Designer Items at Interviews...

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mrpuff26

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This may seem stupid, but do y'all think it is inappropriate to bring/wear designer things to the interview? Do you think the interviewers will have a certain impression of you if they recognize the brand?

I want to bring one of my louis vuitton bags (very professional looking, but recognizable because of damier canvas...see link) to my interview, but am afraid I will be judged.

http://www.watch-bag.com/images/20090322202121146.jpg
 
mrpuff26 said:
This may seem stupid, but do y'all think it is inappropriate to bring/wear designer things to the interview? Do you think the interviewers will have a certain impression of you if they recognize the brand?

I want to bring one of my louis vuitton bags (very professional looking, but recognizable because of damier canvas...see link) to my interview, but am afraid I will be judged.

http://www.watch-bag.com/images/20090322202121146.jpg
Click to expand...

Worry about your GPA and your MCAT score and less about the superficial stuff that affects less than 0.00000000000000001% of the decision tree. If you have a 3.9 GPA and a 40 on the MCAT I will put down 100 bucks that nobody will care about what bag you wear given you can have a decent interview.

Just to prove it, I will wear this as a MAN, to one of the schools (not my preferred ones lol) but just to prove a point that it doesnt matter.
 
Several of my classmates have Rolexes or Omegas. The success of someone able to purchase (or be given) items like those doesn't make them less fit to be a medical student.
 
I wouldn't bring an LV bag. You're right that it's too noticeable based on casual glance alone. Why would you bring a bag anyway?

That said, I don't think that photo is an authentic LV bag. Since when do they make a checkered design without fleurs? (Speaking as someone not very fashion-inclined).
 
IF you have a student interview and that student is a starving medical student, it may leave a bad taste in their mouth. But I would hope they would be professional enough to not let it change their evaluation.
 
I really don't think it's a big deal. Like someone above said, it's about your application and yourself, not materials or itmes you carry.
 
Unless you're interviewing for need-based scholarships, I don't see why not. That's a nice bag. If anything, the interviewer will think that you will not have any problems being able to pay for tuition (but I doubt anyone will read that much into it...). Anyway, I'm sure plenty of people will have designer things. I'm wearing Hugo Boss.
 
ChemEngSoonMD said:
Worry about your GPA and your MCAT score and less about the superficial stuff that affects less than 0.00000000000000001% of the decision tree. If you have a 3.9 GPA and a 40 on the MCAT I will put down 100 bucks that nobody will care about what bag you wear given you can have a decent interview.

Just to prove it, I will wear this as a MAN, to one of the schools (not my preferred ones lol) but just to prove a point that it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...

👍
 
I wouldn't wear it. I think it looks flashy.
 
If I was a student interviewer, I would think it was flashy. You want to be professional, not showing off all of your expensive accessories.
 
rockaction said:
If I was a student interviewer, I would think it was flashy. You want to be professional, not showing off all of your expensive accessories.
Click to expand...

I used to interview students for my undergraduate college admissions department, and I can personally say if someone came into the interview room with a giant Gucci bag I would probably find it a little pretentious. Judging that most med school applicants are still in college, or, probably not making a whole lot of money, it's sort of a statement of "look what dad can buy me". I'm bothered by that stuff more so than the average person mainly because of the financial situation I grew up in, but just my two cents. While I tried never to reflect personal problems like that in my evaluation of candidates....it doesn't mean superficial impressions have no relation to how an interviewer will perceive you.
 
mdeast said:
...it doesn't mean superficial impressions have no relation to how an interviewer will perceive you.
Click to expand...

Whether you like it or not, if they recognize that you wear expensive attire it will effect they way they look at you. Just like everywhere else in the world.
 
I wouldn't know that bag from any other bag, but my mantra is if I ever bought a $400 purse it better have a minimum of $350 in it.

Maybe I'm naive, but I really just don't think this is a big deal. Take whatever bag you want. You're going to get in based on your scores and app.
 
aggie08 said:
I wouldn't know that bag from any other bag, but my mantra is if I ever bought a $400 purse it better have a minimum of $350 in it.

Maybe I'm naive, but I really just don't think this is a big deal. Take whatever bag you want. You're going to get in based on your scores and app.
Click to expand...

:laugh:👍
 
No one is going to care. A bag is a bag is a bag.

Although, why do you feel like you need to carry around a bag all day?
 
My guess is... the people who can identify that bag won't care. People like me, who have no idea what a designer anything looks like, won't know!
 
On another related note, though I am not applying for quite some time...

For women: would you wear your engagement ring to an interview? I think I would probably wear my wedding ring-- getting married next summer, but I don't know about a big old diamond??

What do you think adcoms think of married women/men? Do you think they view it positively or negatively or neither?
 
mrpuff26 said:
This may seem stupid, but do y'all think it is inappropriate to bring/wear designer things to the interview? Do you think the interviewers will have a certain impression of you if they recognize the brand?

I want to bring one of my louis vuitton bags (very professional looking, but recognizable because of damier canvas...see link) to my interview, but am afraid I will be judged.

http://www.watch-bag.com/images/20090322202121146.jpg
Click to expand...


I despise you and your louis vuitton. 😡
 
HopeMed said:
On another related note, though I am not applying for quite some time...

For women: would you wear your engagement ring to an interview? I think I would probably wear my wedding ring-- getting married next summer, but I don't know about a big old diamond??

What do you think adcoms think of married women/men? Do you think they view it positively or negatively or neither?
Click to expand...

I always wear my wedding ring. I'd see no reason to take it off; it's very clear from my application that I'm married, and my marriage is my own business. They have no right to take issue with your application because of your family status.
 
Well to respond to some comments by others...
I just to carry a bag to keep any papers/info the school may give. I don't particularly want to hold a bunch of papers in my hands the whole day.

The bag in the picture is a fake, I couldn't get a picture off of the vuitton site because it is a flash site. Also, they do make the checkered pattern. I do have another one that has the fleurs, but I think that would be even more inappropriate use at an interview--> http://bagwhiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/lvicare.jpg

Lastly, I have had an interest in fashion since I was young so I don't understand why people would be saying they despise me...I just think it's a nice conversational, non-medically related topic.

Personally, I just feel that to be dressed well is to be self-aware. If you show up to an interview dressed sloppily, won't people have a bad impression of you?

Anyways...lol...I hope this hasn't been a horrible rant.

To MarinaS: I'm will also wearing Hugo Boss too...:laugh:
 
mrpuff26 said:
Well to respond to some comments by others...
I just to carry a bag to keep any papers/info the school may give. I don't particularly want to hold a bunch of papers in my hands the whole day.

The bag in the picture is a fake, I couldn't get a picture off of the vuitton site because it is a flash site. Also, they do make the checkered pattern. I do have another one that has the fleurs, but I think that would be even more inappropriate use at an interview--> http://bagwhiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/lvicare.jpg

Lastly, I have had an interest in fashion since I was young so I don't understand why people would be saying they despise me...I just think it's a nice conversational, non-medically related topic.

Personally, I just feel that to be dressed well is to be self-aware. If you show up to an interview dressed sloppily, won't people have a bad impression of you?

Anyways...lol...I hope this hasn't been a horrible rant.

To MarinaS: I'm will also wearing Hugo Boss too...:laugh:
Click to expand...

Well... I think being dressed well is different than being dressed expensively. I have to admit a certain amount of disdain towards people who spend so much money on clothing, but then, I grew up with very little money and still shop primarily at Ross. It's a cultural thing. I recognize it and officially do not hate you. 😛
 
Actually, I'm editing my post, I don't think they'll really care, but I'd prefer bringing something else. I don't like brand-name ****** but fortunately that purse doesn't have "LV" written all over it.
 
way too effin flashy.

get something nice and professional instead of flashy and fly

think about the adcoms: they don't have the money to a buy a bag like that, and if they did they sure wouldn't buy it on some super unnecessary expensive bag... anyways, don't show them what you're worth, they may frown upon it, be jealous, think twice about you etc etc.
 
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I think some of you guys are going a little overboard on what constitutes flashy. Expensive does not equal flashy. It's a bag, I doubt anyone will notice or care about it.

mrpuff26 said:
Personally, I just feel that to be dressed well is to be self-aware. If you show up to an interview dressed sloppily, won't people have a bad impression of you?
Click to expand...

Of course you shouldn't dress in a sloppy manner. However, non-designer clothes are not what makes one's dress sloppy.
 
panthera said:
way too effin flashy.

get something nice and professional instead of flashy and fly

think about the adcoms: they don't have the money to a buy a bag like that, and if they did they sure wouldn't buy it on some gay bag... anyways, don't show them what you're worth, they may frown upon it, be jealous, think twice about you etc etc.
Click to expand...

What constitutes the bag to be a 'gay' bag...that's pretty offensive....I know plenty of straight guys who have vuitton bags....
 
I've never known anyone with an LV who wasn't a total flipping douchebag. So, bring the bag if you really want to, but keep in mind that there ARE people out there (even if it's just a handful of interviewers) who will think you're a tool for spending so much on a stupid bag. Bringing something like that to an interview is not a risk I would take.
 
ya i was also wondering this ( if i am fortunate enough to get interviews)
i have a very professional looking marc jacobs bag, of course mj is not plastered all over it, unlike some LV bags which have LV all over them...there is just an emblem in the front that says marc jacobs. would this be okay?
 
mrpuff26 said:
What constitutes the bag to be a 'gay' bag...that's pretty offensive....I know plenty of straight guys who have vuitton bags....
Click to expand...

i'm sure you do 😎

the gay remark was meant as stupid, not homosexual lol but i edited it... sorry for the confusion and if it offended you and others.
 
uclaussr said:
ya i was also wondering this ( if i am fortunate enough to get interviews)
i have a very professional looking marc jacobs bag, of course mj is not plastered all over it, unlike some LV bags which have LV all over them...there is just an emblem in the front that says marc jacobs. would this be okay?
Click to expand...

thats different. it's not flashy like a well-known super expensive patterned LV bag.

personally I wouldn't. I just think it's a risk by showing off something that you don't even need to have with you in the first place.
 
Last edited:
As a general rule, it's better to over-dress than to under-dress. But you should really do neither.

(Use your own judgment.)

:xf:
 
mrpuff26 said:
This may seem stupid, but do y'all think it is inappropriate to bring/wear designer things to the interview? Do you think the interviewers will have a certain impression of you if they recognize the brand?

I want to bring one of my louis vuitton bags (very professional looking, but recognizable because of damier canvas...see link) to my interview, but am afraid I will be judged.

http://www.watch-bag.com/images/20090322202121146.jpg
Click to expand...
I wore designer suits and carried a Prada messenger bag (albeit a plain black one) on all my med school interviews. I don't think anyone minded...I still got into med school, and I was actually complimented on my attire by a few interviewers.

That said, I don't think it's a great idea to carry that particular LV bag. That print is rather ubiquitous and flashy...and while I doubt that most of the frumpy middle aged men who will be interviewing you will recognize it as a $1,500 bag, it's still best not to risk it with something that conspiculous IMHO. LV makes more subtle briefcases & messengers...might I suggest something more along the lines of the following:

http://famousbrandbags.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Louis_Vuitton_Taiga_Viktor.jpg
http://www.louis-vuitton-review.com...009/04/louis-vuitton-taiga-dersou-for-men.jpg
http://i2.iofferphoto.com/img/item/160/559/56/o_pic_275.jpg
 
See, I'm into fashion so that bag screams LOUIS VUITTON!!!!! to me. There are plenty of designer bags without such a recognizable logo/pattern. When I see Louis Vuitton I don't think well-dressed I think "Look at me! I'm wearing a designer!"
 
New SDN answer to "should I do this, bring this, or say this in an interview:"

If you have to ask, the answer's no.
 
not so calm now said:
New SDN answer to "should I do this, bring this, or say this in an interview:"

If you have to ask, the answer's no.
Click to expand...

x2.

Common sense should ring a bell. Why would you risk a new design, when you could be sticking to the timeless classics which has been working at interviews and formal occasions for over a century?
 
i have a little nose stud. i think 99% of people could give a crap about it, but i plan to take it out for interviews anyway. just in case i get someone in that 1%. it's possible i could be interviewed by some conservative old guy who thinks i look like a punk. fair? no, but not worth risking. just as easily, you could get someone who would think your bag is flashy or pretentious or whatever everyone else is saying. should they? is it fair? no, but why risk it?

obviously wearing a designer suit or something because it fits you well is one thing. But i think the obvious designer stuff like bags with recognizable logos/ patterns is pushing it.
 
I'm not too familiar with the bag situation, because well I'm a male and I don't carry hand bags, but regardless, I wouldn't carry it in because I see you're already having doubts and if it's not going to help you in anyway... eliminate it. Relieve yourself of second guessing.

However, I also agree with many others when they say you shouldn't worry about this to begin with.
 
ChemEngSoonMD said:
Worry about your GPA and your MCAT score and less about the superficial stuff that affects less than 0.00000000000000001% of the decision tree. If you have a 3.9 GPA and a 40 on the MCAT I will put down 100 bucks that nobody will care about what bag you wear given you can have a decent interview.

Just to prove it, I will wear this as a MAN, to one of the schools (not my preferred ones lol) but just to prove a point that it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...

What would that prove? There are way too many variables for that to prove anything. They could have not noticed you were wearing it, cared but not cared enough for it affect the decision, or you could have been rejected because you bombed the interview, came off as arrogant (which could genuinely be a problem for you (I mean that in the least offensive way possible)), etc.
 
HopeMed said:
For women: would you wear your engagement ring to an interview? I think I would probably wear my wedding ring-- getting married next summer, but I don't know about a big old diamond??
Click to expand...

I know it doesn't REALLY matter but having sent in all the secondaries I've gotten I have to find something else to think about... and I have been going back and forth. I work in a lab and I usually only wear my wedding band on a daily basis, cause it's easier to change gloves! I add my engagement ring when I'm doing something after work or on weekends.

In one way I feel like i'll be more dressed up for an interview so I should wear the whole set, and on the other hand 😉 I also don't want to seem too flashy or blingy... not that my engagement ring is a huge rock or anything, but you know... it sparkles a lot!!

Like everyone has been saying, either way I don't think it's going to be the deciding factor that gets you in or keeps you out.
 
mrpuff26 said:
Well to respond to some comments by others...
I just to carry a bag to keep any papers/info the school may give. I don't particularly want to hold a bunch of papers in my hands the whole day.

The bag in the picture is a fake, I couldn't get a picture off of the vuitton site because it is a flash site. Also, they do make the checkered pattern. I do have another one that has the fleurs, but I think that would be even more inappropriate use at an interview--> http://bagwhiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/lvicare.jpg

Lastly, I have had an interest in fashion since I was young so I don't understand why people would be saying they despise me...I just think it's a nice conversational, non-medically related topic.

Personally, I just feel that to be dressed well is to be self-aware. If you show up to an interview dressed sloppily, won't people have a bad impression of you?

Anyways...lol...I hope this hasn't been a horrible rant.

To MarinaS: I'm will also wearing Hugo Boss too...:laugh:
Click to expand...

Man, you must got some serious dough to be rocking Hugo Boss.

I'm fashion inclined too, but LV and Hugo Boss is far too showy for a student. Hey, if you got that money and you're comfortable with it, whatever. I could never afford that, and personally not a bag person since its a little too European for me but once I was a professional I think a bag would be useful. And it is true that people out there, myself included if I were the interviewer, will see LV and other high end designer wear as being extremely pretentious.

If you wore hugo boss to an interview, thats one thing. Suits/dresses don't typically have logos lol. I bet no one here could say what suit Obama wears, unless you knew those type of things. But anything with logos, like an LV bag, is just throwing your wealth in their face. One doesn't have to pay extraordinate fees to look good, but I'm sure you know that. There was an interesting article in GQ last year when the market first collapsed, sort of tongue in cheek about cheap suits for tough times, and they put together some suits from inexpensive companies and stores like H&M and compared them to high end outlets and showed that they can look almost as good, if not just as good, if they're tailored properly (I thought some actually looked better, less flashy and more classic look).

Good advice for anyone in terms of dress is something that fits you well and compliments you. Guys, if you're going to spend money on getting a nice suit.. spend the fraction more to get it tailored properly - and no more than two or three buttons please unless you want to look like Plaxico Burress. Think more Kennedy brothers or Beatles than Patrick Ewing in terms of fit.
 
Wow. If you think your dress, your bag, or the fat cash in your wallet makes a difference...

Get a suit, buy a tie at Ross or TJ Max, interview and get on with it.
 
That bag is not TOO FLASHY! It isn't lime green patent leather or anything. It's classy and if it matches your outfit, rock it. It looks great... who cares... if anything you will only evoke LV envy, not rejection! 😛
 
southernIM said:
One thing OP - I'm guessing from your handle that you are a male?

I would say a girl could get away with a LV bag; I don't think a guy can. Sorry for the double standard.
Click to expand...
thats what i meant by too european, definite double standard here in america

BlackPanties said:
That bag is not TOO FLASHY! It isn't lime green patent leather or anything. It's classy and if it matches your outfit, rock it. It looks great... who cares... if anything you will only evoke LV envy, not rejection! 😛
Click to expand...

Its showy for an interview (especially as a student) just by its nature of being LV and having the LV logo all over the friggin place. I'm not saying it doesn't look good, in reality its not "flashy" just showy, its just inappropriate for a student interview. When you're a well paid professional, or after the interview sure. Unless you want people to know you have cash. Don't go asking for financial aid afterwards or that your decision is going to be financially based.
 
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