People make up their minds about an individual’s talents and abilities in the first 30 seconds of an interaction. People start judging you from the moment they first observe you. After the first two seconds, they have formed conclusions. The first and lasting impression that you make will be defined by your appearance, demeanor, and body language. This is particularly true during the job interview process where recruiters are forced to make snap decisions on your skills and abilities. And in job interviews, there are no second chances.

Clothing

The clothes we wear affect all our attitudes and confidence levels. When people take the time to dress for success, they tend to feel good about themselves. The image alone will not win the job offer, but it will go a long way in building respect. There are no absolute rules regarding dress. Your selection will vary based on your occupation, location, and preference. A business suit for a construction job or overalls for an office job would not be an appropriate dress! The goal is to look the part, and your appearance should be consistent with your occupation. Neat, clean work clothes would be suitable for assembly, production, or warehouse positions. Sales and office positions require business clothes. A conservative suit would be the recommended style for professional and managerial positions. Common sense and good taste are the best guides in selecting clothing for the interview. Avoid faddish styles and loud colors. Jewelry should be conservative and kept to a minimum. Clothing should fit comfortably. You want the employer to focus on your skills, not on your clothes.

Proper clothing reflects- Self Image, Effects, and Attitudes

Grooming means dressing well, to be presentable to others. You may want to give a little more attention to how you dress at work because what you wear may be substantially influencing your career path. Although nothing takes the place of talent, hard work, innate ability, and ambition, looking your professional best in the workplace can give you a competitive advantage. It simply means dressing in a way that projects an image of the sophisticated, successful working individual you are or would like to become.
 

Human choose clothes because they want to feel a certain way, clothes help people to achieve that goal. Clothing makes people feel more powerful, outgoing, beautiful, handsome, mysterious, quirky, or humorous, it will subconsciously reflect a person’s personality. when someone wears a particular outfit whether it’s a favorite or not, it changes the way he or she feels. For example the ’red dress’. Most women will tell you that they feel more attractive when they wear it and because of this they subconsciously act the way they feel. Because this is drawing more attention. But does it really matter what we wear?

We are what we wear. Most people would agree that how we dress affects our attitudes and actions. It’s a known fact that people dress according to their preference which is according to the way they feel or how they think they’re going to feel when they put them on. The clothes that we wear can change our mood and how others identify us. In addition, men and women view the roles of clothes differently. Clothes do not just function as a protective layer from the weather. The way a person dresses can affect a person's self-image and affect how others will treat them.

Remember, ‘you may never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ When you meet someone for the first time, before you even speak, people have pretty much summed up how you feel about yourself by what you wear. Of course, this would depend on the circumstances. Usually, if you’re slovenly dressed, with unkempt hair, and wearing dirty shoes, people tend to think that you don’t care much about yourself, which can also be reflected in other aspects of your life. It could be that since you’re not dressed well, your home is in disarray and your office is unorganized, and life may be chaotic in the sense of no structure, balance, or order. Because these things are not a priority, the last thing you need to worry about is the way you dress. This nonchalant attitude about life becomes evident in the way you dress. If this is the case, deeper issues of self-esteem would need to be addressed to tackle the problem within, resulting in a better outer appearance for you. But what if the choices you make regarding your dress are deliberate?

Dressing appropriately is very important in the workplace. You are what you wear. Employers, judges, and just about everyone judge people by the way they dress. In addition, clothing can change people. Clothing gives people an identity, changes moods, and influences behavior and attitude. When you get right down to it, clothing is powerful. Be selective in what you put on your body to portray the correct image. Clothing affects a person's attitude; male and female attitudes towards clothing are different. For young men and women, clothing has varied roles. For both genders, clothes are functional and have "mood-related benefits." In addition, they allow men and women to express personal and social identity. However, men think that the importance of clothing is to show their personality and for functionality. On the other hand, women choose clothes to relate to others socially.

Dress code

The purpose of the dress code is to uphold the professional image of the organization. The dress code is the rule of clothing (which may vary in different societies is commonly accepted as valid) as an aspect of human physical appearance which has social significance. The dress code has built-in rules or signals indicating the message being given by a person's clothing and how it is worn. This message may include indications of the person's gender, income, occupation, status, political, ethnic, and religious affiliation, attitude towards comfort, fashion, traditions, gender expression, marital status, sexual availability, and sexual orientation, etc. Clothes convey other social messages and cultural identity.

For example, wearing expensive clothes can communicate wealth. All factors apply inversely to the wearing of inexpensive clothing and similar goods. The observer sees the resultant, expensive clothes, but may incorrectly perceive the extent to which these factors apply to the person observed.  Clothing can convey a social message, even if none is intended. If the receiver's code of interpretation differs from the sender's code of communication. In every culture, current fashion governs the manner of consciously constructing, assembling, and wearing clothing to convey a social message. The rate of change of fashion varies, and so modifies the style in wearing clothes and its accessories within months or days, especially in small social groups or in communications media-influenced modern societies. More extensive changes, requiring more time, money, and effort to effect, may span generations. When fashion changes, the messages communicated by clothing change.

Why Dress Codes?

Maintaining a standard for what to wear in the office is very important. Younger people often dress shabbily without bothering what others have to say. Making the dress code compulsory can maintain their and the company's image in public. If there's no dress code in the office, people will tend to wear whatever they want whenever they want. Imagine someone coming into the office in a singlet, shorts, and slippers.

Important Elements for Dress Code

Buy the most expensive clothing you can afford.

Choose clothing that fits properly. Ask yourself, “Is what I’m wearing appropriate?”Know the message you’re sending.

Understand Company Culture

Understand that you represent an Image of the company/Program; Understanding the culture helps you decide what kinds of clothes to shop for. Understand that Casual does not mean sloppy. Know company policy.

What’s So Important about DRESS?

•      First impressions are CRITICAL!

•      You are marketing a product – YOURSELF!

•      Dress is the first thing an employer sees when greeting you!

•      Will dressing properly get you the job?  NO, but it will:

•      Give you a competitive edge

•      Provide a positive first impression!

Professional Dress Standards

•      Professional image

•      Need to know what is an appropriate outfit for the workplace

•      Applies to all office employees                                 

•      Uniformly enforced

•      Staff should have an appropriate well-groomed appearance

Dress Code for Interviews

“What am I going to wear?” We get asked this question nearly every day during the recruiting season. Basically, it’s common sense. You can start by asking yourself “What kind of company will I be interviewing with?” If it is a Fortune 500 company, obviously you should wear a traditional suit. But maybe you will be seeing a funky, upbeat software company and you heard the recruiter showed up for interviews last year in a tie-dye shirt, sandals, and beads. Use your own discretion but we suggest you dress the way you would if you were giving an important presentation at the company or attending a business meeting.

Job Interview Attire OR  Dress Code for Interviews

The dress code for job interviews varies from one area to another, culture to culture, Nature of Jobs. This chapter will discuss general guidelines for a job interview and dress code:

·         The dress should be clean.

·         The dress should be properly pressed or ironed. (Make sure that during traveling don’t mess with your clothes)

·         Avoid skin-tight and too loose dresses.

·         Your shoes should be polished and clean.

·         Teeth your teeth properly before coming to interview.

·         Shave before coming for job interview. (If you are a shaved person otherwise balance your breed and comb it properly)

·         A nice perfume will help (But make sure that perfume smell is very light and in not annoying)

Now the question is what to wear on a job interview? It has several answers on basis of type of job ad the location of the job. The following dress code during the job interview.

·         Dress pants and shirt with a tie.

·         Two-piece suit with a tie.

·         Shalwar kameez with wasket.

·         Always wear shoes (Polished) with a painted shirt and suit. Don’t wear dresses with pictures or big prints (for men).

What should wear?

Some companies within the creative industries are very relaxed, and wouldn’t expect you to turn up in a suit.  Usually, a company will advise you on this, although this decision is often seen as part of the interview process. If you turn up looking scruffy what are you saying about yourself?

Your job interview attire will be the first thing a hiring manager notices when you go to an interview. In order to land the perfect job, you must make sure that your outfit enhances the overall impression you want to convey. Basically, it’s common sense. You can start by asking yourself “What kind of company will you be interviewing with?” If it is a multinational company, obviously you should wear a traditional suit.

GROOMING AND APPROPRIATE APPAREL FOR GENTLEMEN

Suits—A traditional suit is preferred to a blazer. The color should either be a dark blue or gray in either a solid or invisible plaid with a pressed long-sleeved (even in summer!) white dress shirt. If you buy or borrow one, a conservative sports coat and dress slacks are best.

Shirts— The simpler the better. White shirts are always your first choice. Off-white, pale, solid blue is an acceptable alternative. Get a plain or button-down collar. Choose cotton material. Polyesters and nylon are out.

Do not wear-THICK STRIPES; CHECKS.

Trousers -  They should preferably be dark though you may wear light brown and with a dark-colored shirt.

Big NO:  Inappropriate Apparel for the Gentlemen…

·   T-Shirts

 ·      Tank Tops

 ·      Polo shirts with designs (except office logo)

·      tight-fitting clothes

Grooming—Avoid heavy cologne or aftershave.

Socks - Choose a color that coordinates with trousers (usually black, dark gray, dark brown, or dark blue); Make sure they are long enough not to expose skin while sitting down. Do not were white socks. unless interviewing to be a summer camp counselor at a sports camp. Were clean socks to avoid bad odor

Shoes—Clean and polished leather lace-up black or dark brown shoes are best. Avoid shoes with a run-down heel. Shoes must be polished every day; Avoid shoes with a rundown heel.

Any formal program or in office do not wear shoes that looks casual. NO Athletic Shoes/Sneakers, Industrial Work Shoes, Hiking Boots, Bare Feet, Clogs, or Over-the-Knee

Belts—wear a black or brown belt, one inch wide, no large buckles. Wear only formal belts with a sleek buckle. As a thumb rule, match your belt to your shoes.

Watches- Preferably wear leather strapped watches. If you wear a metal strapped watch, make sure that it fits the wrist well

Neckties— Conservative silk ties are best. Be sure the tie coordinates with the outfit or suit, It may be wise to avoid ties with images and designer logos. Be sure the knot is neat and centered on your neck. No loud colors or patterns; Solid or has small neat patterns. Be sure the knot is neat and centered on your neck and the knot should be a perfect triangle; Do not enter a clinic like this (observe the tie and the shirt button) The bottom of the tie should just reach your belt.

Hair—Clean, well-groomed, and professional-looking. Remember, the choice to cut your hair is yours, but the choice to hire you is the interviewers. Be sure beards and mustaches are neat and trimmed.

Accessories—No flashy cuff links, rings, or gold chains. A wedding or college ring is fine. No earrings. Not even one small one. No visible body piercing.

GROOMING AND APPROPRIATE APPAREL FOR LADIES

Women

Women in Bangladesh are often confused when it comes to dressing for an interview. They could not decide whether western outfits or traditional Bangladeshi formal. In Bangladeshi should they were Sarees OR selware-Kamiz; regardless, before you make a decision have little research about the company. What are the companies executives are wearing? Females in Bangladesh mostly wear selware-kameez or Sarees. Conservative western clothes are also acceptable in Bangladesh. Such as formal shirt/trousers Preferably choose small prints. Avoid plunging necklines, sleeveless and tight-fitting clothes may wear a tunic with a pair of formal trousers. Skirts are prohibited in most places.  May wear a sleeveless blouse only under a jacket. Be comfortable with what you are wearing. Try to keep it minimal color. Avoid designs and too much embroidery. 

Suits—suits are almost always preferable. A solid navy, grey, or black suit with a solid or light-colored blouse is recommended for most positions. Business dresses are acceptable in fields that are less formal and less conservative. Avoid frilly collars.

Saree - A light coloreds handloom sarees are best. They look very professional recommended for most positions.

Blouse/Kamiz —A light-colored blouse/Kamiz is ideal.

Makeup—Natural-looking and conservative. Avoid bright colors. Use neutral or clear nail polish on clean and manicured nails. Avoid heavy perfumes.

Hosiery— Light, natural color, plain style (no patterns).

Shoes—. Basic pumps, toes should be closed, no strappy shoes, and avoid multi-colored trim.

Appropriate Dress Shoes for Women

Shoes with 1 ½ - inch heels are standard. Low to medium heels are ideal, may wear a pair with smaller heels or a flat pair. Should be conservative and complement the color and style of the interview suit. Stick with a black/brown pair. Be sure shoes are polished and heels are intact. Avoid white-colored as they get dirty easily. If you do, clean them well.

Inappropriate Footwear for Women: Shoes You Don’t Want to Wear

·         Tennis shoes/athletic shoes

·         Heel or platform soles 3 inches or more

·         Bare feet

·         Sandals

·         Do not wear colorful shoes

Hair— Should be freshly cleaned and neatly styled. Long hair should be worn as conservatively as possible.

Accessories—

One conservative, non-dangling earrings per ear, Do not wear hoops or dangling earrings, No visible body piercing beyond earrings. one or 2 rings per hand. Wear stubs or small rings, No dangling or distracting bracelets. Avoid chunky bracelets or too many bangles. Avoid purses of any size—carry a portfolio or briefcase instead. Apart from your working bag if you are carrying an additional bag, preferably, carry a black or a brown one.

Chains: You may wear thin chains with small lockets, Do not wear ornamental/ chunky jewelry even if it is an occasion

Dress Code of Muslim Women

In Islam, women should dress in a very special way. This dress code applies to women and adolescent girls, but not to children. A veil is traditionally worn by Muslim women in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family, which usually covers most of the body. The term can further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of modesty. Styles and colors have various names depending on the country. variety of styles and colors have various names depending on the country & culture. A person who likes to Cover face & head for the religious purpose must consider all facts before face the consequences. In recent times, covering the face & head for religious purposes or wearing hijab in public has been an issue. Women in different parts of the world have experienced unofficial pressure to wear or not wear religious clothes (Covering face & head) including physical attacks. Here is a glossary of the most common names of Islamic clothing and descriptions.

Burqa: Full vell traditionally worn by very religious persons. It covers the head and the body and has a grill that hides the eyes.

Niqab: A veil that entirely covers a person, including the mouth and nose. It has a small opening for the eyes.

Hijab: A hijab is a headscarf, not a veil. Hides the hair, ears, and neck. Only the oval shape of the face is visible.

Chador: Full cloak that covers the body and the hair, open at the front. Traditional garments is worn by some Islamic countries.

Interview Inappropriate Dress, hairstyles  Footwear for Women

Tips to Dress for Success:

DO:

·      Wear solid, conservative colors

·      Wear a neat, tailored suit or dress

·      Go easy on the jewelry

·      Women - go light on makeup, perfume, and hairspray

·      Men - go light on cologne and after-shave

·      Overdress rather than underdress (for example, opt for a suit rather than khakis and a polo shirt)

·      Be neatly groomed

·      Be comfortable - you must be professional, but if you're not comfortable, you won't be focused on the interview itself

·      Wear a smile!!

·      Exude confidence - dress the part, act the part!

DON'T:

·         Leave your cell phone on (and if you leave it on by accident, DON'T answer it during an interview)

·         Women - Wear skirts above the knee or heels too high

·         Men - Wear casual shoes with a suit

·         Wear old, worn shoes - your shoes should be scuff-free

·         Take your job interview attire lightly - first impressions count

 If you're in doubt as to what you should wear, ask your spouse or friends, or check with a local store specializing in professional attire. Your job interview attire should leave the hiring manager with the impression that you have what it takes to be successful in the position.