Interview attire for women - ladies please help!

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hokie4life

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  1. Pre-Dental
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Few questions for those of you fellow ladies that have gone on interviews and seen good results…

1) Did you bring a padfolio? I have a really nice one but it has a company name on it from one of the career fairs I went to, bad idea to bring that? I can just try to hide the name or hold it backwards?

2) Did you bring a purse? Where did you stash it if you didn’t?

3) What is an appropriate color for the button down shirt you wear under your suit? I found a deep pink that looks really good but I don’t want to look like interview Barbie! I think its too pink for an interview color.

4) Do you stick the flaps of the shirt out over or under the suit? If you stick the flaps out do you press, fold down the flaps all the way out? I feel like a greasy mafia person because some shirts look too pointy then!

5) Did you paint your finger nails? Keep them short yes but what about painting them clear or opaque?

6) Pearl string necklace w/pearl studs…again too Barbie & sorority-ish or the perfect conservative touch?

7) black and white pin striped suit or dark gray suit?
​
 
1) I brought a padfolio or whatever they're called but it was mostly for looks, I've never used it

2) I did bring a purse and I've noticed others have too. Usually they offer to place it in an office or you just carry it around with you- it's no biggie

3) Shirt colors I've just worn blue or black but I have noticed others wear pink, green, and white.

4) Dunno, don't wear a full suit

5) Kept my nails natural colored but I've seen some with french tip

6) I wouldn't wear the necklace

7) Whichever looks best on you

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it....
 
you're focusing on the wrong details. I think you have a good sense on how to look professional. focus more on what youre gonna say at the interview, cause that's what they really care about.
 
claugh said:
you're focusing on the wrong details. I think you have a good sense on how to look professional. focus more on what youre gonna say at the interview, cause that's what they really care about.
Click to expand...

This is the best possible that can be given, period.
 
Ditto - above. Do your research - the questions that were cited on this site, specific to my school were dead on and SUPER helpful.

I took a padfolio and wrote in it. At least I looked interested - no one else wrote anything down. Wear whatever you think you will feel most confident in. I wore a black suit (jacket and knee cap length skirt) with a white button up, hose, high heels and my favorite large shell pendant necklace. I like to have something memorable about my outfit so I'm not just a face in a black suit. I took my purse and ended up hauling it around for my interview and tour, but that was fine. I was the only one to brush my teeth after the lunch (talk about dedication to dentistry!! 🙂) probably because I was one of the only nitwits carrying around a purse with a tbrush in it!! My nails were natural nails with french tip.

If you want, wear the pearls, wear the pink, enjoy your interview, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE every question you can think of and your responses!!
 
To be honest, I was worried about this myself. But what I found by going to the interviews is that the details don't really matter that much.

1. I brought a padfolio but it wasn't very necessary. The schools usually gave us a folder with a pen and even then I don't think I wrote anything.

2. I brought a purse. I carried it for the most part but you can leave it with the admissions office.

3. I was surprised to find that a lot of girls didn't even wear a button down shirt under their suit. They just wore a more professional looking shirt. I think that pink is fine. I would wear it. I've seen other girls wearing it.

4. I stuck mine over just so I can look cool... and I did. If your hair is long, it will probably hide it anyway. I feel like keeping the flaps in look better on boys. Sticking the flaps out look better on girls and people who appreciate the 70's.

5. It matters not. I doubt they care.

6. Eh, sure. But no one really looks at your jewelry. I don't think it makes you look particularly professional or gives you an air of anything. Think more on matching than trying to portray an image. It is about being put together as a whole instead of the individual details.

7. I would wear the dark gray just because I think it would look better on me. 🙂 What looks better on you? That's what you should wear.
 
1. I didnt take anything with me except a small purse with my cell, wallet and keys. They usually give you a folder with their stuff in it- financial aid info and stuff.
2. I carried my purse with it. When interviewing, I just put it on the side.
3. Just wear light colors for your shirt, and wear it with collar in or out- depending on what looks good. I wore white for all my interviews and there were other candidates who wore different colors.
4. Your nails- I don't think clear would be bad. I didnt put anything on.
5. I wore pearl studs no necklace- there were a couple of girls with a necklace. Again just what looks nice and simple.
6. Suit color wouldnt matter- Id pick dark gray.

I got in everywhere I interviewed. Cancelled 2 interviews. So don't worry. Just look clean, neat and comfortable. Good Luck
 
this is great adviced thank you everyone!! I know this is nothing to worry about in the grand scheme of things but it'll help make me more confident when I know I look presentable. Plus, I was getting so worried about my responses during the interview so I just wanted to focus the stress elsewhere, at least for a bit 😉

Thanks again!!

P.S. how come no bites on the pin stripes? too flasy and aggressive is the message I got about pin stripes from previous posts. I'm assuming dark gray is better because its more neutral and conservative?
 
1) No, padfolios aren't necessary. They're a waste of money since you'll never use them again. Also, I'm sure they don't care one way or the other and they know there isn't anything in them but a pen and blank paper. Plus, as Quack said, every interview I've been to gave out folders. Except Temple, they just handed out loose sheets of paper. But Temple is the last school you ought to be worried about impressing with your padfolio.

2) Since I had flights to catch, I brought everything - suitcase and backpack. I just dropped everything off at some office and only thing I carted around was a pen and the folder they gave out.

3) If pink looks hot, go for it. Looking back, the interviews weren't as professional as I thought they were going to be. I went with a grey skirt-suit and blue button up shirt. I'm glad I went with something other than black and white which you'll notice is what most girls wear. I believe except for the not-at-all-dressed-up girls at the USC interview, I was the only one in non-black at my other interviews.

4) I've done both. I look better with flaps over. My shirt was from JCrew. They aren't too long or pointy there and yes, I ironed my shirt but only the visible parts. 😀 Can't see wrinkly sleeves with my jacket.

5) I just cut my nails. I don't understand the point of clear nail polish.

6) I'd personally go with no jewelry. But if you must, no necklace. Pearl is great but I think it'll just look lame at an interview. I'd say go minimalist. That's me everyday so it wasn't too weird but for some, this may require adjusting to.

7) GREY!! I wore grey and I looked hot. Even got a comment from a prof/doc at my Columbia interview (not about being hot, just about being a non-conformist).

edit: I think you'll realize in hindsight that all this is just superficial. I know I do when I look back on my interviews. I'm not saying it's "bad" and there's no way for you to see what I see now that I've secured an acceptance. My advice would be to look your best. Put as much effort as you want towards that if it helps you feel good and comfortable. I think feeling natural and confidant is super important. Just remember to do your research by asking lots of questions. That way when you get an acceptance you can pick the school best suited for you.
​
 
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1.) No padfolio
2.) Black Longchamp purse--stowed it during my interview...I brought a larger purse so I could fit toothbrush/toothpaste/floss in it
3.)+ 4.)Light blue striped fitted Brooks Brothers oxford. It's flaps are more conservative, so I made sure it laid flat and put the collar over my jacket. As for the color, I would steer away from magenta silk, but if it looks professional, go for it.
5.) Made sure nails were short, french manicured them. As long as you go neutral, I'm sure you'll be fine.
6.) Pearl studs and a pearl necklace along with two diamond rings inherited from my grandmother. It's NEVER an inappropriate to wear nice pearls (I wear my earrings even when playing sports!). However, if your pearls are huge, I'd save them for another day. I always wear my rings as well, it's just part of who I am and I wasn't going to change that for an interview.
7.) Black, gray, light pinstripe is totally fine. I wanted to go with gray, but I am <0 in the jacket, so after looking through Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, J. Crew, Macy's, etc. the only place I could find a suit to fit well was at Ann Taylor and it was black jacket/skirt (bonus: no tailoring was needed!). FYI: Old school adcoms like girls in conservative skirts. It's usually easier to fit a skirt, too.

No matter what people say, it DOES matter what you look like (I've asked several members of various adcoms for dentistry and grad school). This is going to sound horrible, but when I was interviewing most of the girls were wearing either ill fitting suits, or suits that were REALLYREALLY weird. These women were probably more qualified than I was, but they looked awkward and out of place. Guys can generally get away with a little big/little small suit, but girls will look really bad if suits don't fit them correctly. Plus, if you know you look good, you will be more confident, and more likely to stay cool under pressure during your interview. :laugh:
 
My favorite is a navy pantsuit with a pale pink cashmere shell underneath. I am not a big fan of the collared shirt under a suit for the simple fact that I feel bulky and tend to be warmer when nervous. I had a great pair of navy 1 inch heels for walking comfort and carried a classic purse in a great eyecatching color (to show off my vibrant personality...lol). I leave my hair straight with a slight side part and wore basic diamond stud earrings, a simple pearl necklace and a wristwatch.

Ok, with that said, I tried countless combinations but always chose the outfit that flattered my figure, was the most comfortable, and looked crisp and clean without looking like I tried too hard. One small piece of advice, don't forget to check the weather forcast of your interview city. I live in S. FL and always forget the the rest of the country may not always be 80 deg and sunny.

Hope this helps....good luck!
 
neatofrito55 said:
What kind of shoes have you girls been wearing?

Black, closed toe, dressy high heels? How big of heels?

Any suggestions on really comfortable shoes/brands? I'm terrible with heels 😛

And what size purse is TOO big? I don't really do purses, so I was just hoping to bring one I already have. It's a black Guess bag about 12X6X6 inches.. too big?

Haha, I'm sort of enjoying reading this thread... if only because the words GPA, DAT, or AADSAS have yet to be mentioned. 🙂
Click to expand...


Born and Clarks have really comfortable shoes but they're kinda old-ladyish (actually really old ladyish)
 


1) Yes; it makes you look organized, plus it gives you a place to
hold all the information you gather during the day. Mine was
black, simple.
2) I did bring a purse, not too big, not too small, but large enough to hold everything you need for the day. I'm not sure of the exact dimensions, but I think mine is only slightly larger than yours.

 3) Actually, I didn't wear a button down. I wore a crew-neck (silky but not silk). The color can be anything that matches the outfit and your skin. Avoid white or very pale button downs if you are fair skinned.

4) I would do under.

5) If you are going to paint, clear or opaque is the way to go. Well manicured.

6) Short pearl string necklace w/pearl studs... the perfect conservative touch.

7) Of the two I would pick the dark gray, assuming they both fit the same. The pin stripe is a classic, but black is so overdone and mundane. Black suits tend to make people blend into the crowd. Try a dark navy pin stripe if you're going in that direction.


Hope some of this helps! Have fun putting your outfit together.
​
 
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I rocked the ill 2.5 inch heels. Although, I did trip once going down some stairs and almost took a tumble, except I was in the back and just pretended it was on purpose that I was clinging like mad to the banister. And I was constantly obsessed with not falling over but heck, I looked and felt great when I wasn't in motion. 😛

That's really not the way to go though but they were on clearance and they were pretty hot with my skirt.

I would have definitely gone with something shorter. edit: Kitten heels* would be awesome with a pant-suit but that doesn't work as well with a skirt suit. 🙄
 
might be b/c I'm in the south BUT all of the girls at the interview had on a string of pearls...

We all wore muted colors too- black suits of some sort with white shirts except one girl who wore a white shirt with a traditional brown knee-length skirt

we all had smaller purses (nothing flashy)

we all wore basic pumps with kitten heels (about an inch)
 
hey ---

I have the interview in a couple of hours and I was thinking about not even going! ... I guess I am just feeling down cause I didn't apply Early. So PLZZZ people.... APPPLY EARLY!!
 
oops
 
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small bag

low/walkable shoes

no bright colored shirts

short nails/no polish

small earrings, petite jewelry

dark color suit -- ie. dark gray, navy, black

**be conservative, you want to look like a future dentist so don't go in wearing large flashy jewelry and long red acrylic nails-- doesn't look good
 
That purse does seem a little big. But I'm more of a small purse person. Still, big purse doesn't exactly scream "professional"
I wore like 2, 2 1/2" heels and they hurt like mad. I honestly couldn't feel my toes at the end, but I felt awesome. I thnk we all know that heels are a compromise between comfort and appearance. Being taller is so appealing though.
neatofrito55 said:
What kind of shoes have you girls been wearing?

Black, closed toe, dressy high heels? How big of heels?

And what size purse is TOO big? I don't really do purses, so I was just hoping to bring one I already have. It's a black Guess bag about 12X6X6 inches.. too big?
QUOTE]
Click to expand...
 
hokie4life said:
Few questions for those of you fellow ladies that have gone on interviews and seen good results…​
Click to expand...

1) I think we're talking about your UNLV interview here, so, they give you a folder and a pen and a pad of paper so I wouldn't worry about bringing any of that.

2) I brought my purse. You got to keep your cellphone and keys somewhere

3) I wore a really nice ice blue shirt under my suit. I concur that the pink probably isn't the best idea.

4) I seriously debated the inside/outside the suit thing for hours. It just depends on what looks best with that suit and that shirt. I kept mine outside. Otherwise it kept catching my hair weird.

5) I'd go with a translucent shade of whatever shirt you're wearing. I really doubt anyone ever notices your nails but it's about feeling put together.

6) I feel so pretentious in my pearls that I couldn't wear them even though they looked good. I would just wear the earings. No necklace. or maybe a pearl on a chain.

7) I think solid looks better than pin stripe but if it's a subtle pin stripe... Go with whatever one looks better on you.​
 
1. i didn't bring one, at my interview they gave us a package of stuff so i used that to hold papers etc

2. def brought my black coach purse! u need one for ur cell, pens, powder, etc.

3 & 4
for my interview i wore a black pencil skirt, high waisted rite under my chest so of course my shirt was tucked in, i wanted to look fashionable-different , black tight skirt, white short sleeves blouse tuck-in, and a black jacket (which i wore for the interview and took off for the rest of the day, it was super hot!) all from club monaco ... def tuck in the shirt, it makes everything look so much cleaner and cute, wear a high wasited skirt, they're in and super cute-business looking! & i wouldnt wear pink, u dont wanna stand out too much

5. short, clean, non painted finger nails, u could do a light french manicure if u have nice nails.

6. i love pearls so i think tats fine
i actually wore my return to tiffanys necklase (talk about sororityish!) and these 2 diamond crosses (for luck) and small diamond studded earrings

7. for the suit, either or sounds good!


good luck ladies!!!!!!!! 🙂
 
USU24 said:
1) I think we're talking about your UNLV interview here, so, they give you a folder and a pen and a pad of paper so I wouldn't worry about bringing any of that.

2) I brought my purse. You got to keep your cellphone and keys somewhere

3) I wore a really nice ice blue shirt under my suit. I concur that the pink probably isn't the best idea.

4) I seriously debated the inside/outside the suit thing for hours. It just depends on what looks best with that suit and that shirt. I kept mine outside. Otherwise it kept catching my hair weird.

5) I'd go with a translucent shade of whatever shirt you're wearing. I really doubt anyone ever notices your nails but it's about feeling put together.

6) I feel so pretentious in my pearls that I couldn't wear them even though they looked good. I would just wear the earings. No necklace. or maybe a pearl on a chain.

7) I think solid looks better than pin stripe but if it's a subtle pin stripe... Go with whatever one looks better on you.
Click to expand...

hehe yup you know me too well! I'm just trying to put together those last finishing touches for the big day! I've been focusing more on the other aspects of the interview as you all suggested but thanks for the added responses everyone. I think I have a good idea but feel free to keep the thread going, looks like others are still reading it so hopefully it's helping someone else as well 🙂 It seems like everyone has a slightly different opinion on the attire but as long as you're put together and confident you can't seem to go wrong from what I am gathering. THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES everyone!! and GOOD LUCK 🙂
 
What do you feel appears professional on you? I'm sure I'm repeating everything everyone else said. Look together and comfortable in whatever you're wearing. If you look like you're about to jump out of your stuffy suit, they can probably tell.

I wore a dark pinstriped pant suit, a dusty teal and slightly ruched button down, french tipped nails, and brought a small clutch that matched my shoes. I had a pea coat on when I came in because it had to have been 20 degrees outside and when I asked my interviewer if I should just leave it outside, he told me that "you should probably bring it because we might ask you to leave through the window" (mind you I was on the 5th Floor of the building). He was obviously joking. Oh and I was accepted 🙂.
 
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