What To Wear To A Nursing Job Interview

Dress Smart For Success

As in any profession, the interview process is always the most critical part of landing a nursing job. If you master the interview, you’ll get the job.

The key though, according to the experts at ADVANCE, is to make an unforgettable positive impression on the interviewer. That means being prepared for the questions you will be asked and – most importantly – making sure your appearance is polished and professional.

One step you can take to ensure your appearance is appropriate is to recognize the culture. William Burke, administrative director of South Shore Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center in South Weymouth, MA, says, “Say you were to interview in the information systems department of a facility staffed by 20-something dot-commers. Show up in a three-piece pinstriped suit and they’ll look at you as if you had a canary on your head.”

Experts at Medi-Smart.com, along with Burke, recommend that a job applicant visit the hospital or medical building before the interview."Stop in and talk to patients, or talk to a member of the housekeeping staff, or just walk in and look around quietly," says Burke.

Remember, employers and interviewers take stock in first impressions. That said, if a visit to the potential job site does not yield any definitive answers as to what should be worn to a nursing job interview, Sunbelt Staffing – an agency that specializes in health care industry - offers these pointers:

- Dark suits and long sleeved shirts are best. Men should always wear a tie.

- Keep body piercings and tattoos concealed. Men should not wear their earrings, and women should only wear one set. Keep all other jewelry to a minimum, limited to one ring on each hand.

- Keep pockets empty, as bulges and sounds of items moving around will be a distraction.

- Women should use a clear or conservative color of nail polish, and nails should be neatly trimmed.

- Shoes should be clean and polished.

- Hair and face should be well-groomed. No beards; if you wear a mustache, keep it neatly trimmed.

- Carry a briefcase, not a purse.

- Do not wear hose with a run in them, and keep them close to your skin color.

- Keep makeup, perfume, or cologne to a minimum.

Remember, first impressions tell the interviewer a lot about character and work attributes.

"It's like selling a house," says Jeanne Boegemann, RN. "You don't want to give the buyer a reason to walk away."

Follow these tips and you are sure to knock ‘em dead on your next nursing job interview.