interview apparel

okay so I have a few months until I would have to interview for school, but I like planning ahead (ok actually I am obsessing about the whole process ) what did you guys wear to your interview? Right now I am thinking, black pants w/ boring black shoes and then maybe a blue or red blouse w/ 3/4 sleeves (it will be April or almost May before I interview ) I was also thinking about maybe wearing a skirt or dress. what do y'all think?

A

[Carolanne]

Talk about getting organized!:) Sounds good to me, keep the focus on looking professional, not too frilly or too casual. Definitely avoid the jeans, plunging necklines or clothes that are too tight. Also a point which many people never think of - toss the gum on the way in the door and easy on the perfume!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

You can't go wrong with conservative business dress. A blazer is a vital part of an interview outfit, and should be part of every woman's wardrobe whether she's a checker at WalMart or a CEO. Slacks are fine.........believe me, you want to be as comfortable as possible during an interview, so if you don't care for skirts and the accompanying fuss of heels and pantyhose, don't wear one.

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum---small earrings, a necklace, and your wedding ring (if you have one) are always in good taste. Accessories should also be conservative, and hopefully match your outfit (brown purse with black shoes and a blue suit just doesn't cut it).

If you have long hair, you'll want to keep it under control (I usually put mine in a bun) as though you were at work on the floor. Nails should be clean, and natural, and it should go without saying that you don't want to wear dragon-lady talons with bright-red polish to an interview. Perfume should also be omitted, as many people are sensitive to scents......all you should smell is clean.

Hope these tips are helpful to you. Good luck!!:)

[BarbPick]

Monster.com is a good place to start. Make a good resume following their steps and look at their section on Job Interviews.

[nurse2be in ny]

I have a very casual wardrobe (no jackets or suits), and I couldn't afford to buy anything to wear on my interviews. I ended up wearing khakis and a black sweater both times, and I didn't feel out of place or underdressed at all. Also wore small earrings, light-colored nail polish, and a simple ring. Good luck!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Originally posted by nurse2be in ny

I have a very casual wardrobe (no jackets or suits), and I couldn't afford to buy anything to wear on my interviews. I ended up wearing khakis and a black sweater both times, and I didn't feel out of place or underdressed at all. Also wore small earrings, light-colored nail polish, and a simple ring. Good luck!

I think the above post provides a good example of how a person can still look "'professonal" without spending a lot of money and/or wearing clothes that don't look or feel comfortable. If the pants, sweater, etc. are neat and clean and fit well, this type of look can be very appropriate for most situations -- particularly for an entry-level job interview.

The key is to have the clothes look "sharp" and "well pulled together" and to have them fit well. Note also that the accessories were tasteful and not distracting.

Good luck,

llg

[athomas91]

there are plenty of nice, yet inexpensive suits out there...and it will ALWAYS come in handy....can't go wrong w/ a dk blue or black suit...

[jemommyRN]

I was told by a career adviser to never wear red on an interview and to try and avoid wearing pants. I don't know if a job interview is much different than a school interview. But, in my own personal opinion. I think that a dark business suit (skirt, jacket) or dress would be nice. I would advise you not to go out and buy anything unless absolutely necessary. As the previous post replied: keep jewelry to a minimum and keep hair unnoticeable. no loud and unusual colors.

[Mithrah]

Don't wear jeans.

I went to a job interview today and another lady interviewing actually wore jeans and flip flops! What was she thinking!?!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I agree with the dark blue or black business suit. My preference would be a nice A-line, or pleated skirt.

Nice low heels and minimal jewelry is also a good idea.

Just my 2 cents! :)