Appropriate Attire for an Interview

ERNurse752, RN · Oct 14, 2004

My first thought was nice pants suit. It's what I've worn before, and it must have been ok b/c they hired me.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2004

I don't wear skirts and have always worn a pants suit to interviews. It is nice that you ask! I used to do hiring and you'd be amazed at what a lot of nurses feel is appropriate interview attire. I've seen flip flops,cut offs, curlers, belly shirts. Scary.

mrdoc2005 · Oct 14, 2004

Hello, I am new here and have a question. I am going on an interview and would really like to wear a pant suit. It has been mentioned to me that I should wear a suit with a skirt. Any opinions on this?
Thank You

For what it is woth, from a mans point of view I think a nice darker colored paint gives a women a stronger more powerful look.

Kaelie · Oct 14, 2004

Wear Scrubs! (Just kidding )

I've always worn pantsuits or crisp cotton blouse with a black skirt.

Good luck to you! :balloons:

Fiona59 · Oct 14, 2004

A suit of any type, if you have one, seems to do the trick.

Main thing is to present a polished, professional image. So as long as its clean, and not to britneyish you should be fine.

Some nurses (LPN, RN, and Reg Psych Nurses) seem to forget they are professionals and yup, I've seen the ultra casual arrive for interviews and orientation. I mean, come on, orientation is paid time, even though ur not on the floor, you still have to look the part. What was with the shorts, Tshirt, and flip flops on a 30 year old?

Town & Country · Oct 14, 2004

Personally, I think a dark skirt and blazer, paired with a light blouse, is the best choice.

I add a tasteful amount of jewelry (small earrings, one necklace), so as not to appear too drab.

It goes without saying that everything should be freshly washed and wrinkle-free.

Also, make sure your hair looks good and if you wear make-up, (I do), in tasteful amounts.

Another tip: I carry my resume and other papers in a very professional-looking attache. I have a clipboard in there holding my papers, also a pen.

All that aside, enjoy yourself. You're meeting a new person and try to find something in common. I have gone on interviews and immediately bonded with the interviewer. They are just another person, like you are. If they have pictures around their desk of their children, ask about them. :balloons:

Good Luck!

laurakoko · Oct 14, 2004

I agree with the pants suit or the skirt suit. Either, as long as you look professional, as you are interviewing for a professional position. The last four people I have seen interviewed, came in JEANS! No, No.

rollingstone · Oct 14, 2004

My thought would be: just look professional. Remember, it's a job interview and not a night club.

veteranRN · Oct 14, 2004

I completely agree with all of the advice given. Pant suits are fine. I think the appropriate word is "suit". I think suits look the most professional and is what nurses should strive to present.