scrubs: yes or no for an interview?

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2006

I'm an 18 year old CNA - never been employed as a CNA before - and I wasn't sure if I should dress business-like or if scrubs were acceptable for an interview? My mom said she didn't think so, but she isn't affiliated with the medical field. The scrubs are simply blue, nothing flashy. I have white shoes to wear with them. Is that acceptable?

I would dress business-like if possible. I don't think it's taboo to interview in scrubs. I did when I interviewed for my current positon because at the time I didn't have time enough to go home and change. This was just a month ago. I later asked them about this because I wanted to know also. The answer was that my resume and references spoke for themselves and they didn't care what I wore to the interview.

I think most importantly be fresh and clean, well-groomed and use your best language. Good Luck.

ChocoholicRN · Nov 25, 2006

No matter what kind of job the interview is for, never ever wear scrubs for it! First impressions are everything, and by wearing scrubs to your interview may give them the impression that you were too lazy to change or you didn't put in the effort to show that you really want the job. Once you have been offered the position you will have plenty of time to wear your scrubs, lol, but for now stick to the business casual outfit. Nothing fancy, just some nice black pants and maybe a button down top. When I interviewed for my position as an aide, i wore black pants and a nice top, and so did everyone else (it was a group interview). Not one person was in scrubs or even jeans. Good luck at the interview and let us know how it goes!!

BSNtobe2009 · Nov 25, 2006

You can never go wrong with dressing up for an interview because you never get a second chance at a first impression. There was an entire thread earlier on what to wear to an interview and the popular consensus was that people were getting a little bit too casual about the entire thing. You never know who is interviewing, and many recruiters and managers still feel that how you dress directly reflects on how badly you want the job. Not dressing up says, "you don't really care...this is me, take it or leave it," Dressing up says, "I want this job and I am ready to put my best foot forward."

Lacie, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2006

Wow I remember my first interviews back in the early early 80's and believe it or not you could walk in in jeans and they never took a second thought about it. The nursing shortage was pretty bad back then though. But today I wouldnt even consider showing up in my jeans or scrubs. As a previous Nursing care manager myself it really didnt matter to me as long as some one was clean and well groomed. Thier presentation and thier resume said everything I needed to know but in todays time not many others still feel that way. Dress up for the interview as make that first impression. There are others really vying for those jobs now adays so do your best right off the bat. Dont wear the scrubs.

PPHawk · Nov 25, 2006

I'd suggest street clothes reflecting the usual dress code of people in your area. Here in the southwest I've worn shorts to an interview and gotten the job. I've seen people interviewing with flip-flops and they got the job too. Back east, you wouldn't dare dress like that. I agree with neat and clean...no flashy jewelry, no perfume, little or no make-up and keep your hair tamed, even wearing a ponytail if it's long. Then dazzle them with your knowledge and personality...good luck in your new job!

ChocoholicRN · Nov 25, 2006

I'd suggest street clothes reflecting the usual dress code of people in your area. Here in the southwest I've worn shorts to an interview and gotten the job. I've seen people interviewing with flip-flops and they got the job too. Back east, you wouldn't dare dress like that. I agree with neat and clean...no flashy jewelry, no perfume, little or no make-up and keep your hair tamed, even wearing a ponytail if it's long. Then dazzle them with your knowledge and personality...good luck in your new job!

I can't believe that you can go into an interview in shorts or flip-flops and still get a job!! I don't mean that in a bad way, I just was a bit shocked. I'm from "back east" and as you said, you would never ever consider wearing anything like that to an interview. What helped me learn how to dress was when I was on the other side of the table. At my old college, I was on the selection comittee that interviewed and hired Resident Directors. I saw such a wide variety of how people dressed and how prepared they were, and I learned from their mistakes or good habits. But every place is different, to each her own!

Trauma Columnist · Nov 25, 2006

I think a professional outfit gives a better impression. I too have worn scrubs to an interview but it is not what I would do if given a choice. Good luck btw.

PPHawk · Nov 25, 2006

I can't believe that you can go into an interview in shorts or flip-flops and still get a job!! I don't mean that in a bad way, I just was a bit shocked. I'm from "back east" and as you said, you would never ever consider wearing anything like that to an interview. What helped me learn how to dress was when I was on the other side of the table. At my old college, I was on the selection comittee that interviewed and hired Resident Directors. I saw such a wide variety of how people dressed and how prepared they were, and I learned from their mistakes or good habits. But every place is different, to each her own!

LOL...I'm originally from Jersey and I was shocked at first too. But after dressing up in the beginning, I realized that "dressed up" and 110 degrees, dry heat or not, don't go together. Of course, you don't wear frayed cut-offs either. And personally, I never ever wear flip-flops for anything. Can't stand them!

PG02 · Nov 26, 2006

I would say do the dressed up professional route. No matter what climate you live in there is always appropriate dress clothes to accomadate you. I would say go with a nice pants suit or if you want to wear a skirt make it a nice skirt and blazer set. I rather be over dressed than under. Plus this is your only first impression after all.

weetziebat · Nov 26, 2006

........if scrubs were acceptable for an interview? The scrubs are simply blue, nothing flashy. I have white shoes to wear with them. Is that acceptable?

For what its worth, I'd never hire anybody who wore scrubs, shorts, flip-flops, jeans etc. to an interview. To me you may as well wear your pajamas.

When you are interviewing for a job, you dress in such a way that it shows you are someone who has respect for themselves, and the employer. A nice pair of black slacks, 'nice' top or sweater, and real shoes.

Yes, I'm from back east and I'm over 50, but I hope dressing decently when applying for a job is not something that ever goes out of style.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Nov 26, 2006

Scrubs are pretty much as casual as you can get. In Europe they call them pyjamas.

You don't have to buy a designer suit, but nice clothes and clean shoes say a lot about how you see yourself. I'd add no jangley jewelry, no heavy makeup, no clattering braids, and NO chewing-gum.

White/ solid color shirt, dark slacks or skirt, clean shoes (no sandals) and hose.....a confident smile and you will probably be on the short list for that job you really want.

Best of luck.