BSN Interview Attire?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg.

What did you guys wear for your interview??

I'm interviewing at the University of Rochester for the accelerated BSN program in 2 weeks, and was planning to wear a suit. Now I'm thinking that may be a bit 'overkill.' Maybe khakis and a sport coat would be better, or just a shirt and tie?

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!!

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I'm not a male, but, in general, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed in an interview situation. You can't go wrong with a suit.

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I'm an Assistant Dean, and have worked in the admissions field for 25+ years.

I'd recommend 'dressy business casual'. Nice dress pants, sports jacket, clean shoes. Take along a tie in your pocket, and get a feel how 'dressy' the office is where you interview. For example, in my office (student affairs/admissions), the women on staff wear dresses and skirts every day. I'm usually in khakis, blazer and a tie when school is in session (no tie in summers, Christmas break, etc).

For men, you can never go wrong with grey (or khaki) slacks and a blue blazer.

For women, I would recommend a nice blouse/skirt and minimal jewelry.

If you have multiple piercings (tongue, brow, nose, multiple on ears), I'd recommend to minimize it and take them out for the interview. You want your interviewer to focus on you and your words (not on your extra metal, facial tats, etc).

Ideally, I recommend 'academic camoflage'. You do not want to be remembered for seeming too out-of-place, or for "costume malfunctions". After all these years, I still remember some outlandish behaviors in interviews -- including the woman who started to breastfeed her 2 year old in an interview, or the guy whose rugby shorts slid allowing a testicle popped out. I do not remember either of their names, but I do remember trying to maintain a professional decorum and keep eye contact.

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Specializes in mental health.
...or just a shirt and tie?

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!!

Nurses don't wear ties. Unsanitary. Unless you want to go with a bow. Clean hands and nails. Ironed white shirt, khaki pants, polished shoes, fresh shave, fresh haircut, minimal or no cologne... Know the following for the interview. Also for life in general.

1)Where you stand.

2)Where you want to go.

If you don't have an answer, say so and offer to think about it.

-K.P.A.

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Specializes in Telemetry & PCU.
Nurses don't wear ties. Unsanitary. Unless you want to go with a bow. Clean hands and nails. Ironed white shirt, khaki pants, polished shoes, fresh shave, fresh haircut, minimal or no cologne... Know the following for the interview. Also for life in general.

1)Where you stand.

2)Where you want to go.

If you don't have an answer, say so and offer to think about it.

-K.P.A.

Nurses do wear ties when it is appropriate. I would sure wear a tie, especially if there is fierce competition for a spot.

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Specializes in High Acuity / Emergency / Trauma.

+1

Ties are not nor were they ever just for doctors.

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watch greys anatomy to give you an idea on how to dress simple but elegant.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I dont think I would ever take someone seriously at an interview that wasnt dressed to kill, including a tie.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg.

Had my interview Friday. I wore the suit. :up:

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