Published Oct 16, 2014
Graduatenurse14
630 Posts
I have an interview on an ortho unit next week.
Should I wear a real suite or is a pair good black pants and with a lovely mulberry sheath top with a black jacket and black heels appropriate?
I don't want to spend the money for the suite!
Thanks!!!
sharpeimom
2,452 Posts
I would wear the second choice. You will probably be more comfortable wearing dressy casual clothes anyway. I always was. It may sound dumb
but you won't have to worry about how you're sitting, which is one fewer thing to worry about. Good luck!
kiszi, RN
1 Article; 604 Posts
Your outfit sounds fine to me. I don't have a proper suit either and have had good results wearing a pretty top & blazer with a knee-length print skirt. I have worn dress pants as well. Best of luck to you!
RN403, BSN, RN
1 Article; 1,068 Posts
I agree with the other posters. The second choice sounds fine. I do not own a real suit either and have been just fine wearing dress pants with a nice blouse and blazer. Good Luck!
Another random tip in my experience is that new shoes can provide a nice confidence boost in lieu of a whole new outfit. :)
Thanks for the quick replies!!! I am so relieved to read them!
BriManRN
100 Posts
I wore black slacks, cream blouse with a small heel. Kept jewelry to a minimum only wore a dressy watch. Good luck :))
amoLucia
7,736 Posts
Kind of sideways off the topic but - I remember someone saying ALWAYS wear a watch. It reflected a sense of punctuality/timeliness to a recruiter. Made sense to me.
I remember that person saying that it was a tool that recruiters used to ask the time to see if the applicant has a watch on. Just to check.
Oh well. For what it's worth!
Another thing - you may want to consider a second nice outfit so if you're called back for a second interview, you're ready.
Think positive & good luck.
scaredsilly, BSN, RN
1,161 Posts
Either outfit sounds fine, but if you would have to spend money for the suit, wear your first choice. Hair should be neat and if it's long, secure it the way you would to go to work. If you are tatoo'd, cover the tats. Be careful with piercings, one in each ear is all you should have showing. You mentioned heels, I would wear dressy flats, it shows a readiness to work (and they may give you a tour-you don't need your feet hurting). As one poster said, wear a watch, but tone down other jewelry-nothing big or clunky.
One poster said you may want to invest in a second outfit in case you are offered a second interview and that is an excellent idea!
I am young, my first nurse job was pretty much my first job, and I was lost on what to wear so I went to the bank and noted what the females working there wore. I then went shopping and bought outfits that were similar and it worked, I got the job! That probably sounds silly, but it worked!
Thanks!!
I have a dressy watch that no longer works but I'll wear it anyway! The one I wore as a student and will wear as a nurse has a huge face and a second hand but would look strange with a classy interview outfit!
Nienna Celebrindal
613 Posts
I honestly don't believe in nursing you need a suit. I was an LVN for 12 years before getting my RN and I never had a suit. I think you just need a nice, put together, simple look. Slacks, a nice top, maybe a sweater or jacket. Nothing trendy or super fashionable is needed.
I just landed my first job wearing black slacks, a simple white top and a gray sweater with black flats.