Career & Interview

Interview Etiquette, Grooming & Body Language

First-generation candidate? This is the non-technical playbook for Indian campus drives — what to wear, how the camera should see you, what your body says, and the panel traps everyone walks into once.

Grooming — men

Offline drives

  • Formal full-sleeve shirt (white / light blue / pastel), neatly pressed
  • Formal trousers in black, navy or charcoal — belt matches shoes
  • Conservative leather shoes (black/brown), clean and polished
  • Tie for core companies and final rounds; blazer if the notice says formal
  • Hair trimmed and combed, clean shave or a well-kept beard, trimmed nails

Online (Zoom/Teams) drives

  • The same formal shirt — panels DO notice, and standing up is common
  • Trousers even if only the top is visible (you may be asked to stand)
  • Avoid flashy prints, deep necklines and casual hoodies
  • Matte face (shine reads badly on camera), combed hair

Grooming — women

Offline drives

  • Formal salwar-kameez, saree, or shirt + formal trousers — anything well-pressed
  • Closed formal shoes with a low, comfortable heel
  • Minimal jewellery and light/natural makeup if any
  • Hair neatly tied or pinned so it stays out of your face during discussion
  • Nails trimmed; avoid strong perfume in panel rooms

Online (Zoom/Teams) drives

  • Solid colours read best on camera — avoid very white (glare) and very dark (shadow)
  • The same formality standards as offline; keep a formal dupatta/blazer within reach
  • Hair secured away from the microphone