Models: Nisha & Ronak; Make-up: Kaushik Banerjee; Styling: Rajat; Clothes courtesy: Westside; Picture by: Pabitra Das

How important is it to dress right for your job interview? Well, very. Perhaps, even as important as the resume. Remember how in The Devil Wears Prada high-fashion priestess Miranda Priestly smirks at Andy Sachs’s outfit when she appears for an interview for a position in Runway magazine? Though the first impression is not always the last impression, you should leave nothing to chance. Hear it from grooming expert Achla Sachdev: “If someone is badly turned out for an interview but is intelligent, I will think, if you are so sharp, why are you dressed like this!”

Dressing right for an interview also shows how serious you are about getting the job. For starters, designer Kallol Datta suggests a background check to find out whether the company is conservative or liberal so you can dress accordingly. Here are some basic dos and don’ts…

CORPORATE

CREATIVE

NGO

For him

If you want to play it safe then nothing works as well as a shirt (solid, pinstripe or plain white) with trousers. Add a jacket for a nice touch. But if you don’t want to “look like everyone else”, Kallol suggests not going the cookie-cutter route. “Pick a nice patterned shirt.” Also, pay special attention to the shoes. “No dirty shoes please,” says Achla.

Comfy cotton undergarments are a must. Boys should invest in good quality vests that will absorb sweat. Remember, no matter how nattily turned out your are, sweat patches can be an instant turn-off.

Stylist Sandy suggests you avoid round-neck tees, tattered denims, chains, bracelets and scarves. And Kallol says make sure your nails are immaculately groomed. “Men think growing dirty nails is fashionable. But it is not.” he says. The designer also gives two thumbs up to adding an interesting element to your look. Achla agrees: “It can be a watch — designer if you can afford it, or else anything classy.”

For her

Steer clear of skimpy clothing. So the short skirt and vest that makes you hot property on the disc floor is definitely not your first-interview outfit. Achla suggests a knee-length skirt but only if you have the right legs to show off. Designer Prashant Verma is all for trousers, for a power look. “A trouser-and-shirt look is very strong for a strong personality”.

And if ethnic is more you, Kallol suggests a short-length kurta with a patiala. You can cut the dupatta out.

And don’t let lingerie be any kind of diversion. So no visible panty lines and bra straps. Avoid OTT jewellery. Remember, clean is in.

Make-up mantras

• Less is more says Bridgette Jones. Here are some tips :
• Apply powder if your skin is oily
• Try sheer foundation if your skin is patchy and discoloured. Don’t forget to blend it with the hairline. Also ensure that there aren’t any harsh lines
• Cheeks should wear a blushing tinge for a healthy hue
• Dark lip-liners are out
• Apply translucent gloss on your lips over a nice shade of pretty pink
• Accentuate the eyes with mascara for a wide-eyed look and rim it with kajal. Reserve your eye shadows for that night-out
• Well-groomed eyebrows are a must.

Hair for him

Short and well styled

Trim your beard and moustache

Long hair, spikes and ponytails (unless you are stepping up for a job in the creative field).

Hair for her

Chignon

CNeatly trimmed

Split ends

Unruly hair (tame with serum).

Body basics

• Pear-shaped (smaller on the top and larger around the hips): No horizontal lines. “The hem of your kurta or your shirt should not be around your hips. Emphasise the top with the help of a nice neckline or detailing around the shoulder,” advises Kallol.
• Apple-shaped (heavy around the middle): Go for smart colour blocking, adds Kallol. Example: A red singlet with a black jacket and black trousers. lNo ill-fitting clothes. Shoulders should not hang and one sleeve should not be longer than the other!
• A vest and denims is for beauty pageants, not interviews.
• Avoid siren reds. Very wannabe!
• Clothes should be ironed.
• Button up. Skin looks nice on the cricket field and discs. At an interview, it’s called attitude with a wrong edge.

Saionee Chakraborty