What do you wear to an interview?

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Do you think it is possible to over dress? I remember when I interviewed for my current med-surg position right out of college I wore a black suit and didn't think twice about it. Now I am interviewing for a Leadership position and every time I try on my black suit I feel like I am over dressed or feel like I'm going to a funeral. I know in this position I would not have to wear a suit jacket but is it appropriate for an interview?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Yes. It is the preferred "interview outfit" for a leadership position. If you feel uncomfortable in it, you can help it seem a little less "stuffy" by wearing low heeled shoes, a less formal shirt (with color and/or pattern), etc. It's usually better to be a little on the formal side than go a little too informal.

Ocassionally, I have felt that some new grads seemed a little "over-dressed" when interviewing for their first staff nurse positions -- but I certainly never counted that against them. It just indicated to me that they had done some homework, read the articles on "dressing for success," and were trying to do their very best to make a great impression. I always view that as a good sign, not a bad sign.

Good luck with the interview.

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Well - probably wouldn't wear a tuxedo to an interview... ;)

What you've described is most likely appropriate. If it bugs you, I suppose going with a conservative pinstripe pattern might help - works for me, anyway.

----- Dave

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fwiw, since talbot's (a fine women's clothing store) has been having financial difficulties, they have a lot of beautiful stuff on sale. the prices are still on the high end, even c 40-70% off, but i got a gorgeous pinstripe suit from them recently and it is absolutely first quality. i couldn't get the jacket in my size so i got it too large and used some of the savings to have it altered. just got me a case with a new client. i feel like a million bucks when i wear it. (no financial interest to disclose).

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Personally, I'd rather feel I'm overdressed than underdressed. I figure I have nothing to lose by being overdressed for an interview....whereas being underdressed, I risk making a bad impression on the interviewer. So IMO, wear the suit.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes. I detest when people say they wear scrubs after a night shift and go to an interview. WTH. You could try adding a brighter colored shirt under the jacket such as a green, or a pastel color (im assuming your female), or a nice classy looking scarf would make it not so funeral like.

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You should wear a suit to an interview. If you feel that the black suit is too stuffy, you can go with gray, tan, or navy blue instead.

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I had a black and a navy blue suit that I would wear to interviews when they fit me. Now I wear a black pair of knit slacks and a blouse. I have no interest in buying a suit while at this size. When I slim down, (ha, ha) I plan on getting a new suit for interviews. Don't see how wearing a suit is overdressing for an interview. Now I certainly wouldn't wear grandma's diamond broach, that is a little too much, I think.

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,.

If you wore a suit to get your current position which is med surg you should certainly should wear a suit to a higher position in leadership.

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wearing a suit is fine, just make sure it is not too loose/big and not too small but looks "fitted." To solve the "boring" funeral look, just wear a colorful shirt under the suit jacket.

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fwiw, since talbot's (a fine women's clothing store) has been having financial difficulties, they have a lot of beautiful stuff on sale. the prices are still on the high end, even c 40-70% off, but i got a gorgeous pinstripe suit from them recently and it is absolutely first quality. i couldn't get the jacket in my size so i got it too large and used some of the savings to have it altered. just got me a case with a new client. i feel like a million bucks when i wear it. (no financial interest to disclose).
i purchased my favorite brown suit from them for $90! definitely check them out.
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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I was in such horrible $$$ shape when I needed a job right away I actually went to the Goodwill and bought a few lined dark plain A-line skirts a short sleeved scoop neck sweater and a light blouse. Being summer in So Cal I brought a jacket but didn't wear it. I know some states are more informal than others as well as job titles and hospital (or unit) culture.

Over the years I've discovered that the one thing that could make or break my comfort level with clothes was to make absolutely sure they were clean and pressed, that they fit (when you first sit down in that chair is not the time to start playing tug-o-war with your hemline I would bring an extra pair of panty-hose, too. :).

One of my best friends works way up in the teaching realm. She travels to China and India all the time but - she's a little bit of a blonde thing and the suits she wears (bright colors, too!) make her look like a little kid swimming in a sea of fabric. Hasn't hurt her career though, apparently!

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