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...

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

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.

Yuck. Germy scrubs should be left in germy hospitals - not worn in public. If you work in a clean area, that's a different story but still think it's tacky to show up for an interview in scrubs. Glad you got the job, though.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

If wearing more traditional attire would make you more comfortable and confident, then that might be the best choice for you.

On the other hand, the outfit you posted about is certainly more appropriate than several interviewees I've seen wander in the front door where I work - jeans, low cut tops, drowning in perfume etc. Clean, wrinkle free clothes say a whole lot about a candidate. Professionalism is also conveyed in being on time, having the appropriate info available (resume, license #) etc.

Whatever you decide, good luck on your interview:)

[ErinS, BSN, RN]

I conduct interviews all the time for nurses. I don't really care what someone wears, as long as they look nice. It matters far more that they have a likable personality, answer my questions clearly, and show me that they will bring something of VALUE to our team. Good luck!

[nursel56]

Funny -- I live in California, too. A few years ago I faced a similar situation except I had no money. So yes - I went to the Goodwill and bought two dark-colored plain A-line skirts (with lining not cotton casual) and two very understated blouses.

I don't think you need a full suit or blazer here, but I felt so much more confident with those clothes than I otherwise would have just using what I had available.

If you can't stand the idea of second-hand stuff, you can probably get a pretty good deal at Marshall's or TJMaxx type stores as the quality is better than Target, etc. for the same item. Good luck!!!

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I conduct interviews all the time for nurses. I don't really care what someone wears, as long as they look nice. It matters far more that they have a likable personality, answer my questions clearly, and show me that they will bring something of VALUE to our team. Good luck!

Okay, but what if they all look pretty nice, have great personalities, impeccable resumes, etc.? If there is a tie breaker to be made, and one shows up looking professional and put together, one looks like a slob, and the third looks like they are off to the singles happy hour, psychologically, aren't you going to lean towards the most put together person in terms of dressing well (and I don't mean expensive, but clean, professional and attention to detail) and making an effort to care about their hygiene and pride in their appearance vs. those who obviously don't care?

Maybe I'm being silly, but in a really tight market, I'm planning for the "all things being equal" scenario. What is going to set me apart from the other candidates who are just as good on paper? I'm sure not going to walk into the interview in anything less than professional attire because I just don't know who I'm up against, and I don't want to lose a tie because I looked like I just didn't care.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

If you are limited on options I would at least get a blazer or whatever to wear over the blouse. Slacks, pumps a blouse and dress jacket seems appropriate.

First impressions on a job interview CAN make or break you and you want to look SHARP!

Best of luck!

[goldberryRN]

I wore black slacks and nice black shoes, a streamlined white top and a floral print jacket to a job interview in the spring and I got the job. :)

[johwiklundRN]

focus more on what you SAY to the person hiring and less about how you will look.... Spend some time doing research, read an article or two about the specialty to have an interesting anecdote ready should the opportunity present itself . Do a little research about the hospitals agenda, goals, current events, and seem engaged by them. At the end of the day, if how you LOOK is sooooo important to the manager, I would be wondering if that is really a person I want to work for anyway. Right? Wear clean clothes, feel sharp, and dont stress about it too much focus your energy else where ... Droping off a resume tommorow to apply to another floor of my hospital... Best of Luck to you.

[Lifeofanurse]

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.

I love Value Village. Find some great stuff there super cheap often great brands, even designer clothes.