Interview clothing

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 16, 2005

I took a resume writing class in which also they give you tips on formal wear so I can share some of those with you.

They recommed a suit with solid earth colors (avoid patterns and bright tropical colors)

Simple jewelery (earrings no larger than the size of a nickel, a few rings and necklace

Make-up should be business like and toned down

Perfume should be used in moderation

Hair should be neat and well combed

No chewing gum, and if you are a smoker try not to smoke before the interview

Since you mentioned it is hot, you might be able to wear the slacks with a thin blouse or even sleevless tank (solid colored) and a suit jacket on top.

Again, you can modify it to best suit you and your wardrobe but also remember the interview is not going to take you all day....so you might be able to put up with the heat for that very short period of time and once it's over change into something else.

Best of luck to you on your interview. :)

P.S When I worked as an Administrative Assistant, the boss would usually comment about the attire after the person left. If they did not look appropriate or toned down, she would not even consider them (I know it is terrible) but "just in case" it never hurts to look the best you can for the first impression moment. I am aware that it is a nursing job, but I believe the rule still may apply. Again good luck to you

Bijou-Spice · Jul 16, 2005

debblynn13

Having come from the corporate world I am used to always wearing a suit. But since having gained some weight from nursing school my suits wouldn't fit and I didn't want to purchase one that I wouldn't have a need for. (Save the money for scrubs!) So I wore slacks with a silk blouse. Seemed ok with the people I interviewed with since I had an offer from every department I went to. I saw several people in slacks and a nice top, along with someone in capris/tank top and sandles (which I wouldn't recommend no matter how hot it is).

My final thought is if it is somehow a cooler day for your interview then wear the suit, but if it is at the point you are going to sweat then go for a cool outfit. Also, I live in an upstate NY city with a population of around 200,000, I don't know the demographics of your area, but here it is business casual in the HR department. So there were the slack/top combo along with the suit .

I'm sure you will wow them with your resume and interviews skills they won't even notice if you went in your bathing suit!! :coollook:

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2005

I sympathize ... I start my job on Monday - business casual for orientation - and right now it is HOT & HUMID here in PA ... :rolleyes: I've been in shorts, capris, or a swimsuit continuously for the last month since graduation -- boy is that about to change! :chuckle

However, maybe this is my corporate background, but I wouldn't dream of going to an interview in any less than a suit, a pantsuit, or a very well-coordinated blazer & pants.

You said your suit's linen - sounds like a lovely summer suit. Blast the AC on the drive in and leave enough time to be in the building 10-15 min. before your appt. time & hit the ladies' room to cool down & freshen up.

Good luck to you -- let us know how it goes! :)

TypicalFish · Jul 16, 2005

I am with you-I have always "run hot" and being peri-menopausal-well, hot flashes make it worse. I am in hot and muggy Maryland. I wore very nice suit-type black pants and a office-looking/suit type pale pink silk, short-sleeved shirt. Very minimal jewelry-I wore a watch and pearl studs. I Don't wear foundation because it may makes you hotter and sweatier, & it'll "melt" off- but I did wear simple, neutral eye-make up (great for eye-contact). and a neutral lip color.

Another thing that you can do is arrive early. I am always 15 minutes early in the office(which is also correct ettiquite), and to do so, I am make sure that I am on site 30 minutes early, just in case. Better to be early and wait. This allows you a few minutes to sit in the HR office and cool off and collect yourself.

I also carry a notebook with clear binder pages in it; in these pages I carry letters/copies of recommendation from instructors, etc, resume; my licenses; my CPR card; and anything I think I'll need in an interview. I can just grab it and go-for me less stress and less rushing around keeps me cooler. Plus recruiters seem to love the organization impression that it makes.

Good Luck-and remember to smile!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2005

If your outfit allows you to remove the jacket you would be comfortable outside and inside (assuming the inside is air-conditioned). We are more casual in Texas, and nice shirt and pants are acceptable. I think it is important not to look like you just dropped by on your way to the gym or the mall. You are trying to impress the other person, not make a fashion statement, so conservative measures are generally best. Good luck! Have you thought about the questions you will ask?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jul 18, 2005

Comfortable, but clean and professional. This can be achieved without pantyhose and dress shoes.