Help with interview outfit

Nurses Job Hunt

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I feel a bit awkward asking for help, but hopefully someone can give me some feedback because I am very stressed out about what to wear. I have an interview for a job on a Med-Surg/Tele unit and I have a little over 2 years of experience.

For my first RN interview, I loved the outfit I had and felt very confident. After trying unsuccessfully to recreate the look, I need advice if what I picked is okay. A little background: I had a baby in January and my belly is still very squishy, which is why I am having trouble finding something that fits right. I tried to do a pencil skirt with a nice blouse but I just have awkward rolls everywhere.

I picked out a dress that I think looks nice, but I never think of dresses for interviews, which is why I am apprehensive.

This is the dress:

Dress.jpg.b43a4c769dadeae022f022918a72bad4.jpg

I am also pairing it with a black cardigan because I don't think sleeveless is okay for an interview.

Anyway, what do you think? Should I continue looking (I still have a week left) or stop stressing? If you guys have any suggestions I'll try them. I feel very self conscious because my figure has changed a lot with the last baby, so ANY feedback is appreciated because my husband is probably too kind

Thanks for your time!

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Specializes in ICU.

I have a dress similar to that that I wear for professional/business attire events. A cardigan is a must- black is great.

Also with a dress or a skirt wearing nude nylons/stockings is appropriate (plus you get nylons that go over your tum a little so it gives you a little boost of confidence by smoothing out those bumps), with low heels or flats- no toes showing. No necklaces/dangling earrings that could distract from your face.

In general, a dress for an interview should be a) knee length, b) no cleavage, c) not brightly colored- you want them looking at you.

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I love the dress. Definitely pair it with a cardigan and maybe flat shoes, no big heels. I would say stop stressing, I'm kinda jealous I don't have the same outfit

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

It's a great dress, but I think it's a bit too trendy for an interview. I would recommend Spanx for your "soft spots"

A pencil dress and button-up blouse is always a great bet

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I just always go safe and wear my black dress pants, a cute, but appropriate, blouse, and a black suit jacket. I am always weary about dresses because I am not 100% sure how it will go over. Every interviewer may view trendy dresses differently. BUT... I do have to say...that dress is really really really cute.

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Thanks so much for the feedback! Feeling the love from you guys helps a lot

As for the suit jacket and pants, I wasn't able to find a suit jacket that I liked... it seemed that in order for it to fit in the middle, the shoulders and arms are too big for my frame. I did find a nice pair of dress pants but was underwhelmed with the options for a blouse. I'm not a fashionista--I've only tried going to Macy's and Burlington Coat Factory. Any stores that I should check out in Southern California?

At the very least I know the dress isn't a train wreck, and all isn't lost if I can't find a good alternative :up:

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Thanks so much for the feedback! Feeling the love from you guys helps a lot

As for the suit jacket and pants, I wasn't able to find a suit jacket that I liked... it seemed that in order for it to fit in the middle, the shoulders and arms are too big for my frame. I did find a nice pair of dress pants but was underwhelmed with the options for a blouse. I'm not a fashionista--I've only tried going to Macy's and Burlington Coat Factory. Any stores that I should check out in Southern California?

At the very least I know the dress isn't a train wreck, and all isn't lost if I can't find a good alternative :up:

Do you have a Khols? They have great stuff

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Do you have a Khols? They have great stuff

I'll check it out today and post if I find something :)

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I'll check it out today and post if I find something :)

Do they have any resale shops near you? Sometimes they have cute things for cheap there.

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Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack also might have something.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
Do you have a Khols? They have great stuff

Yup! Khols has been my go to for interview clothes! Them and / or the thrift store. For me, slacks are slacks and I don't have a problem buying them thrift.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is clueless about attire. I just had an interview and found an awesome outfit that I wore (from Kohls!). Now I'm told that there will be three more interviews in the process, and now I have to go back to the store. :eek:

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