Dressing appropriately and smartly is a standard requirement of all private companies seeking staff, but the lack of specific details about what this means has left some job seekers confused, according to a report in a local publication recently.

This is especially the case when private companies use the words “presentable” or “good appearance” in their advertisements, said Mouaz Abdullah. He said government’s requirements are much easier because a traditional thobe and shumagh has to be worn for interviews and in the workplace.

Luma Saqaaf, a young woman who was heading for an interview, said she was confused about the dress requirements. “The company specified "good appearance" in the job requirements, but did not explicitly state what these are. I’m now concerned that I may not get the job. I will try my best to wear a decent outfit, look very serious and choose neutral colors.”

Nuha Cindy, a fashion expert, said women job seekers should avoid brightly colored clothes, especially if the advertisement stated that applicants must be “presentable.”

“The serious formal look is a very important condition for employment. A large percentage of those people following this requirement would get the jobs they seek, especially women,” she said.

Human resources development expert, Sultan Al-Ammash, said the main requirements of companies are that applicants must look tidy and clean. He urged young men to wear the traditional thobe and shumagh in a formal manner.

“By formal, I mean the young man should not leave the collar open at the neck, and the shumagh should be put on in a formal manner.” Applicants must also avoid other “irregularities” such as not placing cigarette packs in the front pockets, and wear clothes that suit the season and weather conditions, he said.

Women should also wear formal clothes and not too much makeup. He said first impressions are vital in interviews and would likely lead to a person landing a job.