Interview Attire

Nurses Job Hunt

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Do people still wear suites for interviews? I'm looking at:

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c36333/212-collection-pin-striped-suit-separates.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c29490/212-collection-solid-suit-separates.jsp

Along with a white button down shirt and black flats. I am thinking about getting both of them for when I do interviews down the line.

Any thoughts? All of my other jobs I wore khakis and a button down shirt.

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. :)

That's how I always thought of scrubs! Sooo comfy. :)

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Specializes in School nursing.

I have my go-to interview suit in my closet. I'll admit that I never wear it unless I go on an interview, but it has paid for itself in the jobs I've landed with it :). A suit, to me, feels professional and reads "I am serious about wanting this job." Only once when I went on a theater administration interview (long before nursing), was I specifically asked to not wear a suit. For that interview, I picked a stylish, professional dress. Oddly enough, it was that dress that got me remembered and hired for that job...

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As a former hiring interviewer, I can say that certainly it will impress the interviewer if you are dressed in a manner that shows utmost respect for the whatever position you are interviewing. Being casually dressed is a measure (superficial but still counts) of how seriously you take the job opening.

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Once upon a time - during my diploma RN - we had a class called Professionalism. I can still here my instructor's voice in my head when I dress for a job interview. Professional attire - suit, non-cutesy shoes - hose if wearing a skirt. I have been to job interviews where the others interviewing for the same job showed up in sweats - guess who got the job???

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Plus maybe the suit will make me look older. I know when I go to take drug tests, people comment on how young I look.

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

I agree that people still wear suits. I have never worn a pair of pants to an interview. I think you can't go wrong with a dress or skirt. Then you don't have to worry if the attire is appropriate...but that's just my opinion and what works for me.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

I would never wear anything but a suit. Kind of foolish to advise otherwise.

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.
Once upon a time - during my diploma RN - we had a class called Professionalism. I can still here my instructor's voice in my head when I dress for a job interview. Professional attire - suit, non-cutesy shoes - hose if wearing a skirt. I have been to job interviews where the others interviewing for the same job showed up in sweats - guess who got the job???

Sweats?? Seriously?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Short of wearing a tuxedo or ballgown, you can't overdress for an interview IMO.

Suits are alive and well in the interview world...if that's not an option, llg's suggestion of "suit-like" is just as good.

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Suit for sure...and I like the pants suit! I had nice Lands End black pants, went to Kohls and bought a black jacket to go with it...made my own super cute suit..got the second job I interviewed for as a new grad!

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Specializes in ICU and EMS.

They say an interviewer knows within the first 30 seconds of meeting you whether they like you or not. Walking into a room, they see you before speaking with you, so your appearance makes a strong statement in that brief time.

I've worn a black suit for every nursing position I've interviewed for and gotten a job offer for each one. I often get comments about how refreshing it is to see an applicant dress in a suit. With my track record in this tight job market, I give a lot of credit to my trusty suit.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely keep this in mind for future references.

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