Interview outfit--is this ok?

[SydneyJo1]

I have an interview for a nurse externship in 2 weeks. I was thinking of wearing a black, v-neck cashmere sweater, a black pencil skirt, and heels. With the appropriate accessories, of course (diamond stud earrings, a small diamond cross necklace, my watch...). Is this an appropriate interview outfit, or do I need to go get a suit?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Really? Even for an interview? ...

Yep, even in an interview. As another poster said, interviews often involve tours -- and heels are not sensible for tours. Not anticipating a tour and not wearing shoes appropriate for a tour shows poor judgment. Go to Payless or another discount store and buy yourself a pair of cheap, sensible shoes. They don't have to be ugly, but they need to be sensible.

That applies to very short people, too. Wearing very high heels doesn't fool anybody. In very high heels, we just look like short people with no common sense. (I say "we" because I am only 5 feet, 1.5 inches tall.)

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I would not wear jewelry that reflects my religious beliefs to a job interview.

dishes

[CathyLew]

It depends if you are a guy or a girl. If you are a girl, the outfit sounds ok. If you are a guy.... I wouldn't do a pencil skirt.

[coast2coast]

maybe you could wear flats? they are easy to get in jewel tones or a nice seasonal plaid and are a good way to add color to an outfit. i would say don't go buy 1" clunkers that look out-of-date - wear the heels you are used to or go totally flat.

i would be concerned not so much with clicky heels but of towering over any potential bosses or co-workers i was meeting. it sets a weird power dynamic, you know? it also depends on how tall you are without the heels ...

i also agree with dishes ... no crosses or other religious symbols. keep it professional.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I would not wear jewelry that reflects my religious beliefs to a job interview.

dishes

I was going to say something about the necklace but hesitated. Not so much about the religious beliefs per se, but a diamond cross might be a bit "much." I would just keep it very simple jewelry-wise.

The shoes sound killer (I love spectator pumps), but I agree; not the best for touring. Get some sensible shoes that won't have you clacking around the halls if you do go on a tour.

[biblepoet]

maybe you could wear flats? they are easy to get in jewel tones or a nice seasonal plaid and are a good way to add color to an outfit. i would say don't go buy 1" clunkers that look out-of-date - wear the heels you are used to or go totally flat.

i would be concerned not so much with clicky heels but of towering over any potential bosses or co-workers i was meeting. it sets a weird power dynamic, you know? it also depends on how tall you are without the heels ...

i also agree with dishes ... no crosses or other religious symbols. keep it professional.

Outfit seems fine minus the cross. I usually wear a business suit but I tower over everyone regardless what shoes I wear so I wear what is comfortable to me. I cannot decide if the pencil skirt versus the dress pants are better. So I can understand your dilemna.

[SHURN]

I think the outfit sounds nice. Just add a little color. Maybe a colored cami under the sweater. And I don't see why high heels show poor judgement. It's not like she is wearing scrubs with heels or something ridiculous like that. Many women (especially young ones) feel just as comfortable wearing high heels for long periods of time as sneakers. I know I did! (I didn't even own flats except my running shoes before I was an RN - now, well, let's just say I need a lot more comfort!) Heels, even high ones, are very common for women who dress up for work everyday. Don't see why that doesn't apply to a professional interview of any kind.

[SydneyJo1]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! You've all given me a lot to consider. Good thing I still have 2 weeks!

I wear the cross every day so I never even gave any thought to it--thanks for the heads up on that one as it never even occured to me. :)

[diamondmeadows, BSN, RN]

If interviewing for a panel of men, dont be afraid to dress a little sexy. If interviewing for a panel of women, dress professional and reserved, or you will just invoke jealous catty attitudes.

Dont worry so much about wearing the perfect outfit. Remember to bring your brain and you will be fine. Good Luck.

I mean this in the most respectful way possible.

:no: and more . On every level.

OP, good luck at your interview! It sounds like you're on the right track. I hope you get the job! Please let us know.