Well, what can I say, I went to the interview dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a tank top. I basically was dressed to be rejected, as I honestly wasn’t sure I even wanted to be hired! I didn’t think I would make a good candidate, considering I had near nil experience with technical writing.
I remember that call with the recruiter. I wanted to make sure he understood that I didn’t own any formals and I didn’t want to be dressed in formals either. They still wanted me to show up for the interview. I guess I learned during that first visit to the company that corporate attire in India isn’t the same thing as that in the States. I was relieved and hired!
God, things do change! Fast forward to 2019 and my wardrobe now has a handful of formal dresses and I recently went shopping for some pants too!
Thinking about it, as long as you know how to carry your outfit, it really doesn’t matter what brand you wear. It wasn’t my attire that got me hired at my first IT company interview, and neither was it my lack of experience with the IT industry. Rather it was my ability to think outside the box and my confidence in carrying my casual look that won me the deal.
Confidence, therefore, is the key, my friends. Whatever you choose to wear, you must wear confidently! But there are some fashion boo-boos you must avoid even if it means you must disappoint your beliefs.
I am in my third IT job and believe I have made enough observations to help my peers feel confident and accepted. After all the way you present yourself says a lot about you.
Indians have the brains…let’s garnish that with the skill for tasteful dressing and a groomed you!
To begin with, it is my understanding that the average Indian today is earning more than the previous generation. It beats me then why so many of them won’t take care of themselves? What is with this mentality of saving? I rather enjoy the money now while I am young than when I am old and home ridden. I enjoy pedicures and manicures. I hate chipped nail polish, and I absolutely can’t stand men with sweat marks on their shirt! And who goes to meetings with tikkas? What about living well in a well decorated and clean home? Hmm…
So yes, I will say outrageous things, but all in the interest of the general corporate public.
Stay tuned for #humansofcorporate.
