What to Wear to an Interview
"First impressions are the most lasting." -Proverbs
I have conducted hundreds of interviews in my 6 year career of being in middle management. And boy, have I seen it ALL when it comes to people coming in for an interview. I have also been on numerous interviews, myself, including higher-level/executive interviews. Thus, I thought I needed to share my information about what to wear to an interview, and other items needed to prepare!
A little bit of background about me, I have been a nurse for almost ten years! (I seriously cannot believe that it has been TEN years.. I feel old. REAL old). I have my MSN/MBA and I am also certified in Medical/Surgical Nursing. Before going casual, I was what you would call an assistant nurse manager. I had patient care duties, but also administration duties, as well. It really was the best of both worlds. I am here to try to ease your mind and help you through the interview process, starting with what to wear!!
If you're going into a professional career, like nursing, then I suggest you sticking with the top two looks. I highly recommend that you invest in a good suit jacket. I am sure that shortly into your nursing career, that you will be joining committees, and possibly presenting. Having a good suit jacket really helps!
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1. Super-Polished/ Professional Look- with Pants
Very early in my nursing career, I was going on an interview, but felt like my suit was too "stuffy". So I asked my sister if I could wear a nice top and black pants. My sister replied: "Is your interview going to be at a park?! If the answer is no, then you need to wear a suit. Even then, you should probably wear a suit anyways, and sweat it out." BEST. ADVICE. EVER! Seriously, you CANNOT go wrong with a classic black suit! You also do NOT have to spend a TON of money on a suit. I typically like to wear suit separates. My suit below is a suit I've had for probably 8 years and is a suit separate. If you have a nice pair of black pants; chances are if you grab a suit jacket, it will fit!
2. Super-Polished/ Professional Look - with a Dress/Skirt
Some people feel more comfortable and feminine in a suit with a skirt. I, typically, stick with the pants suit option. However, a skirt suit can also be professional and look very nice! It it whatever you are most comfortable in. This is actually a simple black pencil dress paired with the same suit jacket from above. I added a little interest with the leopard pump. However, you could also change those out for black or nude pumps.
3. Casual-Feeling | Comfortable Look
So if you are going on a formal interview, and/or this is your first interview. I wouldn't suggest this outfit. I would stick with the top two. However, sometimes there are networking events, where you go out for lunch or meet at a meeting, and talk about next steps. More or less a pseudo-interview. If you're going to something like that, then I would suggest this! Also, if you're going to an event prior to your start date; like a breakfast/brunch/HR type of event, then THIS is your outfit. This is a simple knit blazer with ankle pants. I love knit blazers because they look polished, but are still comfortable, and NOT stuffy!
4. Fashionable Look
Here is a look that you can do if you plan on a going for a retail or fashion interview. I am a huge fan of blazer for interviews. I think that blazers just give a more polished and professional look. No matter what you're interviewing for! If you are being interviewed for a position that you are giving fashion advice, then you could go a little bold and get fashionable with your attire. A striped knit blazer is a great way to make a HUGE impact, while still looking professional.
5. Edgy Look
Just being transparent, I have never wore this to an interview. However, this would be great for someone who is interviewing for a job that requires to be a little edgier; like a nightclub manager or bartender. This would also be good for a fashion interview, if you're feeling a little hip! Again, this could also be worn to a meet-and-greet for your new employer, if it is in a casual setting!
6. Men's Interview Look
Guys, I didn't want to leave you out!! Here is a look for you! Blue suits are super popular right now! I highly suggest that you invest in a good suit. You can get SO much use out of it! Sometimes, my husband just wears a suit jacket with jeans for a sport coat look! Also, three button suits are OUT! Make sure that you only have two buttons on your suits. I recommended a suit with stretch in it to my husband, and now he LOVES them! Suits can be super stuffy and hard to move in. Getting a stretch suit is a great alternative!!
I hope that you found what to wear to an interview with this post! Make sure that you are following along to read more interviewing tips!
Thanks for stopping by!
💓- Ashley
