Impressions DO Matter_ Dress RIGHT for Job Success! - Rediff

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Impressions DO matter: Dress RIGHT for job success!Last updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

A combo of good hygiene and a balanced wardrobe can give youa more professional look for interviews and work.

he apparel oft proclaims the man, said William Shakespeare.In the 16th century Shakespearean era, clothes were given muchthought and importance.Five centuries later, not much has changed.Dressing aptly for an interview or work can be mastered withattentiveness and care. The result seldom goes unnoticed.The following tips will help you accentuate your performance at work.Please click NEXT to continue reading...

1. Company culture sets the toneLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

hile torn jeans were considered a style statement in college, it's a disaster to don them for your interview, even though different

sectors and companies have varying perceptions on dress codes.Some have a written policy, while others follow unspoken norms.Hence, carefully selecting an outfit for an interview is the sensible thing to do.Formals are the preferred choice in corporate companies, while in other sectors the dress code can vary from semi-casual todownright casual.In the case of Hector Beverages, which markets an energy drink, a suit and tie is considered to be overdressed for an interview."It depends on the DNA of the company. When we recruit candidates from colleges, we stress on wearing something comfortable butat the same time smart," reveals HR manager Ujwala Misra.An advertising, design or social media agency may tolerate creative professionals coming even in shorts!

ssions DO matter: Dress RIGHT for job success! - Rediff.com http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-career-tips-to-...

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2. Sending subtle messagesLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

ttending an interview in neat, formal or semi-formal attire (depending on the sector), can subtly communicate an attentivenesstowards work.Some veterans in the corporate world feel that it can convey a level of seriousness and discipline, while informal attire can comeacross as having a casual attitude.Smriti Singh, HR Head of Candid Marketing, Delhi, feels that a formal shirt with jeans or a knee-length formal skirt is a safe attirewhen going for interviews.But if you are in doubt, call the HR of the company about what are acceptable standards before the interview date, she suggests."These days you get lots of trendy office wear. Freshers should start working on their wardrobes and invest in casuals that could beworn in office. No college casuals," advises Vidya Bhat, who works in a BPO in Bangalore.Take your time building up the wardrobe gradually.


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3. Attention to detailLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

hile people who ask the technical questions may not notice what you are wearing during the interview, the HR personnel willobserve how you are dressed, among other things," shares Kolkata-based lawyer Rukmini Das, who learnt this the hard way.During her search for her first job, she recalls that even though the interview went well, she was not selected.Her friends and seniors felt this was because she looked a little to plain and should have applied a little makeup to look presentable.On a regular day, Rukumini sports trousers, a shirt and closed toe shoes, or formal-looking salwar-kameez with sandals.


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4. Avoid overdressingLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

ivya Renjan, a senior public relations consultant from Bangalore, says that a candidate once arrived for the interview with toomuch makeup on.That candidate was not called again.Moral of the story is that since an interviewer may see you only once before making up his or her mind, creating a good impressionis of the utmost importance.It's safer to skip loud colours and too much makeup, especially when you are a fresher.


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5. Western vs IndianLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

any corporate companies in India are flexible in their formal attire and do not insist on employees wearing suits, trousers and

shirts or formal skirts.However, if you are comfortable in Indian formals, who's to say no? Women can opt for a salwar-kameez or churidaars , or go for anIndo-western look with a fitted kurta and jeans. The latter applies to men too.Ethnic dressing is preferred in non-profit organisations, where you may mingle with underserved communities.Although, there is no restrictions on wearing Western formals, men are usually clad in half-sleeved shirts and pants or tee-shirts and

jeans.Women choose to wear saris, salwar suits, kurtas, leggings, tee-shirts and jeans in the office.During field visits, it's always salwar suits, states Arthur Thangaiah, Chairman and CEO, Sahaara Charitable Society.


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6. Pay attention to personal hygieneLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

his factor could prove to be the deal breaker for someinterviews, if the next candidate is as smart as you.Mohan Ramnath, HR manager of IOS Relocations inMumbai, says he takes note of small things like body odourand bad breath."Business may be gained or lost based on such things asthe odour of smoking or onions and garlic breath. Foreignclients tend to abhor a foul odour from the mouth or body,or even a stale odour emanating from excessive use of hairoil," Ramnath explains.Echoing a similar opinion, Smriti Singh narrates how sherejected a candidate whose shirt gave an impression that ithad not been washed for days."If the overall appearance is proper, we don't place muchimportance on whether the shoes are matching thetrousers," rounds up Mohan.


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7. Accessories must blend with your attireLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

orporate etiquette trainer Nishant Singh Tanwar of HeroMindmine Institute offers some tips:

Choose fabrics according to the weather, so that you lookappropriate but are also comfortableAccessories must blend with your attire, not stand out like sorethumbs.Go for mild, subtle fragrances. The same goes for hair oil.Men are advised to shave daily.Use deodorant and mouth fresheners to keep odours at bay.No pointed heels in the office. They can prove to be an irritantto colleagues.No striped shirts with striped trousers/skirts or checked shirtswith checked trousers/skirts. Ties should contrast with shirts,but complement attire. The same goes for socks.

8. Develop your own styleLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

n his younger days as a medical representative, Vikram Tanver recalls wearing cotton, light-coloured formals, which werecomfortable.After working in varied sectors since, this corporate communications manager in Mumbai says it takes a little while to adapt youroffice dress code to your own taste.


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Must-have wardrobe essentials for women professionalsLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

ull sleeves/short-sleeved formal shirt: TwoFormal pants/trousers/skirts: One (black or grey)Business suit: One (black)Formal cotton salwar kameez : Two to three

Formal churidaar kurta : TwoLeggings for kurtas: Two (one black and one white)Closed/open toe leather sandals: OneCasuals: Kurti (three to four) and jeans (two), skirt (one), cargo pants (loosely cut pants with several pockets) (one), heels(one), informal sandals or shoes (one)


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Wardobe essentials for male professionalsLast updated on: July 17, 2012 16:15 IST

ull sleeves formal shirt: Two (white or soft colours)Half sleeves formal shirt: Two (white and soft coloursFormal pants/trousers: Two (black and grey)Leather shoes: One (black or brown)Casuals: Collared casual shirts (two or three), jeans (two), cargo pants (one), loafers (slip-on shoes without laces)/floaters

/sports shoes (one)


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Impressions DO Matter_ Dress RIGHT for Job Success! - Rediff