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What to wear for an interview ladies- 5-Jul-2010
Depending on the position you have applied for and the industry, a cotton sari can be a good choice for an interview. A nicely pinned up cotton sari looks elegant when paired with a conservative cotton blouse (half sleeves, preferably). Sari is a good choice for tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.
While salwar-suits do look elegant, managing the stole can be a task, unless its of a material that stays and you dont have to keep frequently adjusting it in its place. A kurti and salwar is, in fact, a better option. Since theres no stole with it, with the right pattern and colour, it can look formal and business-like. But no heavy sequins or embroidery.
Traditional nose pins are acceptable, provided they are small and pretty. Dont wear any gawdy stuff. As for necklaces and earrings, small is beautiful and smart.
However, for most sectors western wear is the perfect choice. A formal shirt and trousers, and moderate-heeled pumps, preferably black, or any dark colour no purple, pleasewould go well. And if your pumps are peep-toes then please pedicure your nails. If you want to paint them, only light colours.
In case you plan to wear a skirt, then it should be a formal, well-fitted, black or grey skirt that reaches just up to the knees. It neither should be short and revealing, nor too long reaching up to your calves. Stockings are a must with a formal skirt. No fishnet stockings but plain, skin coloured ones. They look graceful.
Gentlemen, if you are wearing a black belt then match it with black shoes,a brown belt with brown shoes. Recruiting companies say its a good idea to match the shoes or the belts with the colour of the spectacles, handbags or briefcases. So keep that in mind, as well.
We all know that shoes should be polished; black is a safe colour, and no pointed, long shoes. And ladies: no fancy heels, stilettos, and bright colours.
Women could wear a medium width belt with formal trousers; it gives a neat look. Choose a plain black belt, and desist fancy buckles. Make-up could be kept to a minimum. Lipstick: light pink or brown. Both mat and gloss are fine but avoid glitter in lipstick.
Nothing looks neater than a short haircut in men. Gel your hair to avoid any stray hair sticking out, but do not overdo it or back comb your hair, as it will send out a wrong message.
Avoid leaving the hair loose, spreading across your entire shoulder. It is good to have a decent put-up or wear the hair in a bun, neatly held in pins or a plain black scrunchy. A high, top bun will look right for the aviation sector. When you comb or brush your hair, please brush the stray strands off your shirts or tops. In case, dandruff problem exist, take care of it; white skin flakes on a dark suit is not a good idea.
As for bulging pockets, body piercing, tattoos, low-waist trousers and male jewellery common sense would say: avoid it, please. One gem stone ring is fine; too many might show you in a different light. And a last piece of advice: dont drench yourself in cologne or deodorant; it can give your recruiter a headache the moment you enter. A gentle spray is enough.
And just before you leave, have a last look in the mirror. Make sure you are looking good before you meet your recruiter.
