Interview Attire?

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I am trying to prepare for some upcoming graduate nursing school interviews (specifically, master's entry level programs) and was wondering if you had any input on what would be appropriate attire?

My first thought was to wear a women's suit, but I'm not sure if that would be too much? Would it be ok to wear dress pants and a nice blouse? What did you wear to your interviews?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

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Hey ZooGirl,

Congrats on the interview! I wore a women's suit and nice flats to my interview at WesternU, and found that it was what most people were wearing as well.

Best of luck!

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Business attire is always appropriate. I've always worn a women's pantsuit to interviews. Alternatively, I've read that dress slacks and a nice blouse are also acceptable. Good luck with your interviews.

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Thanks fiona!

It's nice to hear that a suit was the most common thing people were wearing--one of my fears was that I'd be the only one in a suit :uhoh3:

Congrats on your WesternU interview!! I might be attending there as well, maybe we'll end up being classmates!

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Specializes in CTICU.

Always wear a suit to interviews.

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Specializes in med surg.

I think a business suit and flats are approriate. If you have a nice pair of slacks and a navy or black blazer with a nice white blouse that would do also. Go light on any perfume and jewelry. Also I would say if you have long nails or fake nails you would consider neatly trimmed, most hospitals do not allow fake nails.

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Why flats???? I always wear heels with my suits.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree with the others -- a suit is good, but there is no need to go to the extremes with that look. Aim for looking "neat, tidy, and professional" -- but also comfortable with yourself. You want to appear naturally confident and comfortble with yourself.

As for the heals ... as long as they are not extreme, no one will probably notice. Extreme heals can make you look young and not very sensible in the eyes of some more mature women who have learned to wear sensible shoes in the workplace. "Sensible shoes" are called "sensible" for a reason. A moderate heal should be fine. Just avoid something that looks dangerous to walk on or that draws too much attention away from what you are saying. You want them focusing on YOU, not your shoes.

BTW ... I did my PhD program interview over the telephone ... on my bed with a big glass of wine. The wine helped, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. :-)

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Huh, pant-suits really? I just may have to go shopping now...

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Hi Ladies (i'm assuming we are all ladies since the majority of replies are for "women" dress suits),

Many of you ahve mentioned dress slacks/pants. Waht about an appropriate length (knee) pencil skirt with a suit jacket and flats? Have you ladies seen any applicants wearing that? Please help!

thank you

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Well its about 120 here around the time Ill be job searching. I think a pant suit would look ridiculous and I might end up in their ER due to hear stroke lol. So on that note, what does one do then?

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I don't see what the big deal is. I am planning on wearing a pair of nice lt tan dress pants and a dark brown dress blouse and some heels. We are nurses and need to look professional but I think that a suit is rediculous to wear since we wear scrubs to work. :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

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