interview clothes, colors, hair questions

[Triskeliongirl]

We all need to stay focussed on the questions asked, which is how to dress for an interview for a medical residency position. For that, I believe the answer is very conservatively. On the other hand, there are many other jobs, for which the answer is something different. I imagine that if I were interviewing someone for a very creative job, I would like to see more individuality and creativity exercised even in how one dresses. And for many jobs, how one dresses simply doesn't matter. A friend of mine recently hired a research tech, and she told me she hired the person most prepared for the interview, the kid that took the trouble to pubmed her and download and read some of her papers, and then ask her good questions about them. To me, the clothes are about showing you know what is expected of you in terms of attire, but mostly about not wearing anything that will offend or distract the interview away from what it should be about, your qualifiications and why you are ideally suited for the job. So being dressed neatly, well groomed, and in attire appropriate for the task at hand is what its all about.

[michelem]

That cami is a definite no-no. I'd say navy blue suit with a collared blouse in light blue, white, or matching navy blue. If you must go with a shell, make sure the neckline hits no more than an inch or so below the collar bone, and make sure it is in one of the above colors (no pink!). Also a big no on cream colored shoes or bag. They should be same color or darker than the suit, never lighter or brighter. Neutral colored hose, no colored hose. No perfume. Sparing jewelry (stud earrings, a professional-looking watch - leave the Mickey Mouse watch or Swatch watch at home). Muted make-up. Definitely closed toe, low-to-medium heeled shoes (no stilletos or peep-toe shoes). Make sure the shoes are polished and in good repair. It doesn't matter so much how expensive everything is as long as it is well-fitting and in good repair. Scuffed shoes or worn clothing will come across as lack of care on your part.

[btchance]

Alrighty - that gives me a few more ideas on what I'm doing. The navy suit will be my main outfit. I plan on going with the black shoes unless I find something else that works better. Still need an undershirt to go with it. It will probably be a higher-cut shell/cami of some sort - I have never been able to wear a collared shirt underneath a jacket and have it lay right. I'm going to look for a color that either matches the pinstripes in the coat or go for a cream color. For earings and necklace, I have a set of very delicate single pearl earings and a matching necklace - very small and understated, but nice. As far as make-up goes, I've always been one to make it look natural and then enhance just a little bit. I don't like it to stand out. I'll have to see what I can find in a bag, but at least now I have ideas.

Unfortunately, finding an interview suit for me has been extremely difficult. I've gone to every mall and store in my town I can think of and found TWO!!! suits that can be taylored to fit me (and one had a weird pleat thing on the skirt that eliminated it). Everything else is so huge that it just won't work without sizes available to even order that would be small enough) and mail-order stuff I can never get to fit either. The brown suit may have to be worn a couple of times for back to back interviews where I can't get the other one cleaned, but I'm going to look for a cream colored shirt to go underneath it. Hopefully without the pink cami, the pink pinstripes won't be as visible. I'll look for another suit again later, but there is only so much I can do to get one. (I had this suit from med school interviews and had no issues with it there - got into every school that I interviewed at wearing it).

Triskeliongirl - I promise I will be prepared in every way I can think of. This whole clothes thing is because I don't have the best fashion sense and some of the stuff that I was being told to me by advisors I just didn't like or agree with (hair down is okay, two bags, etc.) I already have files going on all the places I'm interviewing at - everything from their website, emails, brochures, and I'm starting to pubmed the chairs and directors (in addition to knowing my own research inside out). I just want to be prepared down to the smallest detail.

Velogirl - that is a cute story. I just hope that if something like that happens to me, I will be able to laugh about it also.

light_sabe_r - if I had a pic of the navy suit I would post it (plus it still needs some alterations). That pic of the brown one is about 4 years old. My grandparents demanded one after they bought it for me.

lph - I agree - it is scary that we have to think about this stuff, but that's life and careers, unfortunately.

Thanks again for all the help ladies.

[VeloVT]

It sounds like you're all set. Best of luck!!!!

If you should find yourself shopping for suiting again -- I have found Anne Taylor to be very dependable for that purpose. Several years ago everything there was cut wrong for my body -- dresses were too shortwaisted, pants too high rise & weren't cut for my small waist/big hip proportions, jackets that fit my shoulders were too big everywhere else -- but it seems like they've updated their cuts and I've had great luck there recently. Their suiting is quite conservative but you can still usually find something that's not dowdy and there's usually a good range of cuts to suit different body types. They have a line of mix & match pieces that, in black anyway, match across seasons, so you can buy a new pair of pants to go with a jacket you bought a year ago or whatever. They have a pretty extensive petites line as well if that's useful. They seem to be pretty good about ordering sizes from other stores (they'll overnight them to your doorstep, very convenient). And they have great sales!!!

[smilingcat]

understated pearl earings and necklace. Purfect!
Navy suit. Purfect.

And agree with everyone else about the shoes. Black, CLOSED TOES, LOW to medium heel purfect!

Neutral color hose goes without saying. NO BARE LEGS.

shell/blouse: agree with others. bit less revealing.

Definitely one bag/purse.

In addition, carry a copy of your CV just in case one of the interviewer forgets to bring with them for your interview. Also read up about their practice. How long in business, specialty?...

My field is different; nonetheless, it is also very very conservative. Unfortunately, the dress code is sooo lacking.

Wish you lots of luck and try to relax, exude self confidence, be friendly.

smilingcat

[KnottedYet]

Helpful hints from my experience with the interviewee I dealt with today:

Do not sit all slouched and slumped while waiting for your interview.
Do not ask about benefits right away.
Do not say you only want to work the minimum hours required for benefits, not the hours as advertised.
Do not forget to brush your teeth after your last cigarette.
Do not mis-spell things on your resume.

Jeez, who knew it was so hard?!?!