Black = Bad?

[rxriter]

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hello guys...

i have a interview at MWU-glendale.... 2morrow morning and i just found out from the sdn interview feedback that One of the faculty members takes time to point out people wearing black and mentioning to them that it is not a funeral...

shocking and scary for me since i plan to wear the suit that i bought last month ($250) which is black... I wore it to my other interviews and never thought abt it like that [black = only funeral]???

wht do you think?? any last minute comments!!

 

[dogmom]

That seems so silly. Black is very professional. I have one nice black suit that I wear to every interview, whether for pharm school or not.

 

[answermj3]

yeah i was wondering about suit color as well. I have an upcoming interview but I dont have a suit yet. Any suggestions on the color and does it really matter as long as it is dark and professional looking?

 

[WVUPharm2007]

That professor is on crack and should be pulled off of interviews.

 

[AtreyuRocks]

hello guys...

i have a interview at MWU-glendale.... 2morrow morning and i just found out from the sdn interview feedback that One of the faculty members takes time to point out people wearing black and mentioning to them that it is not a funeral...

shocking and scary for me since i plan to wear the suit that i bought last month ($250) which is black... I wore it to my other interviews and never thought abt it like that [black = only funeral]???

wht do you think?? any last minute comments!!

this can be a common "mistake" if you will... i am from CA and here we would never think there is anything wrong with a black suit... but many from back east and very traditional persons often hold the view that black suits should only be worn to funerals... it is up to you, but if you want to avoid the possibility of added confrontation, i would go with a dark grey or blue

 

[Tired Pigeon]

this can be a common "mistake" if you will... i am from CA and here we would never think there is anything wrong with a black suit... but many from back east and very traditional persons often hold the view that black suits should only be worn to funerals... it is up to you, but if you want to avoid the possibility of added confrontation, i would go with a dark grey or blue

😕 😕 😕 I've never heard of this & I have spent a lot of time on the east coast.

 

[AtreyuRocks]

😕 😕 😕 I've never heard of this & I have spent a lot of time on the east coast.

colleagues of mine told me this, i also read it in kaplan's how to get into med school book (i don't remember the exact name of it), and one of my professors who works for NIH and is blue-blood old money from back east reminded me of this... i am not saying everyone thinks this... but SOME do...

EDIT: was also at an interview in the south and the director made a comment about people wearing black suits. i don't see anything wrong with a black suit personally, but some people do i guess, eh...

 

[yawj797]

It does sound silly. But it's an unwritten rule for men to wear navy blue or gray suits for interviews. Don't ask me why.

 

[Farmercyst]

That professor is on crack and should be pulled off of interviews.

I agree. But, if you are really worried there are a few things you can do to get rid of the "Funeral appearance".

1) Were a tie that, while professional, is not black, solid/dark color
2. Wear a lapel pin. Something silver/gold, colors are fine, but something that shows professionalism (Honor society pin, pre-med society pin, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout equivalent [sorry, not familiar]).
3. Tie tac using same guidelines as lapel pin.
4. You can also wear non-straight black shoes. I personally like Dr.Martens Black wing-tips with Oxblood interior. Very professional, but stands out compared to straight black.

Have someone who you know has good taste in professional clothes do a once over to make sure you aren't too gaudy. Line between classy/gaudy blurs somehow.

I would suggest against the pocket handkerchief or pocket watch. That would be overdoing it I think.

I also understand not everyone has access to all the various accessories you can use pull off the non-funeral black attire. Heck, I don't have the Dr.Martens, even though I'd like them. But if you're that concerned, beg/borrow (don't steal) if you think it's necessary.

 

[rxriter]

thanks guys for your comments.. i agree it is silly but it did happen and it did get me scared/shocked....
Thanks Farmercyst for your tips.... 🙂

 

[acetyl]

It would piss me off if the interviewers told me that my black suit was looking like I just came from a funeral, because my best friend killed himself on January 10th, and I went to his funeral. That wouldn't be too much of a haha.

I'm venting and couldn't help write that. 🙁

 

[Ivetica13]

I guess if you wear anything but black, you'll stand out since most people wear black to interviews, from what I have seen so far.

Sorry about your friend, acetyl...

 

[sdn1977]

Sorry about this - but I have to agree. For a guy, a black suit does seem a bit like a funeral. There are soooo many options besides flat black. Likewise for women - black is more evening wear on women & there are beautiful suits in colors which are very businesslike.

But - the suit is bought & the cow is out of the barn, so to speak. So, how to dress it up??? What kind of shirt are you wearing? What about the tie??? I'd say....a white shirt, dark tie & black suit would make me think of a pall bearer. I never think of pins.....but, if it were a girl scout pin, I'd say, leave it at home (sorry Farmer).

But, you take that same black suit, add a colored shirt or a shirt with somthing which might play off the black & a tie that pulls it all together - you could look very classy. Just don't look like a pimp! Do you have someone you respect in the way they dress to give you an idea? Not so much your mom or dad - perhaps a brother-in-law, a friend in business, an uncle who is a business person?

I'm from CA & unlike the other poster, we rarely wear suits here at all unless you are in banking or have to go to a board of directors meeting. Most all our companies are "business casual".

But - remember - this is all just "window dressing". They really don't give a rat's a@@ about what you wear - its who you are & what you want to be & give back. So....whatever you wear - wear it with CONFIDENCE. No one expects a 22 yo who has never held a full-time job in the business world to present themselves other than what they feel is their best. And - when you bought your suit, you felt it was the best.....so make it so by how you wear it. Be confident, forthright, enthusiastic & someone your interviewer wants to place their bet on - trust me....it won't be the suit!

 

[tungywungy]

Yeah, Farmercyst's tips are good. I wore a black suit to mine but I wore a purple tie just to be different from everyone else.

 

[Farmercyst]

(sorry Farmer).

No need to apologize. I'll take your advice over mine any day.

Besides the Girl Scout pin may be a bit over the top. I'm not even sure if such a thing exists.

I'm not even sure if Eagle Scout has the same meaning it used to given recent (last decade) PR issues. (I'd still wear mine anyway.)

I'm never sure about the colored shirt. It's very dapper looking, but I'm not sure if it can be considered less than professional from the really old-school business types.

 

[ForcedEntry]

Accessorize!

 

[Farmercyst]

Accessorize!

Okay, if you pick a colored shirt, don't pick black. I'd avoid pink ties. Red, Blue, Darker (not neon) greens, yellow only in combination with a darker color (not burnt orange).

If your hair is longer, get someone else's opinion, I'd have no idea. The glasses are definitely making it hard for me to take that guy seriously. It's probably more Fat Guy, Skinny Glasses, but as mentioned, get someone you trust to give you an honest opinion that also has a fashion sense (very important combination.)

 

[dogmom]

Besides the Girl Scout pin may be a bit over the top. I'm not even sure if such a thing exists.

Actually Farmercyst, there is such a girl scout pin, and I have one...its called a Gold Award. And come to think of it, its pretty nice looking...maybe ill take it to my next interview. Good idea.... 😀

 

[ForcedEntry]

Actually Farmercyst, there is such a girl scout pin, and I have one...its called a Gold Award. And come to think of it, its pretty nice looking...maybe ill take it to my next interview. Good idea.... 😀

Is it a Thin Mint?

 

[dogmom]

Is it a Thin Mint?

Hehehehe that would be way better than the dumb gold one.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

this can be a common "mistake" if you will... i am from CA and here we would never think there is anything wrong with a black suit... but many from back east and very traditional persons often hold the view that black suits should only be worn to funerals... it is up to you, but if you want to avoid the possibility of added confrontation, i would go with a dark grey or blue

As a person in the East, this is news to me.

 

[Farmercyst]

As a person in the East, this is news to me.

Does WV count as east?

 

[dogmom]

All I can say is, if a faculty member is at the point of commenting on something as benign as a person's suit color, then yes, they are probably on crack, as wvu pointed out. But seriously, shouldn't they be worrying about more important things?

 

[rxriter]

But - the suit is bought & the cow is out of the barn, so to speak. So, how to dress it up??? What kind of shirt are you wearing? What about the tie??? I'd say....a white shirt, dark tie & black suit would make me think of a pall bearer. I never think of pins.....but, if it were a girl scout pin, I'd say, leave it at home (sorry Farmer).

But, you take that same black suit, add a colored shirt or a shirt with somthing which might play off the black & a tie that pulls it all together - you could look very classy. Just don't look like a pimp! Do you have someone you respect in the way they dress to give you an idea? Not so much your mom or dad - perhaps a brother-in-law, a friend in business, an uncle who is a business person?

I'm from CA & unlike the other poster, we rarely wear suits here at all unless you are in banking or have to go to a board of directors meeting. Most all our companies are "business casual".

But - remember - this is all just "window dressing". They really don't give a rat's a@@ about what you wear - its who you are & what you want to be & give back. So....whatever you wear - wear it with CONFIDENCE. No one expects a 22 yo who has never held a full-time job in the business world to present themselves other than what they feel is their best. And - when you bought your suit, you felt it was the best.....so make it so by how you wear it. Be confident, forthright, enthusiastic & someone your interviewer wants to place their bet on - trust me....it won't be the suit!

Ye the cow is out of the barn! thanks for the comment sdn1977, the shirt i m wearing is nice blue, not so dark not so light just perfect and tie is sweet too... Afterall as you said confidence is what matters and that will be with me along with my black suit 2morrow 🙂 this is it guys.. its almost 10 here in glendale.... gonna take my good night sleep and off to 2morrows interview..... Wish me luck people! and thanks for all your comments! u made my heart lighter!😀 If someone does mention the black suit (= funeral) 2morrow, I will be just thinking abt this thread in my head....

 

[GreyFox2002]

black, in my humble opinion, is the classiest of colors for formal wear. funeral or whatever, its a great color. i wore a black suit to my interview, with a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie. the interviewer even commented me.

do whatever makes you look good and professional.

 

[LECOMorBUST]

Black, the ultimate equalizer, honestly black pretty much looks good/decent on everyone. It's the standard default. Black somehow elevates everyone to a "professional" look.

 

[lvp0021]

I always think Black is the best choice for your suit on the interview day; it looks completely professional! Try to wear a different color t-shirt and not the classic white one if you are afraid of the funeral dilema.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Does WV count as east?

WV is a geographical enigma. It's the Northern-most Southern state or the Southern-most Northern state. The Eastern-most Midwestern state or the Western-most Eastern state. Any combination of the above is considered correct, depending on who you're talking to.

 

[Dr.Biassi]

Accessorize!

What where they doing when the picture was taken?
I said this before and people jump up they sky that black suit is the best professional attire!!!! I will said it again: black suit is best for funeral, conferences and big big night feast. Indigo, grey, brown are best suited for an interview. Black is also more appropriate for cold weather and not for the warm weather of California or Florida!!! Actually my interviewers where impressed by my choice of suit when I interview in California. I can tell by the look in their eyes and they made a comment about it. You choose the suit according to weather and places also. Make impression on your interviewers is an important factor and one needs to that through attire, way of speaking and records.

 

[jzedge]

Agreed. I've heard that the most appropriate colors for a school interview were grey or navy. Although personally, I wore black to some of my interviews so it's not out of the question. 😛

 

[omnione]

I've been accepted to two schools so far after wearing mostly black at the interview. Whatever.......😀

 

[gvsk]

i lost my luggage when i flew to LV for my interview.....
i had to some in formal shirt tie and trousers.. i was like the odd one out as all were in suits...

but i guess it was lucky for me as i got admitted ijto USN

 

[howsoonisnow]

I grew up in Connecticut and live in Arizona now. In the 24 years I spent in CT I never heard the black=funeral thing.
I applied to MWU-CPG last fall and also heard the urban legend about the professor with a thing against black suits. (Is that racial profiling?😉 )
Needless to say, I was terrified because I had just dropped $600+ on a black suit at Banana Republic, and the sales clerk never even mentioned that it was from their funeral line! 😉 😉
I talked with a friend of mine who is a prof at the school, and she said that the whole thing was bull. I did, however, dress it up with a striped shirt and a very "young looking" tie. (and a sweater vest come to think of it)
I think I looked great. And I think the other 10 people at the interview in black suits looked spiffy as well.
The interview commenced and no mention was made of suit color or funerals.
Don't believe everything you hear. Just because one person had that experience doesn't mean you will.
BTW, I am attending Midwestern this fall, and so is my future roomie who incidentally wore a black suit to her interview also.

 

[phxpharmgirl]

You definitley want to wear a black suit. I interviewed at Midwestern and got accepted, and every person (male and female) at my interview was wearing a black suit. I was also on campus meeting with an advisor while another group was interviewing, and they were all wearing black suits as well. Try to set yourself apart my choosing a tie or shirt with a little bit of personality.

Good luck!