Nursing job interview attire

PAERRN20 · Sep 23, 2009

I think that would be fine as long as it is not too low cut. I've never worn a suit to an interview and I have been offered every job I interviewed for. Good luck!

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

I'm kind of old fashioned when it comes to interview attire.

here's an idea of what would be acceptable, generally.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/__lmqvG9CeQs/SdD_bfeZBEI/AAAAAAAABwc/KhXgOembX5I/women%20dressing%20for%20interview%20and%20office[4].jpg

if you are of average size here are some places to get nice clothes:

Macy's

JC Penny's

Dillards

Khols

I highly recommend JC Pennies, for all sizes really.

If you happen to be well endowed:

Avenue.com

jessicalondon.com

good luck

systoly · Sep 23, 2009

I'd stay away from white if at all possible. Remember, just about any color goes with black slacks. It doesn't have to be a button down blouse either. Pullover tops can be elegant and attractive. Stay with neutral colors such as grey or try a two tone. And as mentioned above, cleavage, visible bra straps or outline of under garment are in poor taste.

BKCinNOLA · Sep 23, 2009

In my opinion, I would say maybe try to find something a little more conservative. But it definitely doesn't have to be a suit!

It's important to make sure your personality shows through in your outfit, but with all the ruffles and a bow in front, it might be a bit much. Instead of all the ruffles, you might want to try adding color to your outfit (go with deeper, richer colors as opposed to brights).

Perhaps a nice blouse underneath a sleek cardigan? (http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod1460139&categoryId=cat350006&addFacet=1002%3Acat350006 with http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=43069&vid=1&pid=539396)

Some other tips:

-Keep jewelry to a minimum (like pearl stud earrings and a ring)

-Closed toe shoes (not necessarily heels, there are some pretty sophisticated flats out there nowadays) with pantyhose or knee highs (no toe cleavage)!

-No nail polish, but make sure your nails are short and clean

-Hair pulled back out of your face

-Good posture!

:) Good luck with your interview!

sbyramRN · Sep 23, 2009

Don't wear the Forever 21 shirt. Also, I would stay away from striped pants.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

In my opinion, I would say maybe try to find something a little more conservative. But it definitely doesn't have to be a suit!
It's important to make sure your personality shows through in your outfit, but with all the ruffles and a bow in front, it might be a bit much. Instead of all the ruffles, you might want to try adding color to your outfit (go with deeper, richer colors as opposed to brights).
Perhaps a nice blouse underneath a sleek cardigan? (http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod1460139&categoryId=cat350006&addFacet=1002%3Acat350006 with http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=43069&vid=1&pid=539396)
Some other tips:
-Keep jewelry to a minimum (like pearl stud earrings and a ring)
-Closed toe shoes (not necessarily heels, there are some pretty sophisticated flats out there nowadays) with pantyhose or knee highs (no toe cleavage)!
-No nail polish, but make sure your nails are short and clean
-Hair pulled back out of your face
-Good posture!
:) Good luck with your interview!

Jewelry is fine if in good taste. A nice necklace, small hoop earrings, dont overdo it on the rings. If you have multiple piercing in your ears keep it to the doubles with post.

Hair neat, clean, just avoid the "spikey neon color highlights" - many younger staff wear the newer hairstyles with no problem.

A light nailpolish if fine just avoid the "dark" colors and ensure they are well manicured. If plain put on abit of clear.

A nice pair of shoes, if heels have open toe that is ok as your not working in them. My heels have an open toe!

Just a nice pair of dress slacks or simple skirt (not too short) and a simple blouse is fine.

These are my suggestions as a DON who has done multiple hiring and firing over the years lol. You can look and be professional yet keep it simple.

TIN65RN · Sep 23, 2009

Check out your local thrift stores, if you have any near by. I found two nice outfits at Salvation Army for under 7 bucks each, wore them each to my interviews, got the second job. So, I dressesd for success for less than 10 bucks,lol.

Aviationurse · Sep 24, 2009

i go to salvation army and get my interview attire there....nobody will know...

whiskeygirl, LPN · Sep 24, 2009

I thought the Forever 21 shirt was adorable. My choice would be to pair it with the solid black pants.

I did also like the suggestion of the suit. Looking at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Consignment clothing stores are another options.

Look at friends, family's wardrobe. Keep it simple- no mini skirts, minimal heels, no gaudy jewelry.

Heck, I'll loan you clothes if you are in the DFW area! Find a AN member close by to raid their closet.

The best thing you can wear to an interview is a sincere smile.

Best of luck to you!

VM85 · Sep 24, 2009

I wouldnt wear anything to "trendy" such as the shirt you have listed- the ruffles are nice, but think classic. Sears has nice "blazers" and pants that are very cheap(if you have these stores around you they also have a good selection and sales- Kohls, marshalls, tj maxx, and if you look hard enough you may be able to find a blazer in forever 21 since the style is now "boy wear" with vests and all, but generally that store sells cheap clothes, because they are trendy adn go in and out of style quickly- they want to make sure you can keep comin back when the styles change to buy some more lol)- go with a classic color, grey or navy- black can be good but make sure you add some color to it with your blouse- I was just looking this very topic up online and it said all black means youare to serious and to focus on putting color near your face to soften you up. Plain nails- short neat and a clear coat of nail polish over them- have your hair up out of your face- and just try to aim for a professional image- even though you may be a great person, the person conducting your interveiw doesnt know you and will judge and size you up within 5 sec- once that idea has been imprinted in their head, it is pretty hard to change that image, no matter how qualified you are. Good luck to you!

HollyLikely · Sep 24, 2009

I think the Forever 21 shirt is adorable as well. Put a simple cami underneath to make sure you cannot see through. I would just keep the hair and jewelry conservative.