Your Interview Outfits

[RonnieDita]

I am starting this thread because most interview threads are really outdated and they're not that helpful. I want us to be able to post what we wore to our interviews.

Everyone should post their attire and then we can all make suggestions or ask for help or opinions. I am Interviewing this coming week and I just bought an outfit. I was trying to use AN for suggestions but didn't find much.

So if we all just post what we wore we can start to help each other out in this so super important and scary part of our journey! Good luck everyone!

I bought:

Beige Cardigan

Green floral top layered with peach and beige undershirts

Peach braided necklace

Beige/Khaki jegging like professional pants

Black closed toe flats

I'll wear my hair half up and half down so it's out of my face but still shows me. I'll wear minimal but functional day makeup with bronzes and clear lips an nail polish.

Now I know this sounds very casual but when I put it on it looks so good. I wanted to stand out and not be boring looking. I want to be remembered and the colors definitely are perfect for Spring. It's business casual and I feel very confident in it. I don't look or feel confident at all in a suit. I also look horrible in black pants and a top. The black pants I do have require high heels and I would never wear heels to a nursing interview. They'll think I can't be a nurse because I can't even walk!! Lol

My outfit Is something I would wear under my lab coat if I were an NP. It says I'm inviting and cheerful but also professional. At least I hope :)

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Quite honestly your outfit with "jeggings" style khakis sounds too casual for a professional interview. The pants sound clingy and better suited for class not an interview

I wore a gray pants suit with 1/2" heeled black shoes and a pale pink satiny shell. I like pearls so I wore a pearl necklace & earrings. My hair is shorter so up vs down is a non issue for me. I wear natural make up suitable for daytime & my coloring. I was offered the job each time I wore such an outfit. On one interview, I did wear gray dressy khaki pants, button down Oxford shirt, loafers & and a neat cardigan (along with my favorite pearls). I was offered that job too.

[RunBabyRN]

I agree, that does sound very casual.

I have a black suit, and I wear a shirt with some color to it and some heels. My hair is also short, so I blow it out and wear minimal make up. I'll wear a necklace that's simple.

Having been a hiring manager, honestly, bold colors aren't what interviewers remember about you, unless it's in a negative way. You'll stand out more if you look very professional, have good answers and a great personality.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I've worn gray slacks, black closed toe shoes and a tasteful blouse.

One of my tops is a collared light pink with grey pin stripes. Another top is gray and white floral, it's silky and kind of like office wear.

I wear my hair half up half down, too. (-: stud earrings (pearls or diamonds) clear nail polish, nude looking lip stick.

I was hired 2 out of 3 interviews.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

Gotta agree with everyone else, jeggings (or any form fitting pant) is just too casual. I wore a suit to my first interview and slacks, heels, a blouse and a cardigan-type cover up to my follow up interview. I have long hair, but it is neat and I wore it down. I wore toned down makeup and jewelry. Got the job. A friend of mine, who is male, wore slacks, a button up and tie to his interview (without the suit jacket). He also got the job.

[BlueRidgeModonda, BSN]

Switch the jegging to a pair of straight leg khaki trousers. If length is an issue (it always is for me, even in petites!) alterations aren't that expensive... and the fail safe method of pressing the bottom hem to appropriate length and then using masking tape to secure it is always there as a last ditch measure.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I always wear some kind of suit. Usually navy blue but I have been known to sport an off white or black every now and then. I have never been turned down for a job which why I guess I usually stick with the navy. No jeggings at all. Also if you are going to do beige, I would not do black shoes. I would either match the shirt to the shoes or go with a simple, nude pair. Always wear closed-toe shoes. A simple, plain pump works. I have hired many people in my day. I did all of the management hiring for my state for one company so I have a little experience in this area.

[schnookimz]

I have an interview tomorrow. Planning to wear a modest black dress with black tights, flat black ballet slippers and a cardigan.

Hair in a low ponytail. Minimal makeup.

[BlueRidgeModonda, BSN]

I have a couple different interview looks.

Pencil skirt, black shell, azure blue cardigan with skinny belt. Sleek bun at the back of my neck.

Grey-ish black silk sheath dress, skinny belt and cardigan. Hair pulled back: low bun or pony tail.

Dress slacks (dark khaki), button down white blouse with white shell. Kelly green cardigan. Low ponytail.

Minimal makeup. Jewelry is single silver stud earrings, wedding band, thin black strap watch. Nude or clear polished nails, trimmed short.

With all the looks I wear low enough heels that I can almost run in. I'm proficient in 5" heels but I would never dream of wearing anything above 1.5" to an interview.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Comfort and confident are definately important when interviewing, but honestly, "jeggings" sound far too casual, at least in my mind.

Now, maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I've worn well-cut and tailored black dress slacks, a matching blazer with a touch of silver "bling" on the buttons, low-heeled pumps and very conservative jewelry for my last 2 interviews and landed the jobs. One DON even commented on the appropriateness of my attire and called it refreshing.

Whatever you decided to wear, I hope you nail the interview and land the job!!

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Ohhh, a great navy suit is on my wish list!

[neld257]

While researching the GN Residency program for new grads at a hospital in my area I found this statement under their FAQ section regarding interviews...

"Dress appropriately. This is a competitive job interview. Dress professionally, preferably in a suit."

I know what I'll be wearing to all of my interviews! If they take the time to write it down in the FAQ section, it must be important.