement about western world. They said "We are adopting INDIAN CULTURE you(INDIANS) are adopting the culture we left"”
Please tell me should we get influenced by what they say, Indian culture is unique and has its own values. Indians are very much family oriented, and our foundation is so strong that no amount of western influence can change the core thinking of Indians. I do agree there are few who try to copy them, but majority don’t.
Regards
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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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
Job and Education | career advice | Study Abroad - Interview question and answers - Colleges and Universities
From India, Delhi
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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
Job and Education | career advice | Study Abroad - Interview question and answers - Colleges and Universities
From India, Delhi
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Formal Dress Code.pps
Your image is you, professional dressing.doc