Interview Attire?

Sour Lemon · May 29, 2018

I'm a fan of business casual. No jeans of converse, for sure. A dress would be OK, assuming it's conservative.

Wiggly Litchi · May 30, 2018

I'm a fan of business casual. No jeans of converse, for sure. A dress would be OK, assuming it's conservative.

Business casual all the way. I agree with the no jeans rule/sneakers rule. Some wear scrubs but I was always warned against doing so. A good rule of thumb for interview-worthy dresses as Sour said is to keep them conservative. Don't wear anything that makes you look like you're about to hit the clubs. Length should be appropriate (knee length-ish is always a good rule, though longer is always rad).

Might be worth it to invest in an interview outfit! :) It doesn't have to be crazy expensive, but it's really important to make a solid first impression as they are incredibly difficult to change.

Good luck on your interview!

Guests · May 30, 2018

Wow, times have changed. I was a nurse manager and definitely paid a lot of attention to what interviewees wore. 75% showed up in black suits which was the preferred clothing (this was 2000-2005). A few showed up in scrubs and that was only OK if they were interviewing immediately post shift and were coming from another unit. Anyone who showed up business casual or even less than that was rarely granted a second interview. I am shocked everyone is saying business causal is the standard now.

psu_213, BSN, RN · May 30, 2018

I am shocked everyone is saying business causal is the standard now.

I agree with you. All I know is that every time I have sat in or heard comments from an interview, someone has commented on the applicants professional attire (or lack there of). I'm not exactly sure what is considered business casual for a female--something I may think is more on the formal side might meet someone else's definition of business casual. Therefore, I am not the best person to offer a definite 'no' to business casual.

I must say, however, in my book, jeans are always a no-no, no matter nice they appear.

supergirlnurse · May 30, 2018

It IS 2018..... times change. Seems a bit ridiculous to judge someone's clothing when we're going to be in scrubs ALL DAY. But now y'all got me poopin & discouraged and I don't think I'm gonna get it so..... maybe next time.

LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN · May 30, 2018

Business casual definitely is a spectrum - Public Health nurse here and that's my "dress code." I rarely see my colleagues with the same title, but when we get together after work I always feel like I'm dressed more "business" than them.

Black pants, closed-toed shoes without laces that match, blouse, complimenting jewelry has worked for me.

I've interviewed in summer in non-air conditioned places or when it's been crazy humid- simple "business casual" dress. Sleeveless with a cardigan I throw on before entering the building with a no-cleavage neckline that goes to knee-length and close-toed flats. Again, nothing fancy/expensive but looks put together.

supergirlnurse · May 30, 2018

Thank you!!!! What I have picked sounds similar so hopefully it does it!

supergirlnurse · May 30, 2018

Just an update for everyone: I went in black skinny pants, a white blouse & a pair of black closed toe toms and got the job!

Sour Lemon · May 30, 2018

Wow, times have changed. I was a nurse manager and definitely paid a lot of attention to what interviewees wore. 75% showed up in black suits which was the preferred clothing (this was 2000-2005). A few showed up in scrubs and that was only OK if they were interviewing immediately post shift and were coming from another unit. Anyone who showed up business casual or even less than that was rarely granted a second interview. I am shocked everyone is saying business causal is the standard now.

I would feel inappropriate and way overdressed applying for a floor nurse position in a black suit.

Times really have changed...

Mergirlc, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · May 31, 2018

I agree w/ MHDNurse. It may be 2018, but you can never go wrong going into an interview in a black suit outfit - whether it's pants, skirts, or dress. I always prefer a conservative dress w/ nice jacket/blazer or sweater, hosiery, and nice shoes (flat, or low-heeled). I used to work in agriculture-related jobs. I always showed up in a nice outfit. Even if it was a job out in the field. Didn't matter.

I think what throws a lot of potential job-seekers off is the thought of spending money on an interview outfit. One can easily go to a local Goodwill or even Walmart and find enough different pieces together to put together a good outfit. No need to spend $100's.

DowntheRiver · May 31, 2018

To be honest, what you wore would not have been appropriate for my facility. Every interview I've been on where the person has been hired (including my own) the person has worn a suit. I live in Florida and it gets hotter than Hades and people still wear suits.