Career Fair attire? conserative? professional?

justme1972 · Sep 5, 2008

i'm a new graduate and i'm attending a career fair in a few weeks. the only problem, is that i have NO IDEA what is a proper attire.
the nursing spectrum website says dress professional, but that could mean so many things. some sites ( on professional attire ) say that one should always be conservatively dressed= serious suit buttoned up, and a solid bright shirt underneath. than another site said that not to wear a suit to a nursing career fair.
I had initially wanted to wear a blouse with a pencil skirt, no jacket because it will be very hot and humid, and i thought that the jacket is too business like. but than reading all this information, it seems that they want you to look very conservative?
i need help. jacket? no jacket?

You can never go wrong with a suit, plain and simple. It shows effort, it shows you want the job.

A suit isn't a suit without a jacket. You can put it on in the parking lot before you go in.

I can't believe a nursing website would say not to wear a suit to a career fair.

Applicants that dress improperly for interviews (which may be conducted on the spot at a job fair) is a huge complaint of Human Resource Generalists and Recruiters in ANY field.

I have never heard of anyone that failed to get a job b/c they were overdressed...I have heard countless stories of those that didn't get it b/c they were underdressed.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Healthcare IS a business and nurses ARE professionals.

Have you ever seen pictures of a physician's conference or gathering where most all of them wasn't wearing a suit?

There is a reason for that....it's an impression that they make on the public.

greenergrass, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2008

I'm in 100% agreement with Hopeful!

As a previous hiring manager, I vote suit. People make their hiring decision in about 30 seconds (actually research says 10-20 seconds).

It's not fair, but it's reality.

Wear the suit. Not only will it make a great impression - you'll feel more confident & that will shine through.

Go get 'em!

joolia · Sep 5, 2008

Suit. Definitely.

Frankly, I am shocked that a nursing website would encourage you to attend a career fair wearing anything less.

allnurses Guide · Sep 5, 2008

Wow. I find this thread VERY helpful. Wanna know why?

Because I NEVER wear a suit to a job interview; I usually just wear casual business wear. Blouse and skirt, or even slacks. Don't ask for my reasoning.

This thread helps me realize though that I have probably been REALLY under-dressing for interviews and maybe that's why I have trouble landing jobs that are a little harder to get. :imbar

Fortunately I'm fairly happy where I am right now, but if I ever again look to get a new job, or even transfer to another department, I'll know to dress it up just a little more.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2008

It's always a good idea to dress as you would for an interview...the same recruiters who are at the fairs are sometimes the people you will see in the office!

Even nurses with jobs should make an attempt to wear at least business casual-professional is always the way to go! I know first hand....I have heard some recruiters speaking about applicants-I guarentee the belly shirts, sweatpants and generally disheveled don't get a second look.

Even if you go to a conference you should maintain professional dress....again, you never know who you will meet, and who may be a future boss or associate.

Maisy:wink2:

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2008

Not job fair related, but....I've seen many a CNA or nurse come into our LTC for an application or interview. (I don't interview them anymore..."just a staff nurse now") BUT.....attire does say alot. We are a very small facility and tend to be relaxed on alot of things. BUT, I can amost tell from the get go who will work out. I'm okay with scrub attire, business and even business casual, but anything less........Not the type who stick around or make it past the first weeks.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2008

Wow. I find this thread VERY helpful. Wanna know why?
Because I NEVER wear a suit to a job interview; I usually just wear casual business wear. Blouse and skirt, or even slacks. Don't ask for my reasoning.
This thread helps me realize though that I have probably been REALLY under-dressing for interviews and maybe that's why I have trouble landing jobs that are a little harder to get. :imbar
Fortunately I'm fairly happy where I am right now, but if I ever again look to get a new job, or even transfer to another department, I'll know to dress it up just a little more.

I think when you aren't really looking, you don't try as hard....I went to my current jobs interview in scrubs...BUT....they knew I was going to be dressed that way because I was working when they requested I come in.

Wouldn't recommend that unless the recruiter is aware and tells you it doesn't matter!

Maisy

RNperdiem, RN · Sep 5, 2008

If you choose not to go the suit route, choose something conservative. Don't worry if it is hot and humid outside; inside is generally so cold to be almost refrigeration.

I like silk knit sweater sets with neutral colored, tailored pants. The look is conservative and adaptable for other occasions.

MB37 · Sep 5, 2008

I wore a suit to the job fair my school had, and the same suit (6 mo. later, it's neutral, and I only have the one) to my interview at my first choice job. I got it. Never worry about being "too professional."

bisson · Sep 5, 2008

thanks everyone!

and i wasn't kidding about a nursing website that SPECIFICALLY says NOT to wear a suit.

http://www.medhunters.com/articles/dearCPConferenceClothes.html

So nurses: Even if you aren't seriously looking for a job, and are only window-shopping, if you go to a nursing conference or job fair, it's important to dress somewhat formally. By formally, I don't mean a business suit, but I do mean no shorts, and no skimpy or belly-revealing tops. These days, casual dress is fine, but casual dress means pants and a T-shirt with a jacket or sweater to make it a bit more business-like. I must say I like jeans, but at a job fair only wear them with a tailored jacket.

Vito Andolini · Sep 5, 2008

You can never go wrong with a suit, plain and simple. It shows effort, it shows you want the job.
A suit isn't a suit without a jacket. You can put it on in the parking lot before you go in.
I can't believe a nursing website would say not to wear a suit to a career fair.
Applicants that dress improperly for interviews (which may be conducted on the spot at a job fair) is a huge complaint of Human Resource Generalists and Recruiters in ANY field.
I have never heard of anyone that failed to get a job b/c they were overdressed...I have heard countless stories of those that didn't get it b/c they were underdressed.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Healthcare IS a business and nurses ARE professionals.
Have you ever seen pictures of a physician's conference or gathering where most all of them wasn't wearing a suit?
There is a reason for that....it's an impression that they make on the public.

I wonder how people know they didn't get the job due to over- or underdressing. Unless it is the hiring person/HR person who is telling you this.

For OP: I'd say that you should wear a black suit with a white blouse, black shoes, black nylons, carry a black purse. Get there in time to go inside and cool off before hitting the booths. Surely it will be in an air conditioned place. So the outdoor heat and humidity should not matter.