Interview on Friday (women lurkers feel free to post)

al7139, ASN, RN · Nov 28, 2007

Hi,

I am not a fashion guru, but my opinion would be that you wear something "buisness casual" like Dockers and a button down shirt. Loafers or other similar shoes (no sneakers!) and socks that go with the outfit (NOT white tube socks!!!!). For an interview (even in the medical field) scrubs are not appropriate, even if that's what you will be wearing if you get hired. You want to make a good first impression, but a suit is too formal unless it is a management position. Also..be sure to shave and make sure your hair is neat. Wear anti-perspirant, but no strong cologne or after-shave (you won't be able to wear it at work, so don't wear it to an interview). Also (and I know this is a given) take a shower. When I was in a management position, the initial reaction for me of a prospective employee was appearance and personal hygeine. If the interviewee was not well groomed, and reeked of after-shave or cologne, they made a poor first impression. In a hospital or other medical facility where you will interact with people, these things are so important. First: A strong smelling cologne can be offensive, and give the impression that you are hiding poor hygeine habits. Second: lots of people have severe allergic reactions to after-shave or cologne, and you don't want to be responsible for sending a pt into an athsma attack.

Lastly, make sure your fingernails are clean and neat. You don't have to get a manicure, but do trim your nails, and clean them.

Good luck! I hope my advice helps you.

Amy

styRN · Nov 28, 2007

Similar thread here: https://allnurses.com/forums/f212/what-color-suit-purchase-job-interview-224918.html

I disagree with going more casual.

You cannot go wrong, and will not be over-dressed, with a simple tailored single breasted suit, the more conservative, the better.

I don't care what position you are applying for, whether it is for nursing, housekeeping, or the cheif of medicine: first impressions are everything, like the previous poster stated. Although business casual will not necessarily make-or-break the interview, it will speak volumes of your intentions and commitment to the position you are applying for and may give you that extra edge over another prospective candidate.

I've never heard of someone not getting a job because they were overdressed for the interview. Even though the position you are interviewing for is not a "business" position, the interview process is a formal one and you should dress the part.

dria · Nov 28, 2007

perspective from one of the "female lurkers"...

call me old fashioned, but i wear a suit to every interview. as another has already said....its all about the first impression...

Jolie, BSN · Nov 28, 2007

I cast my vote with styRN and dria.

Good luck!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 28, 2007

You might call the HR department and ask them what they suggest.

Actually, I'd go with cleanliness and good grooming. No scrubs--although I did wear them to an interview but I called ahead and explained I would actually be interviewing on my break (or was it on the way home?) and they said fine and it was.

I do think if you are overdressed it is way too much. Hard to read someone's mind, but try this: if you were hiring someone, what image would make you feel most like you would enjoy working with this person and that they were competent.

That's what it boils down to.

I will tell you that we were interviewing chaplains for our hospice (I see you work in hospice--yea!), and one was fairly casual but neat and clean, and the other was dressed to the nines.

The first appeared friendly and cordial, the other was formal in demeanor.

Both were great men. But the first one was who I wanted--he "fit."

The second was who the (crooked) CEO wanted (probably to irk me), and that's who was hired. He was a good man, a good chaplain, but he never "fit."

Interestingly, Mr. Formal wasn't able to come to work for a little over 2 months, and Mr. Casual was hired temporarily. He was great, the patients, families, physician and staff all loved him. It has been a year, and they all still know who he is. Mr. Formal, bless his heart, never really got close to anyone.

Different purpose for hiring, I know. Just some stray thoughts from a female lurker.... (thanks for inviting us in, btw)

Larry77, RN · Nov 28, 2007

My advice is to go with what is comfortable for you. For me, I would feel awkward in a 3 piece suit and would go with a nice button up shirt with slacks and dress shoes but that's me not you. If you dress down on our suggestions then you may feel uncomfortable about it and worry that you may not have dressed right for the interview during the interview which could be distracting.

Don't worry too much they are not going to hire you just on how you dress or don't dress :)

Good luck to you I'm sure you'll do great. Most nursing interviews I've been to they tried to sell the job to me...he he...gotta love this profession!

Larry

RN1980 · Nov 28, 2007

i agree with larry77, if you are comfortable being in an interview situation wearing a high dollar 3 piece "pimp suit" go for it, or wear something alittle more casual and comfortable. my first interview i wore tan dockers, white shirt, blue blaser jacket and blue tie, heck i wore my scrubs to a part-time rn interview while on my way to work last yr and was hired on the spot. anyway good luck...

Buckyxj · Nov 29, 2007

Thanks for all your help. I feel that the suit might be too formal myself. I will let you know how it goes and what happens at the interview Friday. The only problem is that it might clash with my current hospice job. Just have to see what they say. I was also offered a fulltime position today at the LTC facility that I work at PRN (is it PRN or prn?). Heres to hoping it will work out I just need a little something more skilled than the hospice to get ready for school. I should be finished with my BSN in a year and a half woohoo.

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2007

You might call the HR department and ask them what they suggest.

Actually, I'd go with cleanliness and good grooming. No scrubs--although I did wear them to an interview but I called ahead and explained I would actually be interviewing on my break (or was it on the way home?) and they said fine and it was.
I do think if you are overdressed it is way too much. Hard to read someone's mind, but try this: if you were hiring someone, what image would make you feel most like you would enjoy working with this person and that they were competent.
That's what it boils down to.
I will tell you that we were interviewing chaplains for our hospice (I see you work in hospice--yea!), and one was fairly casual but neat and clean, and the other was dressed to the nines.
The first appeared friendly and cordial, the other was formal in demeanor.
Both were great men. But the first one was who I wanted--he "fit."
The second was who the (crooked) CEO wanted (probably to irk me), and that's who was hired. He was a good man, a good chaplain, but he never "fit."
Interestingly, Mr. Formal wasn't able to come to work for a little over 2 months, and Mr. Casual was hired temporarily. He was great, the patients, families, physician and staff all loved him. It has been a year, and they all still know who he is. Mr. Formal, bless his heart, never really got close to anyone.
Different purpose for hiring, I know. Just some stray thoughts from a female lurker.... (thanks for inviting us in, btw)

:yeahthat:

I have an interview in a few weeks. The interview's going to be 3 hours long and it includes a tour, so I just asked the HR guy that set up the interview what the dress code was. He assured me that business casual was acceptable. Like most others have said, just use good judgment (no jeans, sneakers, etc.) and you should be fine. Good luck with your interview!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2007

I have to say, it depends to a degree on WHERE you are.

I grew up in Staten Island, and it would not occur to me to apply for any non-retail job in anything other than a suit.

Now, I live in the Adirondack Park in a small town and anything dressier than a casual skirt and blouse would be way OTT.

However, perfect grooming is a must, as are polished shoes.

MNmom3boys · Nov 30, 2007

I have to say, it depends to a degree on WHERE you are.

:yeahthat: If you currently live in the area you will probably have a better feel for this than we will, along with the call to HR (which will give you the feel for the "corporate climate") as previously suggested.

Good-luck to you!