Interview for CNM Program

[Barkow]

I have an interview for a CNM program in a couple weeks and I know this is kind of random, but I'm having trouble figuring out what to wear! All of the midwives I've ever worked with are pretty casual in their dress, so I don't know if this translates into what interviewees are expected to wear. I just don't want to appear overdressed in any way, and at this point do not own any sort of interview suit and don't really have a ton of money lying around to buy one.

Would dressy pants and a nice button-down collared shirt be okay, or do I really have to go beyond that??

I know this seems silly, but this interview is important to me and I'd really appreciate any input from all of you!

[cookderosa]

Speaking of cost....

That said, I have to wear professional attire 50% of the time (a uniform the other 50%) and I buy 100% of my clothes from the Goodwill store or local consignment shop. You don't need to spend a lot of money. I buy entire suits for under $10 (nice, modern, very lightly used) and all pants/shirts for $3.38 I like the brand Talbots for my dressy-clothes (classic colors, classic lines, high quality, less trendy) but not Talbot prices LOL. I can usually get 5 pieces for under $20. You can't go wrong with dark pants, tailored white shirt and maybe a jacket if it's cool outside. Simple jewelry, and minimum perfume. I should add that everything I buy is pretty conservative, but I like modern styles and neutral colors to improve the mix-and-match issue. Too trendy means you have to update more often.

If I have more $ to spend, I go to a ritzy consignment shop here- you can get expensive shoes ($150+) for about $20. I have 2 good pair of shoes- that are stylish and high quality. I wear them with everything business. You have to know me- I don't often spend $20 on anything LOL, so that's a splurge, the rest of my shoes come from Walmart! If you plan to shop the thrift shops, give yourself a few weeks. Don't buy crap- just leave and come back another day. They put new stuff out every day, so after a week or two you will have found what you want (I'm certain of it!!)

[kimiij]

I interviewed for a Master's CNM program a few weeks ago. I wore a pinstripe suit that I got at Macy's for 40% off the original price. However, there were a few people that didn't wear suits. Some wore dress pants/skirt and a nice shirt or they wore a professional looking dress. Most people were in suits but I don't think the ones who didn't wear suits had less of a chance - they all still looked very professional. That is the key really - look neat and professional.

Oh yeah, Good luck on your interview!!!

[revamp]

I'm not a nurse, so I can't speak with nurse-specific experience, but I am the hiring manager for a dept within a medical school.

ALWAYS err on the side of dressing up. Although it's terribly inconvenient to have to gather an outfit together that you may not already own (and may not wear again), as the commercial goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression". "Dressing up" shows a level of commitment and professionalism, and no justification should be used to slide by with something more casual. A professional outfit doesn't have to be expensive. My last "interview outfit" cost me maybe $60 brand new from either Burlington Coat Factory or TJ Maxx (including shoes). YOu can get away with spending less at consignment or thrift stores, as mentioned above.

Good luck with your interview and let us know how it went!