Professional Attire

Published

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?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Duplicate

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Please keep personal disagreements to private communication. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

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!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion