How to Get Dresscoded for an Interview
1. Why Dress Code Matters
- Your appearance reflects your attitude and seriousness.
- First impressions are made in under 10 seconds.
- Even if the role is non-technical (like BPO, sales, marketing), formal attire shows respect.
2. General Rules (Applicable to All)
| Do’s |
Don’ts |
| Wear formal/clean, wrinkle-free clothes |
Avoid jeans, T-shirts, or party wear |
| Keep it minimal and neat |
Don’t wear flashy or trendy clothing |
| Polished shoes/slippers (formal) |
No sneakers or flip-flops |
| Subtle accessories or makeup |
No heavy jewelry or loud makeup |
| Carry a clean folder with documents |
Don’t carry bags with logos/prints |
3. Dress Code for MEN (Freshers & Professionals)
Top Wear
- Light-colored formal shirt (white, blue, light grey, beige)
- Optional: Tie (for managerial or MNC interviews)
- Blazer (only for senior-level or formal corporate roles)
Bottom Wear
- Formal trousers (black, navy blue, grey)
- Well-fitted and ironed
- Match with shirt — avoid loud checks or designs
Footwear
- Black or brown formal shoes (polished)
- Dark socks
- Avoid sneakers, sports shoes, sandals
Grooming
- Clean shave or well-trimmed beard
- Hair neatly combed
- Trim nails
What to Carry
- Resume folder
- Pen and notepad
- Small bag (if necessary), avoid backpacks
4. Dress Code for WOMEN (Freshers & Professionals)
Top Wear
-
- Solid-colored formal shirt or blouse
- Simple cotton/khadi kurti (no flashy prints)
- Salwar suits (simple patterns, not party-wear)
Bottom Wear
- Formal trousers or leggings with kurti
- Full-length salwar or ankle-length pants
- Avoid jeans, palazzos, or short skirts
Footwear
- Closed-toe flats or low heels
- Black, beige, or brown — clean and polished
- Avoid high heels or sandals with noise
Grooming
- Hair neatly tied (ponytail or bun)
- Light makeup (if any)
- Avoid strong perfumes
- Minimal jewelry (simple studs or small chain)
5. Dress Code for Online Interviews (Zoom/Google Meet)
Same rules apply as offline — only top half is visible, but don’t take risks.
| Do’s |
Don’ts |
| Wear formal shirt/top |
Don’t wear T-shirt or pajamas |
| Sit in a well-lit, clean background |
Don’t use messy or noisy environment |
| Ensure camera is eye-level |
Don’t move around while talking |
Even if it’s virtual, you may be asked to stand up to check full dress. Always dress fully formal.
6. Company-specific Dress Code Guide
| Company Type |
Dress Code |
| IT Companies (Infosys, TCS, Wipro) |
Shirt & trousers (M), Kurti/Formals (F) |
| BPO/Voice Process (TechMahindra, Sutherland) |
Smart casuals accepted but formals preferred |
| MNC Corporate (Accenture, Deloitte) |
Strict formal with grooming |
| Pharma/Healthcare |
Formal + clean, presentable |
| Sales/Field Jobs |
Shirt + formal pants + clean shoes |
| Startups |
Casual allowed but first interview should be formal |
7. What to Carry With You (For In-person Interviews)
- Resume (3–5 copies)
- Aadhaar, PAN (ID proof)
- Neat folder with certificates
- Pen and notepad
- Water bottle (optional)
What NOT to Wear
- Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, sleeveless tops
- Sneakers, sports shoes, sandals
- Loud perfumes or visible tattoos
- Heavy makeup or flashy watches
- Funky hairstyles or over-styled beards
Ready-Made Outfit Combinations
For Men:
- Light blue shirt + charcoal grey trousers + black shoes
- White shirt + navy pants + brown belt and shoes
- Striped shirt + beige trousers + formal watch
For Women:
- White kurti + black leggings + closed-toe flats
- Light blue shirt + grey formal pants + small studs
- Cream salwar + dark dupatta + neat ponytail
Pro Tips
- Try your interview outfit 2 days before the interview.
- Keep one backup outfit ready.
- Check for stains, loose buttons, or fitting issues.
- Iron clothes a day before — don’t rush on the same day.
Final Thought:
- Dressing well shows respect for the opportunity and preparation mindset. Even if you’re nervous, proper dressing boosts your confidence.
