Job interview tomorrow...will my clothes make or break me?

[purple_nomad]

I just moved to California a few weeks ago. To make a long story short, I applied for a job before I moved here and now they want an interview! Yippee!!

Concern: My interviewing clothes are back in Missouri! I honestly didn't think I'd get the interview, simply because the application had shut down in the middle of me filling it out. Oops. Guess it didn't.

I have a pair of thin black slacks, a flowy white blouse and some black pumps. No suit coat. No structured blouse.

When I put it on, I look nice, but I don't look...all typical professional, with a lot of straight lines and structure to my clothing.

Will this make a bad impression? It sounds very silly, but I'm just wondering what anyone else may think...

[This Jenn RN]

I think it sounds fine. I went to my interview in scrubs as I had just gotten of work from my other job. They still hired me.

[noahsmama]

When is the interview? Do you have time to go shopping?

If I were in this situation, I would go out and buy a new outfit, mostly to eliminate the question of whether or not the outfit might make a difference. Maybe it won't, but why not look as professional as possible, just to be sure? I think knowing you look professional will likely also increase your confidence level, and help you to do better in the interview.

Good luck -- hope you get the job!

[poopprincess]

Why don't you go to a Goodwill or some consignment shop and look for a cheap black blazer/coat to slap on over what ya got. That one accessory alone would turn a casual outfit into a professional one. I did that for my interview-found a coat for $10.00, wore it once and got the job too. :)

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Can you go to the local mall, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Target, whatever and pick up a more structured blouse? Are the slacks dressy or casual? While standing out is preferred to be noticed, you don't want it to be because of your outfit. There are still a lot of sales & coupons out there so you may be able to pick up an interview outfit for a decent cost. Just my opinion.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I like the suggestion of going to a store like Marshalls or TJ Maxx. If YOU don't feel that you look professional, you may subconsciously not FEEL professional and will in turn not feel confident.

It sounds like all you need is a more professional looking blouse. The pants and pumps sound fine. You don't really need a suit jacket.

GOOD LUCK!!! I hope you get the job and will be doing a happy dance soon!

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Without seeing what you have, it almost sounds like your outfit is more suitable to a cocktail party or social gathering. I agree that a few small and inexpensive changes could totally change the look to something more professional. It's possible that your outfit will have no impact on whether or not you get hired, but it's a fact that the job market is tough, and sometimes, when all things are equal, a good visual impression may give one applicant an advantage over the other. I would try to shift the odds to my favor if at all possible.

Good luck in the interview!

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

I agree with the others, go to Value village if need be or target. You can find something cheap that will do the trick. I also have to say, I dont understand how some people will go to an interview in scrubs. Just because its after your shift doesnt mean you cant bring your clothes with you and change. Takes 5 minutes and you look that much more professional. I dont care if your applying for a job at McDonalds, I would still wear nice looking clothes.

[Good Morning, Gil]

I agree with noahsmama. That way, you know that you have done everything you possibly can to get the position. You can probably find one on sale so that you're not spending a lot on something you will only wear for interviews (which hopefully will be rare if you get this position!). Looking polished is important, but not as important as your qualifications, confidence, answers, attitude, etc. Just go in with confidence, and most importantly, be yourself! Good luck on your interview!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Go shopping. Buy a proper suit that matches the shirt and shoes you already have. And pantyhose, I don't care if it is Cali, one MUST were hose on an interview.

Good luck.

[stephie_love]

I didn't wear a blazer to any of my 3 interviews, and I received job offers at all 3 (btw, all prestigious Chicago hospitals). As long as you don't look like a shlub, and your personality shines through, you'll be fine. In my opinion, if they are really judging you for NOT wearing a jacket - do you really want to work there anyway? Just be sure your clothing is pressed and clean, and that your hair and makeup look fresh and tidy. You could have the nicest Missoni suit on the planet from Target (harr harr) and it would never make up for the passion and intelligence required for nursing.

Just my two cents :) Good luck! :hug:

[stephie_love]

I didn't wear a blazer to any of my 3 interviews, and I received job offers at all 3 (btw, all prestigious Chicago hospitals). As long as you don't look like a shlub, and your personality shines through, you'll be fine. In my opinion, if they are really judging you for NOT wearing a jacket - do you really want to work there anyway? Just be sure your clothing is pressed and clean, and that your hair and makeup look fresh and tidy. You could have the nicest Missoni suit on the planet from Target (harr harr) and it would never make up for the passion and intelligence required for nursing.

Just my two cents :) Good luck! :hug:

Oh, and btw...I wore a professional-looking dress for one interview (it's one piece, but has a grey pencil skirt and black blouse combo - if that makes sense!), and to the others I wore black slacks and a button-up blouse with black patent flats.