Is a suit appropriate for the interview?

bethin · Dec 30, 2005

I'm not a guy but I've had the same question when I go to interviews. I've decided that you can never look too professional. As far as a suit, I think it's fine, but it depends on the color. You don't want to look like a mortician or like you're going to a funeral. A blue suit with a colorful tie would look nice. The tie shouldn't be too wild or bright, just something classic. I think a NM would appreciate it if you dressed up. Or you could wear a nice pair of khaki dress pants with a dress shirt and tie with a sports jacket. Either way you can't go wrong. When I go to interviews I wear black pants, heels and a button down shirt.

Skip the heels though. Good Luck!! :)

yvonnemuse, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2005

I second, skipping the heels for you. Better to overdress on an interview than underdress any day..unless we are talking the suit you own is a tux and cumberbund..then we need to talk

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 30, 2005

I would most definitely go with the suit.

Good luck

suzy253, RN · Dec 30, 2005

I second what everyone else has said. Need more info on the suit but I'm sure it will be fine and you'll look just spiffy in whatever you decide on. Good luck to you. Let us know how you made out.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 30, 2005

As a person who has conducted lots of interviews for staff nurse positions ... I agree with what others have said.

If the suit looks good (and not sooooo formal that it looks out of place), then a suit is always appropriate for an interview. However, for most hospital environments, a nice pair of pants, shirt and tie is also OK. Clean, "pulled together," and professional looking is what you are aiming for. If you are uncomfortable in the suit, then you might want to avoid that because it might add to your discomfort in the interview and make you look extra nervous etc. But if you are comfortable wearing the suit and it fits well, I would probably go with the suit.

Good luck,

llg

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2006

... If you are uncomfortable in the suit...

MA -- Suit or sports jacket and tie is the way to go.

If the above applies, then get yourself comfortable in the suit a few days before the interview.

Re-cap: Suit or sports jacket and tie is the way to go.

All the best!

Katnip, RN · Jan 2, 2006

You can rarely go wrong with a nice, basic suit in a color like blue or charcoal gray. White shirt and solid. classic stripe, or small-print tie.

Make sure your shoes are in good repair and shined, too.

oneLoneNurse · Jan 2, 2006

This may seem like a ridiculously rhetorical question, but I'm a guy, so fashion sense isn't exactly my forte. Well, I just graduated with my RN and am off to a slew of interviews in the coming weeks, and having never interviewed for positions within the medical profession, was wondering what might be considered appropriate dress for an interview on the floor with the unit manager? I own a suit, but am afraid this may be overkill, versus slacks and a solid shirt and tie. Any helpful tips from those in the know would be most appreciated.

I am a guy and have been in nursing since 1984. I just recently got back on the floor and had the same question for a floor position. What do I wear ? I went with dress pants, a nice dress shirt and a sports jacket without a tie (psych unit). I might wear the same outfit with a tie for another unit. Thing is a suit will make you look like you want to be a manager. I was part of management my last job at my present employer and I just didn't want to give the idea that I wanted a management position.

Just my input, I do agree in most situations a suit is best.

yvonnemuse, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2006

I actually bought two very nice suits yesterday for upcoming interviews. I want to make a good impression and somehow my clothes coordination gene was never activated.This way I can be confident,concentrate on making a good impression and asking appropriate questions instead of wondering if I pulled together a good look.

kokopelli · Jan 2, 2006

I have also interviewed many candidates and a nice pair of pants, dress shirt, tie and jacket optional in my area (Chicago) seems to be what most guys are wearing. The most important thing is to be personable and confident. Admit if you don't know something and don't be afraid to ask questions. As a new RN ask about education opportunities, orientation and training. Depending on the type of unit there should be a fairly long orientation for a new grad, 6-8 weeks. If not you many want to look elsewhere.

pugmum · Jan 2, 2006

I go along with previous posters, suit or jacket with tie. Try your stuff on the day BEFORE your interview. Nothing worse than trying to get out the door only to find the button has fallen off something, or the zipper is broken! :bluecry1:

My worst experience - one of the lenses fell out of my glasses...darn hard to fix when I need my glasses to see the little hole where the itsy bitsy screw goes in to hold my lens in place...what a nightmare:eek: