Interview Dress Code

Interview Dress Code for Men

Suits
Choose colors from Navy blue up to dark (teal) blue and charcoal. At the other end of the scale, you may select light grey. Avoid very sharp contrasts such as black suits with white shirts and black ties. It is too formal and more appropriate for a funeral. Brown and beige can also be selected, but blue/greys are preferred. Solid colors are best, but muted or narrow pinstripes are also acceptable. Choose all wool or wool blended with man-made fibres that will drape well on you.

Shirts
Shorts sleeve shirts are inappropriate for interviews. Wear a white or light – colored shirt. A current fashion is to wear a dark shirt like dark (teal) blue, maroon or navy blue, contrasted with a coordinated dark tie In general, for executive jobs, err on the side of being conservative. However, if you are being interviewed for a selling or counseling position, then you may look for less muted color combinations. In any case, keep away from patterned shirts and monograms.

Ties
Select pure silk ties. They do not crease as easily and, therefore, look neat and professional. Ties should complement your outfit and not clash with it. Therefore, choose a tie that blends in color and pattern with the rest of your suit. Select one with a striped, paisley or a small pattern such as dots. Avoid large, elaborate patterns or with more than two or three colours.

Shoes
Shoes should be black leather lace- ups, not sandals or moccasins. A safe choice is pointed-toe oxfords. Make sure your shoes are polished and in good condition. You could get a way with brown leather, but black is considered more professional.

Socks
Your socks should complement your suit. Generally, look for colors such as dark blue, black, grey, brown or beige. Whatever the color your socks should be long enough so that if you cross your legs, no bare skin shows. Make sure that the elastic on the top of your socks will keep them pulled up taut. Wrinkled, saggy socks will undo all the good work done by the rest of your wardrobe!

Accessories
A simple, plain analogue watch is acceptable. Remove all other jewellery except for your very personal items such as your wedding ring. Cuff links are acceptable so long as they are simple. Avoid anything with a very large or striking motif. If you have a neck chain or earring be sure to leave them home on the day of the interview! If you have a briefcase it should be in black, brown or beige leather, as plain as possible. Use a belt rather than suspenders. Your belt should complement your shoes and suit. Black or brown is preferable.

Grooming
Have a haircut, preferably a couple of days before the interview. Short hair is the best. A clean-shaven look is the safest unless you are being auditioned as a model! Avoid beards altogether. Moustaches should also be avoided. If not, make sure they are neatly trimmed. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed. Make sure there are no chipped nails.

Perfumes
It is best to use only after-shave lotions and/or deodorants for men. Select subtle ones, not ones that can be smelt ten feet away. While you do want to suppress body odor, do not smell like a perfume factory!

Interview Attire for Women

Sarees
Silks are preferable to cotton, unless weather does not permit you to wear anything heavier than cotton. Select dark shades with contrasting borders and pallu However, you must avoid striking color contrasts what may be attractive as an evening party wear will be too loud or three-quarter sleeves and a U-neck of conservative cut. Positively avoid sleeveless blouses or ones with a plunging neckline. If you select a sari ensemble, ignore the tips regarding shoes since you will wear sandals. Your sandals should not be high heeled or with a wide, open front that displays all your toes. For the rest of your attire, follow the guidelines listed after suits below.

Suits
With a huge range of options available to women, it is much easier for them to make a fashion mistake at an interview. Look for a business style suit with a jacket, knee-length skirt in grey, charcoal, black, navy blue or maroon. Try to avoid patterned material for the clothes you wear. A cotton-synthetic blend is probably the best kind of fabric, but you may also look for wool blends or micro fibres. Look for drape, fall and crease resistance.
A classic suit in navy blue, grey or black is always appropriate. Instead of dark colors, you can select khaki in summer. Although a suit is preferable, a navy-blue blazer and classic grey skirt made of wool in winter or linen in summer can be an alternative. It is generally advisable to wear skirts instead of pants. Numerous experts believe that pants are seen to be too aggressive and bossy by some male interviewers.

Skirts
A word about skirt lengths is in order. Shorter skirts are acceptable provided that the skirt meets the top of the knee. We do not, however, advise anyone to go for an interview in a short skirt unless you are looking for a position in the fashion industry. In a traditionally male- dominated fields, such as banking and the law, miniskirts and skirts and skirts with high slits are not advisable.

Blouses
Long sleeves are the best option and again, white, cream or soft pastel colors are your best choice. Avoid linen as it creases; choose something that is blended with a synthetic that will not crease. As an alternative, you could select silk or polyester that looks like silk. For blouses that go with a sari ensemble, see the paragraph under sari Ensemble earlier in this chapter.

Scarves
A pure silk scarf in color or pattern that blends with your blouse can give you a conservative look. But be careful to avoid any outlandish or loud fabrics. In warm weather, you may wish to add the scarf just before entering the interview room.

Stockings
These are essential with skirts. Choose skin-coloured tones and avoid anything that shines or calls attention to your legs. Be prepared for last-minute ladders and runs. Carry another pair in your handbag for a last-minute replacement if required

Accessories
Keep your jewellery down to a minimum. Plain earrings and necklace and your wedding or engagement rings are acceptable. Do not have every finger covered with a ring. Generally, one ring on both hands should be the limit. The important thing is to wear just a few pieces of jewellery. You want to look elegant yet efficient, not opulent!

Leather Accessories
Select a brown, black or maroon leather briefcase. If you want to wear a belt, make sure it blends in with your suit you could try black or brown. Your belt should complement or match your shoes. What you should avoid, however, is carrying a shopping bag to an interview. As an alternative to a briefcase, you may select a portfolio bag. We will discuss portfolios in the next section.

Shoes
These should be leather, preferably in black or brown. Stay away from ultra-trendy shoes and bright colours. A simple court shoe or pump is probably the best choice. In case of a sari ensemble, select sandals instead of pumps.
Makeup
Your aim is to create a subtle and natural aura about yourself. Make sure you do not have a foundation line around your jaw. Select natural shades for your eye shadow and lipstick. Make sure that none of the nail polish is chipped and the colour is clear pink or red. Take a lipstick with you if you need to freshen up before you are called in for the interview. Perfume or cologne should be muted and understated. Select a suitable light fragrance and use it sparingly.

Here are a few additional tips to help you look calm, confident and elegant!
-- Make sure your pockets are empty. There should be no bulges or tinkling coins, no gum, candy or cigarettes in your pockets.
-- With the exception of earrings, avoid anything that may highlight visible body piercing such as nose-rings, eyebrow rings etc. avoid dangling earring that move with every movement of your head. It can be distracting.
-- If you need to wear athletic shoes en route to the interview, carry a briefcase large enough to conceal them. Change into your pumps or sandals before you enter the office of the interviewer.

Best Wishes !!! from Team My Career Guru