How Your Outfit Might Affect Your GD/PI Score

MBA interview preparation

Personal Interview is a personality test. And the test starts the moment you step into the interview hall. Opinions are formed even before you speak. The first thing anybody notices about you is your outfit. It is not about how expensive it is, but it is about how tidy it is. Does it suit the occasions and does it showcase your personality. Every individual has a unique persona and clothes should reflect that.

MBA Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI) rounds lay a lot of emphasis on candidate’s external appearance. Because if nothing else, it reflects sincerity and seriousness. However, one may ask, what do clothes have to do with ones skills. According to the top international fashion designer Tom Ford, “Dressing well is a form of good manners”. Therefore, the dress code for job interviews or MBA GD-PI is formal outfit.  

Six tips to dress for GD/PI round of MBA admissions

MBA admission season has kicked off. Various top B Schools will be conducting the GD-PI round from February onwards so as you prepare for public speaks and practice mock interviews, here are some key tips for dressing well for GD/PI. Follow these tips and stand out in the crowd. 

1. Neat & Tidy Formal Clothing

Formal dressing is recommended. Male candidate can wear formal suit or formal shirt and trouser. Tie and blazers are not compulsory, but if you are comfortable in wearing these, you can wear them. Female candidates can wear a formal shirt accompanied with either a formal skirt or trousers. Blazer is optional for them too. Make sure whatever you wear is neat and tidy. Dirty or faded spots can catch the eye. Take care to sit on a clean chair. Don't drop food or water.

2. Creased / Ironed

Iron your outfit properly. Do not wait till the morning of GD/PI. Get your outfit ready a night or a day before. A messy outfit depicts a messy person. Look smart by wearing smart. A well fitted and well maintained outfit will give you confidence.

Also Read: Top GD/PI topics for MBA admission

3. Wear Light Colours

Opt for a light-coloured outfit on the day of the interview or group discussion. Colours like light blue, light baby pink, white, off-white, light brown or light grey can be worn. Both girls and boys can wear any of the above-mentioned colours. Dark colours are mostly meant for evenings, while interviews are generally scheduled in the mornings or afternoons. It is not that you can’t wear dark colours. Just make sure, it doesn’t look over the top. Also, neon colours are a big no-no.

4. Comfortable Clothes

Whatever you wear should be comfortable. Do not wear clothes that are either too tight or too loose. If your clothes are not of your size, then get them altered beforehand. Girls should make sure that the skirts they wear should not be too short. Be comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Else, your discomfort might harm the way you present yourself.

5. Dress Smartly

Looking smart has its benefits. However, looking smart doesn’t guarantee selection, but yes it does play a role in leaving good impression. So wear clean clothes, clean shoes, brush your hair well, wear a mild cologne/perfume. Women candidates should opt of nude make up and formal jewellery. Wearing a wrist watch will add to your personality.

6. Clean Footwear

Your footwear is an important part of your dressing. Wear footwear that compliments your outfit. Formal shoes with formal outfits are the norm, so follow that. Also, make sure that your shoes are squeaky clean. You should be comfortable and confident while walking in them. Any physical discomfort can reflect on your face any time. Check your shoes once again before entering the interview room.

All the best!

Read More:

• MBA PI Questions: How to Answer Why MBA Question? With Example
• 13 must-do things to crack GD-PI-WAT
• Know past years' WAT/GD topics at top B-Schools
• Know how to prepare for GD/PI