What to wear to staff interview for manager position?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Okay, first interview was with nursing director and someone from HR. This is for a position for nurse manager of a hospital unit. Wore suit, pantyhose, heels.

Next interview is panel interview with current nursing staff. Wear suit to that interview too, or slightly more casual? If it matters, this hospital is in a community that is somewhat laid back and crunchy granola.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Always business. You want to show you are serious about the position. Others will be watching as well, and want to see how you are carrying yourself professionally. If you take the time to present yourself well, it sends a message that you will also take care of others just as well.

I know it is always hard when it might be a more casual bunch, but you want the staff to see you as someone who will go to bat for them, if you are too casual it might send the message that you are just one of the gang instead of someone who will be the leader

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would either go suit -- or semi-suit. I don't like suits and don't look good in them. So I sometimes substitute a outfit that is kind'a like a suit, but a little more soft / less severe. For example, I might wear a straight skirt (or dress trousers) with a professional-looking shirt or sweater. A skirt makes it a little more formal than trousers, but the softer top makes you look a little less stiff and more approachable to the staff. It also shows that you are comfortable with yourself and not wearing something rigid or "fake" for the interview.