Female Attire for Interviews?

[Bella78]

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So I've been debating the classic skirt suit vs. pantsuit issue when interviewing. Some say to stick to the traditional skirt suit, others say it doesn't matter... I'm interested to hear your opinions on this matter, whether you are a 4th yr student, resident, attending.

Also, Iserson's Guide says that women should not carry handbags, but should bring an attache case/briefcase, to exude professionalism. Your thoughts on this as well....

Good luck on interviews!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Please do a search on this and the General Residency Forum for similar threads on this topic.

My opinion is that I will most likely wear a pants suit for my fellowship interview rather than skirt suit I wore for residency. Its more practical, comfortable and becoming widely accepted.

 

[toofache32]

Halter-tops are always nice.

 

[avgjoe]

it would be extremely sad if anyone even paid attention to handbag vs. attache in the face of all the other things the person respresents. I can't imagine that really affecting anything. but what do I really know..

 

[KimR]

I am wearing pants - I will be more comfortable PLUS I will be warm!

 

[ekydrd]

In regards to purse vs attache.... do you really want to shlep a purse or an attache around with you all day? Stick a few dollars and your car key in your pocket or the pocket of your overcoat. That's all you will need anyway. If you want something to take notes on put a few index cards in a pocket or carry a small lightweight portfolio. You can put a copy of your CV in the portfolio as well.

What to wear? It's more like what not to wear (not to copy the TV show or anything). Mini skirts are OUT!!! As are belly baring tops. Think conservative. A suit with a modest skirt or pants, or a nice pants suit are acceptable. Key word here though is conservative. Avoid loud obnoxious colors. Me? I'm wearing a nice dark green suit with pants (yes, I will be warmer too... hate being cold).

 

[FliteSurgn]

The only thing that really sticks in my mind is from one of our "Rank" meetings. A slide went up with one female applicant's data and picture. A couple of the female residents immediately said, "She's the one that didn't wear pantyhose." That was the end of the discussion in their minds. So I guess the only advice I have is to make sure you wear hose if you wear a skirt. 🙂

Oh one other scenario...A female resident from the Mayo Clinic was told by a visiting professor that her attire was not professional enough because her skirt showed her knees. She was astounded that a skirt-suit she wears at one of the most conservative hospitals in the country could be considered too revealing by anyone. I guess that would argue for the wearing of a pantsuit.