appropriate interview clothes?

Hi! I'm a student at Univ. of TX, Arlington and in a couple of weeks I'll be interviewing for the BSN program. I'm very excited - 2 years of going through prereqs and now I'm a little closer to actual nursing school! I've been wondering what I should wear to make a good impression. I'm not sure if a suit would be overdoing it, or at the same time if a nice sweater set would be too underdressed. What did everyone else wear to their interviews? Thanks in advance!

:)

-Lesley

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

Hi! I'm a student at Univ. of TX, Arlington and in a couple of weeks I'll be interviewing for the BSN program. I'm very excited - 2 years of going through prereqs and now I'm a little closer to actual nursing school! I've been wondering what I should wear to make a good impression. I'm not sure if a suit would be overdoing it, or at the same time if a nice sweater set would be too underdressed. What did everyone else wear to their interviews? Thanks in advance!

:)

-Lesley

I didn't have an interview but I don't see why a nice button-up shirt and a skirt or dress pants wouldn't be just fine. Good luck to you!

[manna, BSN, RN]

I didn't have a nursing school acceptance interview, but I did have two scholarship interviews at the same school.

I'd say a nice dress shirt and pants would be a good combo. I wore a pair of black trousers, a nice tailored 3/4-sleeve shirt, and some black leather shoes - minimal jewelry and makeup (but I do that all the time).

Good luck! :)

[gij1]

You want to feel and look as professional as possible. Put together an outfit that is together looking, pant suit or not too formal skirt and jacket. It is okay to look like you made an effort. The person who shows up in jeans will not make the same impression as one who shows with a professional look. Good luck with your interview! Let us know how it goes.

[RedSox33RN]

I had two nursing interviews in January, and wore dress slacks and a dressy sweater set to both. It did not make sense to wear a skirt or dress, as I live in New England and it was below zero with snow and ice on the ground. I don't think a suit would be unreasonable. If you get there and seem a little "too" dressy, you could always remove the jacket to tone it down.

I was told to dress as you would if you go to church on Sundays, or if you attend a bridal shower. Look clean and presentable, no sneakers or jeans, and if you do a dress or skirt, nothing short. I wore a nice watch, and minimal jewelry - small earrings, thin necklace, etc.

Footwear was a problem because of the aforementioned weather, but I had some nice dress shoes I had just gotten from LL Bean, that had sort of a "boot" look to them. Since your in TX, I say just choose footwear to go with the outfit you select.

Good luck!! :)

[dramaluvr]

Footwear was a problem because of the aforementioned weather, but I had some nice dress shoes I had just gotten from LL Bean, that had sort of a "boot" look to them. Since your in TX, I say just choose footwear to go with the outfit you select.

Good luck!! :)

I agree with Whitney. When I had my interview I wore a button down shirt with a skirt and jacket that matched. My interviewee was wearing about the same. The person who went in before me had on a sweater and jeans and I really felt out of place, but I got accepted into the school. So - whatever you feel comfortable with. I felt it appropriate to wear a suit as this was an interview that would determine the rest of my life. They want to see your personality in how you dress anyway. Just be yourself!:)

[newgrad2005]

I say wear a suit. You can't go wrong.

[Jen2]

A navy blue suit is considered the "power suit" for women. Wear a watch only, minimal make-up, hair neat and pulled back. You can always find nice flat loafers or 1/2" heals at payless really cheap. Always remember, if you look good you'll feel good and feeling good will give you confidence, Good luck.

[Silicone]

Years ago I got some great advice that I follow to this day:

The way to make a good impression any any type

of interview is to dress in your very best most

professional clothing.

Treat it as a job interview. It is expected that you would

present your best image. I'll never forget a boss saying to

me (about a job candidate): "if that was her best, I sure

don't want to see her everyday look".

Monster.com has great articles on how to dress for an interview.

Samantha

[np2b]

I have to agree with the latest responses. You *can't go wrong* with a suit. Some of my friends (soon-to-be-nurses) who were interviewing at hospitals this past week noted several students showing up in jeans and kahki pants. They also noted that "dress, appearance, and demeanor" were three actual categories that their interviewers were grading them on. In an age were nurses are demanding to be given professional respect, I think it's very important that we dress the part! Good luck...

[np2b]

And just an addendum to the above...just because you're interviewing for college (and not a job) doesn't mean that you should dress any less professionally. When I showed up for an interview day at the first nursing school I applied to, about 57 out of the 60 people (mostly women) were wearing suits.

[KristinWW]

I wore a blazer, blouse, pants, pumps. Clothes were immaculate and pressed. Carson would say go for the one natural-fiber blazer rather than a cheaper suit