Dressing up for a job interview in monsoon

Dressing up for a job interview in monsoon

The prospect of going for an interview fills us all with both anticipation as well as dread. Neha Karmarkar Joshi lists do's and don'ts when appearing for a job interview during the monsoons 

Whether one is going for a walk-in interview or on getting the "call" after their resume has been shortlisted, it is a day that we look forward to - but with butterflies in our stomach!

Worse still, is when you need to attend one while valiantly fighting the rains! It is then that the additional stress of wondering how to manage it all gets added to the emotional cocktail. And rightly so, since we all know how difficult it is to step out of home when the rains are in full swing.

Keeping that in mind, here's a list of do's and don'ts to help simplify your life when preparing for an interview during the monsoons:

Do's
- Call up the organisation a few hours in advance and confirm that the interview is going ahead as and when scheduled. Also, in case the officeis in an unfamiliar area, make sure you confirm the address and jot down a few landmarks as well. This will save you time, money as well as the effort wasted running around in circles figuring out the address at the last minute - all of this while it rains cats & dogs.

- Dress smartly. Yes, it is raining, but that doesn't mean you should show up at an interview in shorts and a t-shirt. The easiest way out is to opt for formal/ semi-formal clothing which is monsoon-smart. For example, wear synthetics which dry faster than cottons, or women can wear skirts instead of trousers.

- Ladies, tie up your hair in a bun, a plait or a sleek ponytail so that even if it gets a little wet while travelling, it doesn't look untidy.

- Keep extra copies of your resume along with any other documents that you need in a plastic folder and carry it with you for the interview. Ensure that the papers are stacked neatly and are protected from the rain.

- Carry an umbrella without fail! Even if it's sunny when you're leaving home, don't forget that the rains come uninformed.

- Leave at least 30-45 mins earlier than you generally would have, and choose your mode of transport wisely. Low-lying areas can waterlog quickly even if it has only drizzled. If you're going by road, try and avoid these areas since the traffic there will move at a snail's pace. Also, it becomes difficult to get a taxi/ auto-rickshaw if you live in a waterlogged area, or are travelling to one. Hence, take into account that much additional travel time.

Don'ts 
- If the weather is bad, never assume that your interview has been cancelled. Always confirm with the organisation directly. Don't rule the possibility that in all the commotion, they might forget to inform you of any change in plans! - Avoid cotton clothing as far as possible, as it clings when wet. It is inevitable that in the pouring rain your clothes are bound to get a little wet, so prepare accordingly. For example wispy, pastel shirts that become translucent when wet are a big nono.

- Sadly, an interview is not the place to flaunt fancy shoes you picked up for the monsoons. Wear them while travelling if need be, but ensure you're carrying an additional pair of formal footwear to change into once you reach the office. Easier still, get a pair of all-weather formal footwear!

- Never walk in soaking wet and freezing (plus, the powerful office AC won't help!). This will not only affect the interviewer's opinion, but more importantly it will distract you and you may not be able to give it your best. Carry a towel, pack it well so that it stays dry and wipe yourself once you reach. Then, you're ready to roll!

Ultimately, an interview is an interview no matter what the season. There are just a few more pointers to keep in mind when you're going for one in the rains, that's all. Keep calm, stay focussed and remember that the one thing that is discussed the longest in any interview is you! As long as you know yourself, everything falls into place. Don't forget the cardinal rule of interviews - first impressions usually last the longest
!