Appropriate Interview Attire

allnurses Guide · Sep 25, 2007

I was wondering what the appropraite interview attire would be for an Rn hospital position. I don't know if I need to wear a suit or if nice slacks and a dress blouse would be okay as well. Thanks!

For a normal staff RN position I always heard & wore casual business attire. So, since I am a guy a dress shirt or polo (no tie), slacks, and dress shoes.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 25, 2007

A suit might be ideal, but the nice slacks and blouse would probably work as well. I've worn both and had job offers both ways.

Just remember to dress conservatively and to be very neat and clean. Minimal jewelry and make-up (if you wear it), no long loose flowing hair, no perfume, no revealing clothing.

Be reasonably comfortable; if you wear something new and it doesn't fit just right, for example, you will not be as comfortable. You need to be thinking about what you're saying and how you're presenting yourself, not that you're itchy or feel like you're wearing a breast binder or that you're going to lose something. The same goes for your shoes; you may end up getting an extensive tour of the facility so you want to wear shoes that look good but don't hurt and are easy to walk in. And, if you're buying something new, sit down in it when you try it on! Some things fit great standing up but not so well sitting down.

I'd carry a lint roller in my car and an extra pair of pantyhose if you wear a skirt. Don't eat or drink in your interview clothes until you're done, and have a back-up in mind just in case something weird happens before you get out the door of your house.

Try not to carry a purse and leave your cell phone in the car or turned off.

Try to arrive 15 minutes early if possible. That will give you time to allow for traffic problems and also a chance to run into the bathroom before the interview starts.

Good luck to you!

Trauma Columnist · Sep 25, 2007

I couldn't add anything to the above poster except good luck.

caliotter3 · Sep 25, 2007

santhony44 hit the nail on the head. I usually wear a suit, but sometimes go in a nice blouse with dress slacks. I rarely wear my dress shoes so I usually find that after I get home I've got some new blisters or some bleeding on my tootsies going on. I might add: Remember those ads about "Don't let them see you sweat?" Well, I'm one of those who will perspire at the North Pole and that was before menopause set in, so I am extra careful about the blouse or shirt that I wear and try to keep my suit coat on specifically so that they can't see me sweat! Good luck on your interviews and hope you get some excellent offers!

krzysiu · Dec 10, 2007

In life you can always be over dressed, but never under dressed. However, in Illinois, if you have a pulse and a license you'll probably get hired...

crazylilkelly · Dec 31, 2007

i'm interviewing @ a hospital in east central IL-----i talked to the recruiter, who does the 1st part of my interview, & she said def wear a dress suit. so, i'll be shoppin @ the limited here pretty soon! i'm a dork & am kinda excited to buy my first dress suit!

NurseRatched67 · Jan 21, 2008

Don't forget one biggie! Clean and/or manicured "short" fingernails.

Nothing worse in an interview when someone has dirty nails that are unkempt.

Wear a conservative suit or slacks/blouse. Be sure to bring something like a cardigan if you are wearing a blouse, just in case it's cool in the interview.

Also, don't wear any black or dark colored bras underneath blouses. You can't believe how many people do this.

Conservative, appropriate hair and makeup. This will make sure they focus on your qualifications, education and experience and not on thinking...What the heck is with that hair? or What was she thinking with that outfit? LOL

Go get em!