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Discussion

Professional Attire

Hi All,

So I landed an interview with Vanderbilt University hospital. I am over the moon, but as I started to do my interview prep, I started to think about what I should be wearing. I'm a male new grad interviewing for the residency program at VUMC. I have a charcoal suit that I'll be wearing, but I am wondering if I can wear just the shirt/tie and vest or if I should stick with the shirt/tie and jacket? Personally, I'm partial to the vest with the shirt/tie, simply for layering. I'm from Michigan and so I'm not use to the Southern summers. But I understand the classic image of the jacket.

As far as shirts go I own a classic white shirt and a dark grey shirt. With both I wear a purple tie that I bought with the suit. Suggestions?

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    • Featured Replies

    This is very appropriate. No vest or dark shirt. It is Summer in the South. Conservative tie. Dark red is a power color. Purple not so much. Black shoes. Good luck!

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    • Experts

    I wouldn't get too hung up on whether a tie is in a "power color" or not, but I agree that the South is a fairly conservative region; go with the suit, white shirt, and a tie. No open collar. No vest. Shined shoes. Best wishes!

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    • Author

    Thank you for your response. You touched on a culutre difference so I really appreciate that.

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    Thanks elkpark, for disagreeing with me yet again. Is this a hobby of yours?

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    • Experts

    I think what you planned is fine for an interview. However, in the south, the vest might make it a bit too warm. Don't want to sweat like crazy during an interview :)

    When I was waiting to go in for my interview, I couldn't believe how casual some of the new grads dressed for their interviews. One girl had on white jeans! :eek: I saw 2 guys who had on just a dress shirt & pants, no tie. The other guy had a suit on. Guess who I saw at my orientation meeting? The guy with the suit. First impressions do matter in a job interview.

    Good luck! Hope you get the job :D

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    • Author

    The vest would be worn without the jacket and I agree first impressions are HUGE! I appreciate the feedback.

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    • Author

    Please keep personal disagreements to private communication. Thank you.

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    I like the white shirt with purple tie. Purple is hugely popular right now with men. I see it everywhere. No vest by itself. I think it would be too casual for an interview and I agree too warm in the heat. But I have started to notice the vest by itself is also becoming more and more popular. Just your interviewers may not keep up on the latest fashions, so stick with the jacket.

    Sounds like you are going to look good!! Good luck!!!

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    Jacket and tie- no question. It signals you are serious and are taking the interview seriously.

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    I went to a job fair recently , my advice is stick with the shirt/tie and jacket. Some of the men who attended had on suits and looked very sharp. I don't know where you live but where I attended the event, it was very hot , so a vest is not needed. I would focus more on interviewing well, there is lots of competition and you have to set yourself apart from the rest.

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    Carry the jacket and tie from your house to the hospital, get there good and early, and let the air conditioning evaporate the moisture from your shirt. Then add tie and jacket in men's room when you are completely cool and dry.

    And Gold Bond powder. Great stuff.

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