Interview Dress??

naughtoj

naughtoj

Cathlete
Hi all! I need some advice....

I am going to be pounding the pavement soon for a part time job and need some input on interview dress.

As you know I am in nursing school and had originally asked this question on a nursing forum. They all told me I had to go out and get a business suit with pantyhose and heels..blah, blah. However, I am NOT applying for an RN job but rather and entry-level position either in the hospital (preferably) or at a place like Costco or Walgreens (for seasonal PT employment). Basically, now I just need A JOB but it would be great to either work VERY close to home or in a hospital environment, preferably both. I have applied at the hospitals around me for those positions for which I qualify.

SO................can I go out and get some khakis and a nice button down top and some loafers? I am petite and suits are very hard to get..they never fit me right. I don't really have time to get them altered. I was thinking of just going to Kohls. Is this acceptable for an entry level job interview???

BTW......I have worn the pantsuit and DIDN'T get the job so I guess it could go either way???

Advice appreciated...:)
 
I would put my best foot forward and dress business-like. Maybe not a dress or skirted suit, but maybe a pant suit. First impressions are very important, and it's best if you "over-dress." Give them the idea that you're taking it seriously, even if it's an entry-level part-time job. Have a good looking resume, too.
Just Do It! :)
 
I would not wear khakis - they are considered as casual wear. Definitely wear nice slacks or other professional office wear. The job market (at least in my area) is way too competitive to do anything less than the best.
 
Well, Honeybunch and I are the same generation, so maybe you should keep that in mind, but IMO you really can't overdress for an interview. As Honeybunch mentioned, it shows that you take the whole process seriously and that you're trying to make a great impression.

Having said that, I know this is not the case for my DH. When he interviews with other computer geeks, they think he's nuts if he wears a suit. But those geeks don't deal with the public at all, and they kind of live in their own world.

Just my 2 cents.
 
I think a suit, hose & pumps are pretty much essential no matter where you're interviewing. In fact, if you have long hair I'd also recommend putting it up in some sort of bun or ponytail.

I'm pretty old fashioned about this stuff, but you'll have the best chance of getting the job if you dress appropriately.
 
Maybe I'm the only one that has a different view on this??

As a retail manager of many years, I LIKED the people I interviewed to dress in a more casual manner...Not jeans and a t-shirt, mind you...But khakis and a button down shirt with loafers would have been the perfect interview dress in my eyes...

Now, when I ran the HR department of a retail chain and was interviewing for coorporate jobs, I wanted them in a suit...

MJ in MN
 
I have to agree with Martijean here. I would not go out and spend $300 on attire for an entry level job. And, a cheap suit that does not fit properly is probably not going to make a great impression either. I think simple slacks and some kind of dress shirt is fine. Make sure your hair is neat. If you paint your nails, have a nice fresh coat on. Make sure your purse is neat looking...when you go to pull out your id don't have ten things spilling out all over the desk...etc etc. Things like that, a conservative, organized impression will go a long way.
Heather
 
You can go to a consignment shop and get a really good outfit for not a lot of money. Just take your time and shop carefully.
Just Do It! :)
 
I agree with those that say to dress your best. You don't have to wear a designer suit, but you do need to look professional, like you intend to be the president of the company at some point even if the job you're going for today is entry level.

Also, I used to interview applicants and the things that mattered to me were: dress/appearance, eye contact, level of enthusiasm, did they extend their hand to shake mine, and how confident they seemed.

By all means, go for the hospital job. I'm a nurse and I worked all through school as an aide and I can't tell you how much I benefitted from that experience in school and when I sat for the state board exams. You can't have too much practical expierence.

Good luck--you'll do great:) :)

Michele
 
Thank you!

Maybe I will look for some slacks and a button down shirt. Last time I interviewed I wore a lime green button down top and black slacks with dressier black shoes and didn't get the job either!:-(

Maybe it has nothing to do with what I am wearing and more to do with what I am saying, LOL.

Seriously though, I see the people working in Walgreens or Costco and think how it is possible I WOULDN'T get the job!!

I know it is important to dress your best, I just don't want to spend $300 on a new outfit for this. I need to make $$ now, not spend it. If the suit fit perfectly.....if I KNEW how a suit should fit....it would be worth it. Well, we'll see what I can get..

I would like to get an entry level job in a hospital and then brush up on my CNA skills either thru practice or clinicals (which I start in October) and then ultimately get a job as an aid after I get state certified. So.....this is just a stepping stone.
 
I agree with the majority here. To maximize your opportunities, you really need to look like you are taking the process and the position seriously. That doesn't mean a $500 suit, but it does not mean khakis and a button-down, either. You can actually get a reasonably priced suit (or slacks and a sports jacket) in TJ Maxx or Marshall's or one of those off-priced discounters. If you don't want to do even that, consider tailored slacks in a dark color and a twin set. The twin set will at least be "jacket-like."

Good luck!
Marie

PS: I also think you are better going for the hospital experience than simple retail, if you are hoping to leverage the experience later on...
 
Just a suggestion, but remember that during the interview, you will most likely be seen from the waist up for the majority of the time (sitting across the table or desk) Make sure your hair, face and accessories in this area (jewelry, etc.) look as classic and professional as possible.

I think a suit may be too much for the level of retail that you're describing, but khaki's and a shirt are too casual (JMO). If you have a darker colored pant (olive, brown, grey, etc.) with a coordinated jacket over a nice top (knit sweater, blouse, etc.) that would be a nice in-between look.

Good luck no matter what you wear - remember, the best accessory is confidence! ;-)

KC
 
I'd go for pant suit. Would not go for dress, pumps, stocking UGH! Not sure how old you are but I'm 40s (assume I'm a lot older) and have not worn a dress in years. I'm in software and a pant suit for the 1st has always worked! 6 jobs in 6 years ;) 2nd interview I usually do nice pants and nice shirt with jacket.

GOOD LUCK!

Go with what you feel most comfortable in. Some people feel more professional in a suit...

Let us know how it goes
 
I would definitely NOT go with the khakis for an interview. It doesn't matter if its an entry level position or not, you should dress for any interview as an important interview. You don't need a suit although a suit would not be inappropriate. A nice pair of slacks and a tailored blouse would also be suitable. We are currently interviewing for a tech position where I work and several applicants came in who were similarly qualified. One came in dressed casually and she was placed on the bottom of the "to consider" list. What you wear can and will influence what people think about you and if your credentials are similar to others being considered, can kill your chances.
 
You know, I was just thinking. I've interviewed several people in my time, and I've never once come away thinking "Gee, she was too nicely dressed. I don't think I want to hire her."
 
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