Residency Interview Attire Thread

[username456789]

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHO IS SHOWING UP TO YOUR DINNER!

True. All of the pre-interview dinners I went to were residents only; however, the one that I couldn't make because of scheduling issues was a faculty/resident Christmas party. Which would've been super awkward anyway for interviewing students in my opinion. But the dress code for that would have likely been different.

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[dermaway]

Yeah I got the merlot mccalisters And going to get a navy suit. May try suitsupply!

And some walnut strands for the preinterview dinner with maybe some khakis a nice button down

 

[qwerty89]

http://slickdeals.net/f/7229200-mac...es-new-york-suits-100-more-with-free-shipping

 

[JoshSt]

? - One of my interviews is coming up, what should I bring with me to hold papers - a professional folder, man purse/doctor bag, or hold them in my hands all day?

 

[Kaustikos]

True. All of the pre-interview dinners I went to were residents only; however, the one that I couldn't make because of scheduling issues was a faculty/resident Christmas party. Which would've been super awkward anyway for interviewing students in my opinion. But the dress code for that would have likely been different.

I just wore a casual suit. If the jacket was too much, I'd take it off and BOOM I'm okay.
I'm also a big fan of ties. I wear ties because I like to. You can always just take the thing off if it's too much. Nothing wrong with button shirt and pants in the end.

And yes, i realize this is one of many intros to a porno/strip show

 

[dienekes88]

The leather portfolio is quite popular.

A formal leather shoulder bag or briefcase would maybe be an option as well.

But in reality - all are unnecessary. Every program will give you the papers for the day in a folder (usually a fancy one with the school logo on it) and you can just carry that prn.

Leather portfolio all the way. I just had a notebook for all my notes from the interview day, a pen, the folder they handed out, and any faculty business cards that were handed out. A few other things. I had a copy of a paper I had written so that I could go back over some of the details if my interviewer happened to be in that field (happened a few times that I was asked very very specific questions).

Otherwise, I'm not sure how this can be such a long thread.

Charcoal suit or Navy suit. White shirt. Strong tie: red or blue, maybe red/blue stripes. Honestly, go to Brooks Brothers and then eat ramen for the next 3 months. Your interview suit will serve you well, as it can double as your wedding suit, your formal residency event suit, and your international conference presentation suit. The money is worth it, because the quality is solid. This is your only opportunity to make an impression.

 

[Dral]

Leather portfolio all the way. I just had a notebook for all my notes from the interview day, a pen, the folder they handed out, and any faculty business cards that were handed out. A few other things. I had a copy of a paper I had written so that I could go back over some of the details if my interviewer happened to be in that field (happened a few times that I was asked very very specific questions).

Otherwise, I'm not sure how this can be such a long thread.

Charcoal suit or Navy suit. White shirt. Strong tie: red or blue, maybe red/blue stripes. Honestly, go to Brooks Brothers and then eat ramen for the next 3 months. Your interview suit will serve you well, as it can double as your wedding suit, your formal residency event suit, and your international conference presentation suit. The money is worth it, because the quality is solid. This is your only opportunity to make an impression.

Solid Advice.

To add: match the leather on your body...portfolio, belt, shoes. Not difficult. Conservative belt buckle, that the tip of your tie is about touching when you are standing up all nice and confident with your good posture.

Generally can't go wrong with black lace business leather shoes if you stick to suit colors above...Dark brown can work with Navy. Socks match suit/shoes.

I tend to deviate from the shirt/tie colors above A BIT...like I'm talking off white, light gray shirts and different hues of blues/darker reds. Not pinks, not yellows, not greens.

Clean shaven. wedding ring and watch.

...and black suits... just about every interview, I heard at least one person compliment me on my charcoal suit. I took it as them nicely saying in front of everyone else: "Hey, you got the memo that this is an interview, not a funeral!"

 

[Apoplexy__]

The interview dinners that included faculty: dress slacks, dress shirt (I don't wear a tie unless I'm wearing a suit or sport coat or white coat).

The interview dinners with residents only: jeans.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHO IS SHOWING UP TO YOUR DINNER!

Do all interviews have dinners associated with them? Before or after the interview? Optional or mandatory?

 

[Apoplexy__]

99% of them will have a dinner.

Vast majority will be the night before...I had one that was following.

They are always optional, but you should make every effort to attend. They are your best chance to get candid impressions from the residents, and residents will often base their evaluation of you (yes, residents evaluate you) from the interactions at the dinner.

Thanks! Good to know.

 

[dermaway]

is it better to stick to navy/dark blues or would this color work?

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category...UE&isFromSale=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row5

i think the fit might be too slim for an interview, but i really like the color

 

[Snoopy2006]

is it better to stick to navy/dark blues or would this color work?

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/suiting/PRD~A0498/A0498.jsp?N=21 16 10011&Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Nsrt=3&isSaleItem=true&color_name=ADMIRAL BLUE&isFromSale=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row5

i think the fit might be too slim for an interview, but i really like the color

Too casual. More of a summer suit to me.

Edit: I was looking at the cream/khaki color, not the blue. I'd still stay away from a cotton suit for a winter interview.

 

[dermaway]

Too casual. More of a summer suit to me.

Edit: I was looking at the cream/khaki color, not the blue. I'd still stay away from a cotton suit for a winter interview.

what about the color? I was more so asking about that shade of blue thats not as dark as most navy suits

 

[Dral]

That's not too bad. Just watch the material. It's getting a bit close to 'night at the roxbury'.

Not directed at anyone in particular:

I understand people want to show their individuality, but an interview for a conservative position job like medicine is just not the place.

Thought process:
It's not difficult to follow the 'rules' of conservative dress.
This person is smart enough to know that, yet chooses to break that
If they are a resident under me as their program director, what happens when they disagree with what I say or what if they want to do something different from the way we do things?
I will listen to them, but I have years more experience than they.
If they resist the rules of conservative dress, will they resist my 'rules' of how things are done around here?
I wonder.
Well, I liked that other guy with the good personality in the navy suit, white shirt, red tie, and black shoes. I'll rank him highly.

Whether one likes it or not, individualism is not rewarded in medicine. This isn't an interview for an executive position at GQ or at the MOMA.

This may change as time goes on, but it's not how it is now.

Just be conservative, not black suit, go out after the interview in your crazy club wear and express yourself to your heart's content in your social life.

It's not a fashion show, it's a personality show (and a personality show where the individuality of a component of fashion forwardness to one's personality is of no consequence).

 

[dermaway]

That's not too bad. Just watch the material. It's getting a bit close to 'night at the roxbury'.

Not directed at anyone in particular:

I understand people want to show their individuality, but an interview for a conservative position job like medicine is just not the place.

Thought process:
It's not difficult to follow the 'rules' of conservative dress.
This person is smart enough to know that, yet chooses to break that
If they are a resident under me as their program director, what happens when they disagree with what I say or what if they want to do something different from the way we do things?
I will listen to them, but I have years more experience than they.
If they resist the rules of conservative dress, will they resist my 'rules' of how things are done around here?
I wonder.
Well, I liked that other guy with the good personality in the navy suit, white shirt, red tie, and black shoes. I'll rank him highly.

Whether one likes it or not, individualism is not rewarded in medicine. This isn't an interview for an executive position at GQ or at the MOMA.

This may change as time goes on, but it's not how it is now.

Just be conservative, not black suit, go out after the interview in your crazy club wear and express yourself to your heart's content in your social life.

It's not a fashion show, it's a personality show (and a personality show where the individuality of a component of fashion forwardness to one's personality is of no consequence).

Yeah thats very true, thank you.

 

[DermViser]

That's not too bad. Just watch the material. It's getting a bit close to 'night at the roxbury'.

Not directed at anyone in particular:

I understand people want to show their individuality, but an interview for a conservative position job like medicine is just not the place.

Thought process:
It's not difficult to follow the 'rules' of conservative dress.
This person is smart enough to know that, yet chooses to break that
If they are a resident under me as their program director, what happens when they disagree with what I say or what if they want to do something different from the way we do things?
I will listen to them, but I have years more experience than they.
If they resist the rules of conservative dress, will they resist my 'rules' of how things are done around here?
I wonder.
Well, I liked that other guy with the good personality in the navy suit, white shirt, red tie, and black shoes. I'll rank him highly.

Whether one likes it or not, individualism is not rewarded in medicine. This isn't an interview for an executive position at GQ or at the MOMA.

This may change as time goes on, but it's not how it is now.

Just be conservative, not black suit, go out after the interview in your crazy club wear and express yourself to your heart's content in your social life.

It's not a fashion show, it's a personality show (and a personality show where the individuality of a component of fashion forwardness to one's personality is of no consequence).

Thank you. This wanting to "stand out" and be "different" at something as simple as one's dress at a residency job interview is beyond me.

 

[username456789]

Thank you. This wanting to "stand out" and be "different" at something as simple as one's dress at a residency job interview is beyond me.

Special Snowflake Syndrome.

 

[DermViser]

Special Snowflake Syndrome.

Yes, but I would have genuinely thought medical school would effectively stamp out that line of thinking by the time they hit MS-4 and are interviewing.

 

[dermaway]

I guess for me personally, since all of this stuff is so expensive, I would just want something I would be happy to wear outside of interviews as well.

But I think those tastes aren't conservative enough and I may have to suck it up... to some extent (not going to compromise on the merlot mccalisters )

 

[Dral]

Other than a black suit for funerals, where else will you be wearing it outside of medicine related things?

By the time you have enough attending cred to wear some metallic armani suit, you'll also have the bens to afford it.

If money is the issue, just get a nice jcpenney suit or something and have it tailored....which should be done for all suits anyway.

I think my last suit was a $100 tjmaxx CK suit I had tailored.

 

[dermaway]

Other than a black suit for funerals, where else will you be wearing it outside of medicine related things?

By the time you have enough attending cred to wear some metallic armani suit, you'll also have the bens to afford it.

If money is the issue, just get a nice jcpenney suit or something and have it tailored....which should be done for all suits anyway.

I think my last suit was a $100 tjmaxx CK suit I had tailored.

Yeah I guess thats true lol. I was thinking weddings/other more formal events though. But those aren't all that common. Never thought about checking out tjmaxx for suits... may have to do that

I think I will just go to something like a department store and get a relatively cheap suit tailored to fit me well, as opposed to spending more $$$ on a better quality suit.

 

[Dral]

Trust me, interviewers have no idea about suit brands but they can see how well a suit fits.

Honestly, you'll stand taller in a suit that you look good in that fits you well. That's all you need. You'd be surprised what you can find for cheap. Just don't go double breasted. Also no French cuffs...don't want to go too formal either.

Look into single vs double vent. Also, it's still in to wear flat fronts (no cuff) opposed to pleated (cuff). Pleated/cuffs are for overweight Wall Street guys.

 

[Dave89]

i think the fit might be too slim for an interview, but i really like the color

I'm not sure what this means. If a slim fit looks good on you, it is appropriate for any occasion.

 

[Winged Scapula]

what about the color? I was more so asking about that shade of blue thats not as dark as most navy suits

I can't see the blue for some reason but if it's their usual blue, it's fine but no lighter. May I assume you are looking at one of the wools and not chino? The latter material is too casual especially in winter and above the Mason-Dixon Line,

I've always liked the Ludlow but good Lord, the ankle length is ridiculous. Please a get them longer (and wear socks).

 

[Winged Scapula]

Yes, but I would have genuinely thought medical school would effectively stamp out that line of thinking by the time they hit MS-4 and are interviewing.

You'd think but there are an awful lot of people out there who just don't get it or who've never gotten good advice.

A couple of years ago I was helping a fellow with some job applications/interviews. She didn't want to buy a new suit because she'd gained some weight and wanted to wear this very unflattering dress. I tried to stop her. Her CV was written like a college resume complete with a Hobby section listing "playing with my cats" and "gambling". No one had ever told her that none of this was professional.

 

[DermViser]

You'd think but there are an awful lot of people out there who just don't get it or who've never gotten good advice.

A couple of years ago I was helping a fellow with some job applications/interviews. She didn't want to buy a new suit because she'd gained some weight and wanted to wear this very unflattering dress. I tried to stop her. Her CV was written like a college resume complete with a Hobby section listing "playing with my cats" and "gambling". No one had ever told her that none of this was professional.

Yeah, seems to be a common theme. I guess I would have thought that during MS-3 clerkships when you're hopping from rotation to rotation, people would get the idea of "when in Rome.." you essentially try to fit into the culture as to not draw undue/bad attention to yourself. It's fine if you don't know how to dress for an interview. Go to a store like a Macy's and explain that you're going to a medical residency interview - they'll find you something within your price range that looks great, fits right, and you're done. Your clothes shouldn't be the main focus of the interviewer's attention.

Hobbies: Gambling, Dancing provocatively, Smoking, Drinking, Volunteering at my church

Read "playing with my cats" and immediately thought something else.

 

[Dral]

I'm not sure what this means. If a slim fit looks good on you, it is appropriate for any occasion.

The too slim is actually a valid concern.

I believe people do not put enough consideration into how they dress for these interviews. It's more than what someone thinks looks good and what is 'in' at the time.

dermaway brings up a good point, and here is why: The people who are doing the interviewing went through this process in the 90s, 80s...even the 70s. Suit styles were different back then. Suit fitting seems to mirror general public fashion trends. If you look back to the 60s, suits were nicely fitted. Hit the 80's...baggy saggy clothes everywhere. Suits didn't get baggy, but they were definitely loose fit. Could you find a suit with the word 'slim' on the label in the 80s? I think the only fashion thing that was slim at the time was 'slim ties'. haha.

Anyway, back to the point...think about what looks good, but think about what the interviewer will think. We're back to slimmer clothes being in style (despite obesity trends). As pointed out above, it's actually getting ridic a bit imo...soon suit pants are going to actually be capri/yoga pants.

Interviewers are used to what they know...you are playing to them. I'm not saying wear an 80s suit style, but just be careful about going to extreme with modern trends...there is a limit to how 'slim-esque' a suit can be...totally valid point. Relatively slim fit...sure, extreme slim to the point of FASHION FORWARD...no.

There is a common trend in all the things some of us older fogies are trying to get across.

For instance, what I said above about no double breasted or french cuffs...that is TOO formal for this type of interview. While they are not trendy and are classic styles, they suffer the same effect of trendy styles which southern IM pointed out above: "This person is too formal, who does he think he is? Overdressing to impress? well I'm not impressed."

Again, just stopping at 'how do I look?' isn't even enough. One has to think about the context of what will transpire at the interview/event and what people may think of them. Sorry, people do care what others think of them regardless of what anyone says...it's part of what makes us human.

 

[Winged Scapula]

This is what I've been saying about the Ludlow. J Crew being J Crew, they can't leave well enough alone. Three-ish years ago, the Ludlow was a great looking suit, had decent (half-canvas) construction, and was at a pretty good price point. Every season since, they've tweaked it a little bit - a little skinnier pants leg here, a little shorter there, a little thinner lapel here. And in the same time the price has gone up by seemingly $100+.

They've changed the fit enough that I would actually need to go up a jacket size today if I bought a new J crew suit jacket, after having the same jacket fit me pretty reliably for years.

JC used to be the epitome of the refined preppy look. I tie the change with their entry into the typically avant garde Asian fashion market 2-3 years ago.

00 petite women's clothing, short skirts, tight slim pants and the men's suit changes that you note. I still wear a lot of it off hours but it's getting harder to find work appropriate stuff. Shorts suit? LOL-maybe that sells in Toyko or Seoul but not Chicago. They're alienating their customer base.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

What the heck did you guys interview in for medical school...seriously I'm just alternating my dark grey and navy suits I used for medical school interviews with two sets of shirts/ties each. Bam, four sets of interview clothing, go on 2-3 interviews a week and get the suits dry cleaned in between interviews. I mean, did you just have terrible suits or did you really gain so much weight you can't have them re-tailored?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

I could have reworn my med school suit, but I wanted and could afford a "nicer" suit by the time residency interviews came along.

Sure, but it seems like now people are scrambling to buy "better" suits in a couple weeks before interviews start. If someone is really just buying a nicer suit because you want to, better to have thought about it a while ago so you could pick up a good deal during the year.

 

[Dral]

I lost enough weight from med school interviews to have my suit not be able to be tailored to fit when it came to residency interviews.

I hope those people scrambling still have enough time to get those suits tailored.

 

[qwerty89]

Now that is a good fitting suit.

 

[username456789]

What the heck did you guys interview in for medical school...seriously I'm just alternating my dark grey and navy suits I used for medical school interviews with two sets of shirts/ties each. Bam, four sets of interview clothing, go on 2-3 interviews a week and get the suits dry cleaned in between interviews. I mean, did you just have terrible suits or did you really gain so much weight you can't have them re-tailored?

Unless you're actually spilling food or drinks on them, do not get them dry cleaned anywhere near that frequently. Unless you want to ruin your suits.

 

[JP2740]

Question about my navy suit- how dark should the blue be? In some lights it can be mistaken for black, but when I put it up to my black suit it's obviously navy. Is that too dark or is that normal for navy?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Unless you're actually spilling food or drinks on them, do not get them dry cleaned anywhere near that frequently. Unless you want to ruin your suits.

Oh yeah, I didn't mean literally in between every interview.

 

[dienekes88]

I lost enough weight from med school interviews to have my suit not be able to be tailored to fit when it came to residency interviews.

I hope those people scrambling still have enough time to get those suits tailored.

Agree. Tailoring is key. It can take inexpensive stuff and make it look good.

That's why my advice was just to pony up the cash and buy the suit at Brooks Brothers. Good quality. They'll size it right, the tailor will bring in the back a little, get the pants to be an appropriate length, etc. I have no fashion sense, and my girlfriend lets me know it. However, even I could tell that some people put some effort into their appearance while others... not so much. If I can tell, imagine what the interviewers are thinking.

There are very few people who can pull off "unique" looks and make it work. Those people are not getting fashion advice from SDN.

 

[178624]

why not just wear scrubs and say "I thought I was supposed to start today, who are all these guys in suits?"

 

[Winged Scapula]

why not just wear scrubs and say "I thought I was supposed to start today, who are all these guys in suits?"

That would only work if you were applying for a specialty that wears scrubs every day which, as we've established elsewhere, is not surgery or any other office based practice.

 

[JP2740]

Pretty normal

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Dot-S...ar_MA01650_Color=NAVY&contentpos=14&cgid=0210

Do you guys think this tie is too skinny or not interview appropriate because I think it looks really good and aught my eye when I was buying my BB shirts at the store

I also kinda like this one (I like dots for some reason) although I'm not too sure... http://www.thetiebar.com/product/22...alQmq8H86cGnD7fQxObPVIQ3G6NEfjPE-saAj7b8P8HAQ

 

[Señor S]

I'd go with the second tie over the first one (seems a little too skinny/trendy, but it's hard to tell without seeing it as part of an outfit).

 

[VisionaryTics]

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Dot-S...ar_MA01650_Color=NAVY&contentpos=14&cgid=0210

Do you guys think this tie is too skinny or not interview appropriate because I think it looks really good and aught my eye when I was buying my BB shirts at the store

I also kinda like this one (I like dots for some reason) although I'm not too sure... http://www.thetiebar.com/product/22...alQmq8H86cGnD7fQxObPVIQ3G6NEfjPE-saAj7b8P8HAQ

I'd go with a 3" tie, but 2 5/8" isn't so bad if you're thin and can make it work with the rest of your suit.

All of my ties are at least 3.5".

 

[Atticum]

Shirt Stays, anyone?

We used them with our service uniforms in the Marines and you knew immediately who forgot them because the difference was obvious. They make for a clean look with nice lines and no wrinkles or bulges. All day.

Word to the wise, though: practice using them beforehand because depending on the quality they have a tendency to come undone.

 

[Fluffy Pomeranian]

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Dot-S...ar_MA01650_Color=NAVY&contentpos=14&cgid=0210

Do you guys think this tie is too skinny or not interview appropriate because I think it looks really good and aught my eye when I was buying my BB shirts at the store

I also kinda like this one (I like dots for some reason) although I'm not too sure... http://www.thetiebar.com/product/22...alQmq8H86cGnD7fQxObPVIQ3G6NEfjPE-saAj7b8P8HAQ

I like the second one (burgundy) better. It should look nice with a navy suit too.

 

[Fluffy Pomeranian]

For women, is it okay to wear a patterned shirt under my suit? I'm planning to wear the same navy skirt suit I wore to my med school interviews next year when I apply for residency. Previously I wore it with with a solid white shell underneath, but I felt like this made me look a bit like an airline stewardess....I feel like it looks really nice with a patterned top but don't know if it's better to stick with something more neutral/simple?

 

[Winged Scapula]

For women, is it okay to wear a patterned shirt under my suit? I'm planning to wear the same navy skirt suit I wore to my med school interviews next year when I apply for residency. Previously I wore it with with a solid white shell underneath, but I felt like this made me look a bit like an airline stewardess....I feel like it looks really nice with a patterned top but don't know if it's better to stick with something more neutral/simple?

A patterned blouse is fine but it needs to be a quiet muted print so as not to distract. Another option is a bold color under your suit because I too hate seeing young women in a white blouse under their dark suit. So boring, so predictable.

 

[Fluffy Pomeranian]

A patterned blouse is fine but it needs to be a quiet muted print so as not to distract. Another option is a bold color under your suit because I too hate seeing young women in a white blouse under their dark suit. So boring, so predictable.

What colors would you pair with navy? I tried it before with a medium blue, deep red, and mustard yellow and thought it looked pretty good. I really like pink and navy together but prob not for an interview.

 

[Winged Scapula]

What colors would you pair with navy? I tried it before with a medium blue, deep red, and mustard yellow and thought it looked pretty good. I really like pink and navy together but prob not for an interview.

Navy is a neutral and works with almost anything. The choice will be up to whichever color is most flattering to your skin tone.

Classically red and other warmer tones across the color wheel have been paired with blue.

I'm a huge fan of navy and green; as a matter fact today I am wearing a navy suit with a green and blue striped silk blouse paired with a green and navy bag and some gold Ferragamo's.

If you have a Macy's near you, the brand Vince Camuto has several long sleeve wrap style blouses in a subtle green and blue snake print and in a really pretty burgundy and navy stripe. I think either of them would be lovely with the navy suit.

 

[Fluffy Pomeranian]

Navy is a neutral and works with almost anything. The choice will be up to whichever color is most flattering to your skin tone.

Classically red and other warmer tones across the color wheel have been paired with blue.

I'm a huge fan of navy and green; as a matter fact today I am wearing a navy suit with a green and blue striped silk blouse paired with a green and navy bag and some gold Ferragamo's.

If you have a Macy's near you, the brand Vince Camuto has several long sleeve wrap style blouses in a subtle green and blue snake print and in a really pretty burgundy and navy stripe. I think either of them would be lovely with the navy suit.

I like the navy and green idea, didn't think about that. Would a silky fushia or hot pink top be inappropriate underneath? I feel like colors like that look best on me.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Shirt Stays, anyone?

We used them with our service uniforms in the Marines and you knew immediately who forgot them because the difference was obvious. They make for a clean look with nice lines and no wrinkles or bulges. All day.

Word to the wise, though: practice using them beforehand because depending on the quality they have a tendency to come undone.

I don't plan on taking off my jacket over the course of the interview day, so hard to justify them. Certainly have some rolling around in the bottom of the sock drawer for back in the day. Won't break them out for this, however.

 

[opolis]

question: what is the etiquette for women and engagement rings? my ring is particularly large and draws attention (family heirloom). while i love it, will i be judged negatively for wearing it? would i be better off not wearing one?

 

[bashir]

question: what is the etiquette for women and engagement rings? my ring is particularly large and draws attention (family heirloom). while i love it, will i be judged negatively for wearing it? would i be better off not wearing one?

It would not have occurred to me to worry about this. Do not allow yourself to feel self-conscious about a piece of jewelry you will (hopefully) wear for the rest of your life.