ER Interview Question

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I have an interview next week and "first impressions are lasting impressions", Should I wear a polo shirt & slacks, or a shirt & tie (male rn)? May sound silly but this is important!!!thanks in advance

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

I think that a button-up shirt and slacks would look the best--no tie. I think a polo shirt might be a little casual and a tie just a little formal.

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I think that a button-up shirt and slacks would look the best--no tie. I think a polo shirt might be a little casual and a tie just a little formal.

Just out of curiosity are most in agreement with the no tie? Personally I always wear suit to an interview no matter the position. When I was an executive chef in the hotels and country clubs I made it clear to anyone wanting to be a chef in my kitchen that they needed to show up in business attire, if they didnt then it was a quick interview for me.

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

I say wear what's comfortable to you to wear to an interview. You don't want to wear a button up shirt and then be self conscious about it the whole interview. If you think you should wear a tie, I'm sure that will be fine. I think a jacket would probably be a little too "dinner party" for a hospital though.

Good luck, I'm sure you will do great!!!

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nobody laughs at someone for taking their job, interview for thei job, and their appearance seriously.

People DO laugh at people... laugh them right out the door, when they dont take it seriously.

You cannot be over dressed for an interview.. minus a tuxedo. You CAN be underdressed. It is very normal for a guy to wear a shirt and tie to an interview for any position that isnt mcdonalds.

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Specializes in er/icu/neuro/trauma/pacu.

I always "dress up" for an interview, well except telephone interviews-lol.

I have been a nurse for over 20 years and have gotten all but 2 jobs I interviewed for. I almost always wear nice slacks/skirt and a jacket. Really make sure you wear nice shoes-male or female. A tie would be important for a management/supervisor level, staff nurse maybe not so much. But I agree you really can't overdress as long as its professional attire.

The worst attire is no socks!!!!! Oh get a manicure-guy style-not fru-fru it really amkes a good impression in nursing or any other field to have impeccable hygeine!!!

good luck

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

An interview is a business meeting.

Wear the jacket & tie. Good luck to you! :)

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Specializes in I have 2 years in the ER....

Well, coming from the business field, I think the suit should be for a management type interview. When I interviewed for the ER, I went in with a white button down, sweater vest, khakis and matching leather belt and shoes. I think its important to be well put together, but I think the most important thing to do is listen well, answer what is being asked, and to have the positive/excited attitude towards the position you are interviewing for. Your attitude WILL make or break your chance for the second or third interviews.

I've done alot of interviews, where I was on the other side of the desk, and while I did pay attention to what a person wore, that lasted about 15 seconds. Then I was more interested in how they thought, how creative they were, and how passionate they were about the position. Let your intelligence and passion for nursing shine through, and you will definitely improve your chances.

Sorry this was long, its just my experiences from being on both sides of the desk.

Good Luck,

Me

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.
nobody laughs at someone for taking their job, interview for thei job, and their appearance seriously.

People DO laugh at people... laugh them right out the door, when they dont take it seriously.

You cannot be over dressed for an interview.. minus a tuxedo. You CAN be underdressed. It is very normal for a guy to wear a shirt and tie to an interview for any position that isnt mcdonalds.

My sentiments exactly!!

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Specializes in ER, Pedi ER, Trauma, Clinical Education.

Absolutely wear the shirt and tie. I would not recommend the polo, as it appears a bit too casual. Just because our uniforms as scurbs, does not mean that we have to look less than professional when we attend business functions. Plus an interview is a chance for you to sell yourself, so why not paint yourself in the best possible color?

For any face to face interview I have had to go through (even when I did a peer interview for my clinical educator position) I wore either a skirt or pants suit. Fortunately, I have not been passed over following a face to face interview (touch wood), so I always encourage anyone to dress professionally for their in person interviews.

Through the years I have interviewed nurses for staff positions, nurses for internship programs, and participated in peer interviews for potential unit directors. The ones who were the most impressive were the ones who took the interview seriously and dressed professionally.

So, go with the shirt and tie. You'll be glad you did.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Male rn, former businesss owner - shirt and tie. A jacket is too much.

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Well I wore a nice shirt & tie, had a great interview!!!! and and I have the job!!! I am so excited, this is what I have wanted. Thank you everyone for your great advise!!

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