Interview Attire?

Wiggly Litchi · May 31, 2018

Before this thread, I had no idea that there were so many definitions of business casual haha.

So I did what any confused brit would do... And searched google images.

I'm definitely leaning more toward the suit... The modern take on business casual just feels too 'casual'

caliotter3 · May 31, 2018

I bought a pair of casual slacks and a matching blazer from J C Penney and used the same outfit for a couple of decades. Navy blue or black. Conservative and boring, but it serves the purpose.

Wiggly Litchi · May 31, 2018

I must say, however, in my book, jeans are always a no-no, no matter nice they appear.

I agree - short-shorts and studded leather jackets should be verboten too... Had someone show up to an interview at a facility I was working at wearing that attire. She got the job. Says a lot about the place I was working for

FurBabyMom, MSN, RN · May 31, 2018

Just an update for everyone: I went in black skinny pants, a white blouse & a pair of black closed toe toms and got the job!

I'm glad it worked out for you. I would not have worn that to an interview in health care. Retail maybe but not health care.

I've always worn something conservative and "dressy". I went to a few interviews in a nice, conservative dress with a blazer and dress shoes. Others I've went to in either black dress pants or a black skirt, plus a dress shirt and black jacket with appropriate dress shoes (closed toe, either flats or pumps).

I take that back - my last interview I wore scrubs. But I was at work and interviewing during my shift. I was already a known. If it'd been on my day off, I would have dressed similarly to what I described above. If/when I interview for something else - something similar to my previous interviews will be the clothing of choice.

If I could give you advice - do not assume that because it "worked this time" that that was the best option. Many positions are SUPER competitive and you cannot re-do a first impression. If/when you apply for something else, please take a little more time to prepare. There is a rule of thumb that says you dress at a level above the job you want (like what the boss or boss' boss would wear).

Maybe I'm just odd despite being a millennial...

psu_213, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2018

I agree - short-shorts and studded leather jackets should be verboten too... Had someone show up to an interview at a facility I was working at wearing that attire. She got the job. Says a lot about the place I was working for

I interviewed someone wearing a black leather jacket--no studs or anything--it was part of her outfit, it looked nice, I didn't think much of it. Well, during the interview, it squeaked and creaked with every little move she made, and it just accentuated the fact that she was fidgety. The jacket and its noises were not the make or break thing, but it did not help.

bd2rn · Jun 9, 2018

I have never owned a suit in my life, and I've rocked numerous interviews over the decades. If you're applying for a management job, I guess it makes sense to invest in a suit, but for a regular nursing job the standard has NEVER been suits, at least not in the USA.

AJJKRN · Jun 9, 2018

I have never owned a suit in my life, and I've rocked numerous interviews over the decades. If you're applying for a management job, I guess it makes sense to invest in a suit, but for a regular nursing job the standard has NEVER been suits, at least not in the USA.

Maybe not in your part of the continent but I have always worn a nice dress suit even when I was applying as a CNA. I think it shows the interviewer(s) respect and that you seriously want the job, just like handwritten thank you notes after the interview. But that's just me I guess...

KeepinitrealCCRN · Jun 9, 2018

I always wear a blazer and a tie but not exactly a "suit" so I would say business casual and I have always been offered the position. I even had someone compliment me on how well I was dressed so I think it never hurts to overdress but I also iron my scrubs so thats just me. If I interviewed 2 people with the same qualifications it would probably come down to who has a better presentation. How you present yourself says a lot about you and I wouldn't want a sloppy looking nurse taking care of me if I was a patient. If you can't even put yourself together in scrubs why would I want you taking care of me?

bd2rn · Jun 9, 2018

I firmly believe that clothes don't show respect or lack thereof; people do. When I go to interviews, I wear simple, classic dress pants, shirt, and shoes. My hair is neat. I arrive a bit early, but not too early. I greet the interviewers by name, and I write their names down. I sent handwritten notes of thanks, regardless of the outcome of the interview. It is my belief that THAT shows respect.

AJJKRN · Jun 10, 2018

I firmly believe that clothes don't show respect or lack thereof; people do. When I go to interviews, I wear simple, classic dress pants, shirt, and shoes. My hair is neat. I arrive a bit early, but not too early. I greet the interviewers by name, and I write their names down. I sent handwritten notes of thanks, regardless of the outcome of the interview. It is my belief that THAT shows respect.

You have not yet seen prospective applicants show up in a tube top, skinny jeans or daisy dukes, and flip flops yet smacking gum then ;-)

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Jun 10, 2018

AJJKRN,

Are you serious?

I would think even the most "wet behind the ears" person would have enough sense to at least put on some khaki pants and a regular cotton top (not t-shirt) to show up to an interview if they had nothing else to wear. Holy cow.

As much as I'm amazed at your reply, I totally believe it. I do see a lot of disconnect in some of the youth of today and what is deemed acceptable (at least in the workplace).

psu_213, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2018

I always wear a blazer and a tie but not exactly a "suit" so I would say business casual and I have always been offered the position.

I guess it depends on one's definition of business causal. Now I work in a job where I wear business causal everyday. At my job, for guys, this means khakis or other nice pants and a button down shirt. No tie/jacket required. At the same time, I could never imagine showing up for an interview, even a staff nurse position, in anything less than a tie. I usually wore a jacket too. I can't remember a situation where I saw a male come for a nursing job without a tie on.

The one exception for me--I had a 2nd interview that was going to be immediately followed by shadowing on the unit--I was told to wear scrubs and I did. Otherwise, tie and jacket never let me down.

OTOH, I see what women wear as business casual, and I think it would be totally appropriate for an interview. I am not a fashion expert, and I am probably the worst person to ask what would qualify at business casual, formal, etc., for a woman.