Interview Attire

Nonetheless · Sep 19, 2013

Always err on the side of too formal. Like someone else said, it's nearly impossible to over dress unless you wear a ball gown or prom tuxedo.

rninme · Sep 19, 2013

Sweats?? Seriously?

oh yeah - with some name written across the tush too! Very professional looking!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2013

I always wore a suit, got 95 % of the jobs I interviewed for.

A suit makes the statement that your SERIOUS about the position.

Elizabeth Renee · Sep 19, 2013

I will say that I knew someone who answered a question like this. She said she always, without fail, wore red of some kind as a power color (suit and shoes would be neutral like black and well fitted, blouse would be red). Suit, heels, nice red blouse and assembled her resume and such in a red folder for them to keep. She took great care in her makeup but it was never overdone. She was very organized in appearance and demeanor and got every job she has ever interviewed for.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2013

As someone who has done a lot of hiring in my day those who dressed for the job more often than not got the job. It is very true when they say an interviewer knows whether they want to hire someone within the first 30 seconds. I would get a feeling on everyone I would interview very quickly. If they walked in dress appropriately, carried themselves well, and shook my hand well they usually got the job.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 19, 2013

I don't own a suit, and I've changed sizes so often that I couldn't afford to have them in every size from 22 to 32. But I have a wonderful outfit consisting of a black blouse, black dress slacks, and a red jacket that's very forgiving (I've gained and lost the same 60 lbs and still been able to wear it), and I had it on when I landed that DNS position a few years ago. So I don't think a suit is mandatory, but YMMV. I live in a very casual part of the country where it's rare to see anyone in something that formal. It's probably different in large cities and the East.

deflowerkidRN · Sep 19, 2013

I have been interviewing for acute care nursing jobs lately and I have worn nice black dress pants, black flats and a royal blue blouse. I have one job locked in already. Just my 2 cents!

NurseDirtyBird · Sep 19, 2013

I always wear a suit or business attire (skirt, hose, blouse, cardigan/jacket, sensible heels) with simple makeup, simple hair and minimal jewelry. I sometimes get comments like, "Oh, you look nice!" especially when the interviewing manager is in scrubs or jeans. Those comments are from managers who offer me jobs. You need every trick up your sleeve in this economy, so a suit is a great idea.

Flatlander · Sep 19, 2013

I've worn a suit and felt overdressed but I don't think you can be faulted for that. Judging by the several comments here from other nurses saying "definitely wear a suit".... I think you might end up facing one of those people at your interview. Better safe than sorry. I like a plain black or navy pantsuit, with a white or light blue button up blouse, or another type of dressy blouse or shell that is a flattering color or cut. Minimal jewelry, short unpolished nails. Low heeled pumps. Folder or brief bag with copies of resume, certs, license. And a firm handshake and friendly smile. And a big dose of confidence. Good luck. (Don't go for the pinstripe, go for plain and conservative) :)

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2013

I'm old school and fully believe "dress for the job you want, not the one you have" A little difficult when we were scrubs, LOL, so make your intentions known in the interview. I also believe its better to be over dressed rather than under dressed in most situations.

I wore a suit (black slacks and tailored jacket with black/white pumps) for my last interview, the DON commented on it in a very positive way.

Understand what "business casual" means too for inservices. You'll look appropriate dressed in true BC fashion while your coworkers show up in jeans and hoodies---trust me.

raianne · Sep 19, 2013

I wore a suit to the interviews for my first two jobs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but the most recent job I interviewed for was in Texas. It was 100 degrees and there was no way I was wearing a jacket of any kind. I wore a black pencil skirt (knee length, interviews are not the time for short skirts or cleavage) and a short sleeved blouse, and I got the job! I think that as long as you're dressed like a conservative business person, you're good, jacket or no jacket. One piece of advice...wear cute shoes but make sure they're comfortable. I wore super cute but uncomfortable heels for one job interview and they decided to give me a walking tour of the hospital during the interview. My feet hurt for days!

canigraduate · Sep 19, 2013

I've always worn a suit to every interview and have gotten a job offer for each. Some of my compatriots tell me that business casual is fine, but they seem to take longer to land jobs, so I take their advice with a grain of salt.