What to wear on an Interview ?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in CNA.

I am taking the state test on August 2nd. But we can work up to 120 hours without a license.

I have a pair of cotton khakis, low heeled black pumps, and a cotton, short sleeved (pink patterned) V neck shirt. Of course everything is neatly ironed, hair would be pulled back with minimal jewelery.

My husband thinks this is too casual. Any suggestions? Would this be okay? I'm more than willing to get new clothes if needed.

Thank you!

The rule is to 'dress up' a little from what you'd be wearing on the job. For a 'scrub-wearing' job, what you described is probably appropriate. I recently interviewed for an on-call CNA job at an adult day health center. I wore my favorite black business suit with a white satin blouse. It was rather formal and I did feel a bit over-dressed, but I don't think it was necessarily bad. At least I looked like a professional. The entire staff interviewed me, so it was a bit unnerving. They're a tight-knit bunch and there has to be a consensus between everyone about who they want to work with.

Minimal jewelry is good and forgo the inch-long acrylic nails, too. Another tip from my daughter's Career Pathways class -- don't wear perfume. Your interviewer may have allergies or sensitive sinuses. Even stranger, the scent may remind him/her of someone they don't like and it could influence the decision !

I agree that the outfit may be too casual. I dont think you need to go out & get a new suit or anything. I would probably wear that for after I graduate NS.

When i went on my last job interview I wore dark gray pinstriped dress pants, black heels & a lilac button up blouse.

Good luck!

I wore black dress pants, and a sleeveless blouse for my interview last summer... considering the heat in my town if I wore pants I couldn't wear sleeves. My only other piece of advice is make sure you can walk in your shoes, I was given a tour of the facility before my interview if you are tripping over yourself while walking around the facility it might make a bad impression. I know it sounds silly but little things like that matter.

Specializes in LTC.

I wore a knee-length skirt with an embroidered design, a very simple fitted tee with a scoop neck and cap sleeves, and a pair of old lady-ish flats.

Specializes in CNA.

Thank you everyone. I see a shopping trip is in order. :)

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