Attire for interview

[nurse2033]

I just want to pass this on... I have seen a lot of threads about clothing for interviews. I just got a pretty awesome educator job and am being oriented by a number of people who were in my interview. The competition for this job was much more intense than I knew. There were some pretty heavy hitters who interviewed as well (but apparently didn't take the interview as seriously as I did). One of my new coworkers told me I had the job when I walked in with a suit and briefcase. She said my appearance was by far the most professional. I'm not talking about some college professor blazer over jeans. When I bought this suit I told the salesman I want to look exactly like a prosecuting attorney, and it has served me very well. Anyway, I hope this advice helps...

[amberdawn85]

Express has great suits for women. I always wear skirt suits to any interview.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

nurse2033 - what would be the equivalent of the suit for a female? Should we also wear suits? I usually try to wear dress pants or a skirt and a nice blouse, but have not always included a jacket or blazer.

There's a reason I asked the salesman for help... I would say serious and professional. Perhaps the female prosecuting attorney version. You want to show you are prepared, serious about the job, and will represent the organization well. Women have a whole other bunch of stuff to deal with... Avoid sexy at all costs in my opinion, save it for your date. Clothing for an interview should not be tight, form fitted, high skirted, or low bloused, ladies, help me out here...

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I always wear a suit but I'm curious to know what it is that your carry in the briefcase? My school made us put together a portfolio but I haven't taken it on any interviews. Now that you've mentioned it, I guess it would look better pulling my resume out of my portfolio rather than a folder...lol

I brought a copy of all the articles I've had published, copies of my resume, other tools and programs I've developed, and a thumb drive with some presentations I've prepared for other things, some educational videos I've made, and a video I made about my Masters project. I guess sort of an informal portfolio. If you are new in your career this might be a challenge. If you have produced professional quality posters you could bring a small copy to show, or other projects you have done. Make sure it is relevant and you have a good way to present the material.