Interview Attire

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Sep 18, 2013

It depends what position you are applying for. If it is going to be in management, then yes, a suit will give you a professional edge. If not, you can make a good impression going in something like this:

spin_prod_802575812?hei=185&wid=185&op_sharpen=1&qlt=85 Very neat and chic th?id=H.4747632239183420&w=224&h=171&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7 Avoid the look on the right

Good luck!

DemosthenesRN · Sep 18, 2013

Yes, you absolutely wear a suit for an interview. Nursing is a professional job, and anything less than professional interview attire does not leave a strong impression. Business casual is not appropriate for an interview. Your suit choices are good, but you should know that skirts are seen as more conservative. I elected for skirts when I interviewed for a business position, but I wore a pantsuit to my nursing interviews. Make sure the fit is good and not too tight. Maybe a scarf to make it more interesting? Black and white looks a tad boring to my eye, but it also is professional and the most important thing is that you feel good in what you're wearing.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 18, 2013

Suits are good, but not necessary for all jobs. For some jobs (e.g. entry-level jobs) a "suit-like" outfit can work just as well. By "suit-like" I mean something like a dressy pair of formal trousers/skirt plus a nice cardigan sweater or a coordinating jacket. I sometimes prefer to buy "suit-like" clothes instead of actual suits because they can be more easily/cheaply cleaned and "mixed & matched."

CoolKidsRN · Sep 18, 2013

For a hiring event or job fair, do you think a suit is necessary? Would a simple dress or skirt and blouse be acceptable?

adjappleton · Sep 18, 2013

You don't always have to wear a suit. As someone suggested, pants, blouse and nice cardigan are nice together. Putting together an outfit shows *you* know how to present yourself well, really better than a suit b/c the suit is off-the-rack. Avoid platforms/wedge/cutesie shoes.

CoolKidsRN · Sep 18, 2013

Awesome, thanks!

green34 · Sep 18, 2013

Well, I am not really fashion inclined. I am more of a t-shirt and jeans type of person. When I did my interview, I wore khakis and a blue shirt.

It would be an entry-level nursing position.

Around here, job applications are submitted online and they call you. There are not usually any job fairs. Around here, it is standard to do a 1 on 1 and then a peer interview.

heartsgal, ADN, RN · Sep 19, 2013

Good question, I've wondered about this also. I have been nicer dressed than the interviewer twice now and made me a bit uncomfortable, like I was trying to hard. I had bought this beautiful fitting teal suit jacket on the clearance rack at Dillard's for $30 that was originally 100 and wore it with black slacks and a cream blouse that has a tiny black print. One mgr walked right past me and said I didn't think you were a student, but then again I am 48 yo I've since worn brown slacks and a plain long sleeve cream colored blouse form Kohls that, I feel more comfortable in. Good luck with the suit, it looks nice :)

SubSippi · Sep 19, 2013

I wore suits to my interviews. I saw other people going in not wearing suits, but in an interview situation I would 100% rather be overdressed than underdressed.

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 19, 2013

Always wear a suit to an interview. Always.

wooh, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2013

I've seen a lot come in to interview with my manager. The ones that got jobs? They were wearing suits or close to it. Definitely business attire. Back a few years ago, you could wear business casual for a nursing interview. Of course, back then, you could show up with a pulse and a nursing license and get hired. Now you have to be more impressive.

If you can afford a suit, go for it. It doesn't have to be an expensive suit. And I like the idea of suit-like, black pants, blouse and a black cardigan would work. But definitely look put together. It's a small price to pay to eventually get to wear pajamas to work. :)