Job Discussion Forums

[megs]

Can anyone give me a few tips as to what is considered appropriate to wear to an interview? I have two interviews with schools in Dubai.

[sarina]

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[Cleopatra]

In KSA, trousers are considered most improper attire for respectable Muslim ladies! I was not allowed to wear them at work, even under my abaya.

However, I'm sure the same does not apply in the liberal UAE!

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Megs and all,

Well, I might do the 'dress for success' look for an interview, but I never wore it while teaching in the Gulf. It was too hot for most of the year. Fine for an interview though. Sarina's advice was good. The key word is conservative. Keep the skirts below the knee - the further the better in my opinion. By the time I left the Gulf, all of my skirts were flowing to the floor - cool comfortable and always appropriate.

Most places that I taught had no rule against trousers/slacks, but you may encounter places that don't allow it. I almost never wore them. They are very uncomfortable in the heat and humidity - there is a reason that the traditional dress for both sexes is similar in the Gulf. I had one pair of jeans for cool winter evenings. BTW, Sarina, when I was in Egypt, I wore slacks more often, but it is so much cooler there.

VS

[Bindair Dundat]

[veiledsentiments]

Now Now Bindair---

Wouldn't you like to know---

Are you trying to give me a bad reputation?

VS
(who used to work with Mr Dundat)

[Cleopatra]

Odd though it may sound, given the choice between an abaya/headscarf ensemble and a frumpy a-line skirt (not that I'm suggesting that anyone here is frumpy!) I'd go for the former any day!

They actually have a few pretty slinky numbers in abaya shops these days, tucked away behind the counters where the muttawwain can't see them.

[veiledsentiments]

But, Cleo---

I don't mind frumpy. But, then I have a few years on you.

Once you spend a little time in a place like Abu Dhabi, which has the same heat as Riyadh with the addition of 90% humidity - then you may not find that abaya/headscarf bit quite so appealing.

You know the old saying, it's not the heat, it's the humidity. It didn't take me very long in the Gulf until cool and comfortable was more important than not being frumpy. But to be honest, I like long skirts (don't have any A-lines though). And this is from a person who lives in jeans in the US - haven't had a skirt on since I moved back.

VS

[Cleopatra]

Well, Abu Dhabi isn't quite so hot as Riyadh, but you're right, there is the humidity factor!

Plus, the wonderful thing about abayas is that you can - with the right abaya of course - get away with wearing practically nothing underneath. (Got that, Mr. Muttawwa?)



Covers a multitude of sins. In every sense.

[Pat]

Megs,

Dress conservatively, but the idea of a head scarf or abaya for an interview is way over the top. Represent yourself as you would in a classroom in Dubai. If you are not a muslim and not from a muslim country, to portray yourself as one won't go over well.