What to wear to job interview???

Specialties NP

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I admit I'm no slave to fashion. I will likely go to a job interview in another state (soon) and I don't want to blow it. I need some advice. Trying to decide what to wear has me in a tizzy. I'm short and about as wide as I am tall...I like dresses but I cannot wear high heels. I'm at a total loss of how to dress, and I need a lot of help.

This is for the job opening in New Mexico and they will likely want me to fly out there next week. I guess I should hit the Lane Bryant stores?

This is for a mental health position at a hospital. I don't know what the dress code will be but (I'm assuming) dress clothes and a lab coat. I like black because it's not as conspicuous as bright colors but I don't want to look like I'm heading to a funeral, either.

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but I don't really know where else to go with this right now. I've looked for a job for so long and I finally found some people who are taking me seriously.

My hair...it's short in the back with long bangs that hang in my eyes if I don't pin my bangs back. Should I opt for another hairstyle? Or are pinned back bangs okay?

I'm sorry for all the rambling but I just heard back from the recruiter a couple of hours ago and I'm very excited.

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Wear flip-flops, jeans, and a t-shirt.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

That's exciting news! Are you a pmhnp? I thought you were an FNP.

Im the last person to give fashion advice but choose a conservative outfit, you can't go wrong.

If you can get your hair styled professionally before you go that would be a plus.

Heels definitely not a necessity, especially if you'll be touring the facility.

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Congrats!

you need to look professional, your look is everything. I would go with a female suit, i.e. A nice white blouse with a dressy business jacket over it, and matching dress pants. Think similar to hillary Clinton's typical outfit. Make sure your nails look good, eyebrows are trimmed, breath smells fresh, wear one spritz of perfume and no more. You can wear flat dress shoes with that outfit, and the outfit itself will make you look thinner. Go with dark blue or black. Wear a necklace with a pop of color. Be confident. Good luck

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Agree. A suit is a must; tailored to fit perfectly will go a long way to making anyone look great regardless of body type. I'd avoid black, but navy or gray would be fine. Stay conservative. I would spend some money on this, consider it an investment in your future. Good shoes, no scuffs, but I don't think heel height is an issue. I'm a guy, so I would not care about your heel height. I'd notice if you wore cheap or scuffed shoes, though. I'd expect an interviewee who flew cross the country to make an effort. I wouldn't really expect to see a woman with bobby pins in her hair, but I am not sure that is what you meant. I guess I'd suggest a chic haircut. Go for something sporty, maybe you can project youthful vitality. NM is a very ourdoorsy state. You want to look like you will like it and fit in, not go running for home first chance you get. I am no help with make-up. My wife takes our daughters to a make up artist to learn how to apply the stuff when they get old enough. If you have time before you go, give that a try. Can't hurt, might be fun. My girls always have a blast, but it is a little mysterious to me. If time is running short, I think it is better spent obtaining a proper suit, shoes, haircut and practicing interview skills. good luck.

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A suit OR a super nice slacks set with a cardigan and nice blouse. Honesty, the sales people at Nordstrom will be a HUGE help and can really help pull an outfit together. After years of wearing scrubs I had no idea how to dress professionally and I just walked up to one of them and said I needed a bunch of help, lol. Yes it will be a smidge spendy but you need just a few key pieces.

As for your hair, hard to know without a pic. Hopefully you've got some good honest and objective friends who could help guide you on that ?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Fantastic news - best wishes.

I'm in IL and currently its -1 with a wind chill of -40! Ugh....wish I were going to NM!

Anyway - I echo above posters - professional is the key. I would definitely change your hairstyle and get it updated. No one has mentioned this and since I don't know your age, please don't take offense. In order to project a more youthful appearance (and I'm about the same body type as you), I keep my dyed brown hair about shoulder length, its stick straight and won't curl no matter what so I just spritz on some volumizer each morning and away I go. I do recommend that if you dye your hair, that you make sure you have your roots covered. I have bangs also but keep them trimmed (professionally) above my eyes.

Best wishes and let us know how it goes...

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Specializes in Emergency.

First, congrats, I know this has been a long time coming, and am sending good vibes your way. I'm from NM, and I echo what has been said above. I think they will expect you to project a professional image, but also to project yourself to some extent. So, wear something that is comfortable but professional. I think I've seen one provider in heels, all the others wear shoes that are dressy but flats. I'm a guy, so as far as makeup goes, I would say don't go overboard, if you wear alot of makeup, then that's probably appropriate for you, if you normally don't wear any, than maybe what you would wear to a special occasion, but not a ton.

A feel for the state, as was mentioned above, NM is very outdoorsy. So after they get hired, I've seen providers in suits to shorts and a tee shirt doing rounding. Several wear jeans at my facility. Another facility I work at does not allow jeans, but pretty much anything else goes there. You will find the smaller the town, the less dressed up the dress code. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe probably more dressed up than out here in the remote small towns.

As for your personal appearance, you won't be the only person as wide as you are tall, I can almost guarantee it. That doesn't mean that you can't find something that makes you feel proud and happy. Remember, you graduated, passed your boards, and are a APRN, not many can say that. You are someone they want to interview, and you are special. Remind yourself of those things when you look in the mirror in the morning and every time you take a break during the day. Remind yourself that you are worthy of this interview and they were in the same place you are now at one point.

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This advice come from men.....IMPRESSIVE!!!

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

Plus Size Blazers, Suits, Pant Suits & Pencil Skirts | Lane Bryant you can find both of the above outfits at Lane bryant online...GORGEOUS looks for an interview in my opinion! 😃 I also think getting hair done (color/cut) and nails manicures is a great idea, you can wear flats, and something simple as far as jewelry necklace OR bracelet and small stud earrings. I"m a nurse and I love it but I also sell makeup on the side and help with clothing stuff with friends! 😃 LOVE fashion!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I think the pictures of the clothing posted by TashaLNP2006RN2012 are great suggestions! As for the bangs, I would not "pin" them back. Instead, get them trimmed so they don't hang into your eyes. Eye contact is very important in making a good impression on anyone, so hair hanging in your face can make you appear less confident and sloppy. In addition to all the great suggestions in this thread, I would also emphasize that your body language needs to project confidence and energy. So if I were you I would take some time to evaluate the way in which you carry yourself and maybe even practice things like standing and sitting with good (not stiff, but good) posture, making eye contact and smiling when shaking someone's hand, maintaining a relaxed but pleasant facial expression, etc. And avoid things like crossing your arms across your chest/stomach, tugging on your clothing like you are trying to make sure it is hiding you, etc. Sometimes plus sized women do things like this, and it is not only unnecessary it also makes you look insecure and uncomfortable in your own skin. Size really is irrelevant when it comes to projecting a polished, confident image. It is all in the details, like the way you walk and stand, the color you wear, the smile on your face, and the tone of your voice. You can do it!! This may be the chance you've been waiting for, so enjoy yourself and put your best foot forward! Good luck!

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I agree with Tasha's first set of pics! That's what I was trying to describe! Thanks TashaTasha

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