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KofitableArticles"Clothes make the man".

"Clothes make the man".

by Vishnupreetham
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Even before you speak, people make their own assumptions about you. You are assumed to be what you are by what you choose to wear and this is especially when you attend an interview. So as a jobseeker make sure you're in your Sunday best when you attend one. The first thing that any interviewer notices about you is your attire and it's always better to make the best impression the first time. Assumptions about your personality and character are made in the first few minutes, when you walk in, as most employers base their judgments in the way a prospective employee is clad. So always remember that the confidence that you exude is greatly dependent on the clothes you wear.

Moreover the purpose of paying attention to your attire is to ensure that you project an image of professionalism. An individual's personality is subtly portrayed by the clothes he/she wears, especially in an interview where a person is appraised based on their qualities and qualifications. So make sure your clothing does not detract from the set norms of professional life. Much that people like to impress by their appearance, it is always safer to wear clothes that merges with the office going crowd. Sober attire makes a person look more mature, responsible and stable, so even if you know that the internal dress code is casual, make sure you turn up for the interview looking conservative.

Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right attire for your interview

For Men
Suits/Pants in navy, gray, beige and black. (Black is considered a funeral color in western countries, so avoid wearing a black suit especially if the interview is abroad).
Always team a dark suit with a light shirt.
Natural fabrics breathe so wear something that won't make you perspire (wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie).
Wear business shoes not sandals and make sure the socks are dark and over -the-calf.
The tie should match the whole ensemble. Invest in low-key colors made in silk.
Though no one in India wears suits for an interview, make sure you pick the right shirt that matches the pants that you wear. Contrasting colours can be too loud and won't look anywhere closer to professional
Avoid garish colours and bold patterns
Make sure the colour of the shoe and belt match
And also ensure that your socks matches the colour of your pants

For Women
Some jobs require you to wear smart suits, so choose colors that are not too loud.
Well-fitting dress is also an option, especially the shirtdress.
Wear a smart jacket with a well-fitted dress to add a chic look to your ensemble.
Keep your blouse simple.
Always choose natural fabrics
Wearing conservative colors like blue, gray, beige or black makes you look professional. Avoid any style or color that is loud or flashy.
If you mostly wear Indian attire, then choose a well-ironed cotton sari in pleasant colors. If you don't feel too comfortable in a sari then wear a semi-official looking kurta and churidhar (loose salwars don't always look professional). A short kurti and pants should also suffice but do not wear jeans, at least to your interview, as denims/jeans are not official attire.
Use makeup sparingly to avoid looking dolled-up.
Low - heeled pumps with flesh colored stockings look very elegant especially in the hospitality industry.
Wear closed shoes that cover your toes. Never wear open sandals or chappals to work or at least for the interview.

Putting your best foot forward is more of how much attention has been paid to little details, that most of us overlook when in a hurry. So before going for the interview do your own research about your prospective employer. Find out about their culture, value and the kind of clothes worn by people who work there. Then select your outfit based on that but to be on the safe side, pick an outfit that you've worn before and you're comfortable in. Also wear the outfit a few days before the interview so that you have enough time to dry-clean or mend, if necessary. Keep your hair and nails clean and use perfumes or deodorants sparingly, as an overdose can cause trouble even allergic reactions (You'd definitely do not want to see your future superior sneezing his life out because of you). Two days before the interview check that your shoes are in good shape, comfortable and polished. Stick to minimum with your jewellery and remember not to carry a dripping wet umbrella inside an interview if it rains that day. Also carry a non-leaky pen and paper and take a look at yourself in the mirror-front and back- before you step out.

Just dress up and try to look your best. When you like the way you look you exude more confidence. If you're unsure about the colour then just wear something blue as it's a great interview color and it also conveys trust, peace and confidence.

Hope these pointers will now help you land your dream job, don't forget to put your best foot forward.

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