What color of suit to purchase for job interview?

Doubledee · Jul 11, 2007

Wearing a suit to a nursing job interview is excessive and in nursing school they told us business casual or maybe a shirt and tie. Depends on where you interview. I see what some of the female managers wear and consider business casual and it's pretty rediculous.

I can appreciate whatTallRNBB says about what managers wear. Business casual is somewhat iffy in business as well.

However, whether you wear a suit or just a shirt and tie, I believe it is important to show respect for the interview process and to set yourself apart from the less professional.

The whole dilemma of the interview suit is that we as nurses (Nonmanagement) wear suits in our daily routines. It would really make more sense to go to the interview in scrubs. But we know, it doesn't work that way.

krazykev · Jul 11, 2007

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am not too interested in buying a suit for 1-5 job interviews because the suits are expensive, plus I never wear one to begin with.

Kevin

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2007

I dont even own a suit

scrubs, sweats, golfing attire covers everything worthwhile

jls485 · Jul 17, 2007

Crab guys, I still need some help or opinion after I checked out all the posts. I have an interview coming up, do you think I can just wear shirt and tie?

Doubledee · Jul 17, 2007

jls485,

When all is said and done, the interview is about you, your skills and what you can do. My basic advice is always to wear a suit or at least coat and tie, but then again I am old. But if you don't have a suit or if you live where it is just too hot, I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

Just wear a shirt and tie. Obviously, it should be clean pressed and fit well. Don't forget to tie your tie well. Get help if you are one of the many men who can't tie a tie. The knot of your tie should look like a balanced triangle. If it is an off center triangle, you need to loop the tie one more time. Check yourself in the mirror. It should be obvious. Pay attention to your shoes. They should be clean and in good repair. Some polish may be a good idea depending on the type of shoe.

Go to the interview, be professional, write a thank you letter and try to find the best match for you.

Chances are you will have several opportunities. I hope you find the best one for you. I hope you will enjoy nursing as much as I do.

HDMotorcop · Jul 25, 2007

I've been reading the rosts here and had to chuckle.........

My last two interviews were very diametrically opposed.

Last year I interviewed for an agency nursing job. Wore khakis, shirt, tie and a jacket. Went well, was put into the hiring/training process. Now mind you, I haven't worried about interview apparel for almost 20 years as I am a full time LEO. The dress is dictated to you! LOL! At this point I was just looking to get back into nursing partime until I retire. I'm an LPN.

My second interview was, ahem..... alittle more "casual" one might say.

I was in my skivvies! :uhoh21:

Allow me to explain: I was getting my physical done for the agency at my docs office and while doing the PE doc asked my why I was going to the agency. He then cracks open the exam room door an calls out to the clinical coordinator "Hey XXXX, get in here! We need to hire him for a nursing position!" She then came and was like "***! why didn't you come to us in the first place?"

I've been there for the past year and have been very happy.

Now, I don't advocate being quite THAT casual at an interview, but it worked for me! LOL!!!

dtchavey · Jul 25, 2007

I like lighter colored suits with dark shirts, and dark pinstriped suits... but those are often too bold for a job interview. To give a different option than has already been said, A moderate to darker grey suit with a Solid blue shirt and a patterned blue tie that brings the color of the shirt and suit together.

Doubledee · Jul 26, 2007

You have to love a situation where you can get a job in your skivvies. If that isn't great networking, I don't know what is!

IRERN · Aug 5, 2007

:welcome: Welcome to Nursing good luck on your interviews. I wore a suit to an interview and they seemed put off by it ( like they expected I thought I would work in a suit ) I had little luck getting a job when I gratuated because they all wanted 3 years exp :angryfire

I got my break working at a psych hospital for teenagers ( being a guy i think helped there ) . For most of my career my interviews have been by telephone and often in my boxers :uhoh3: . Been a traveling nurse for 6 years now . I dont think a suit is needed just good pants , not jeans and a nice shirt and tie . the best help is good references

caliber · Aug 18, 2007

I honestly don't think it matters what color suit you wear. As long as you are hygienically clean and no wrinkle clothes. No "employer"(obv depends on the job you're interviewing for) will hire you for your "looks" or the color of your suit.

KellNY, RN · Aug 24, 2007

No "employer"(obv depends on the job you're interviewing for) will hire you for your "looks" or the color of your suit.

While that's true, 1st impressions do make a difference, and looks are a HUGE part of that. Take into account the fact that fat people with the same qualifications are dismissed more readily than their slim counterparts.

Come in messy and you're likely not to be taken seriously.

Same thing in some places with business casual-wear khakis and a polo shirt and you look like you don't care enough.

Come in with a 3 piece suit and a cummerbund and bow tie, you might look a little...off.

nghtfltguy, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2007

yeah.. charcoal gray... you can't go wrong w/ that color suit!

but as for your interview... wear jeans ...

nursing is a very odd commodity~

be yourlelf... don't wear a suit!

:cool: