Haven't worn a suit at interviews

[anonperson]

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[lanzarlaluna]

You must have some big cajones.

 

[Seville]

what field are you interviewing for? If it is something like Peds or Family, maybe it is less important that you dress in the flashy suit than say if you were gunning for a Neurosurgery or Derm spot.

You're not bothered by the not wearing a suit thing since you are certain you are going to match, so why post about it here? Or are you suddenly concerned about this?

 

[RedAnesthesia]

Am I really shooting myself in the foot? I have been wearing a dress shirt, tailored slacks, tie, nice pair of shoes, and usually a sweater. Some people I've talked to tell me I might as well moon the PD at these programs while others have said my dress is fine.

I haven't gotten any direct negative comments or any bad looks from interviewers (although I fully realize they could be scribbling furiously on my file that I'm not wearing a suit). And to be honest I felt that nearly all of my interviews have gone pretty well in terms of how I felt at the end of my interview day.

I guess I'm being too laid back but I'm interviewing at a fair number of places and feel comfortable about matching.

I bet you stick out like a sore thumb. I think it says something to the program that you didn't take the time to get a suit. Is it really that hard to get a suit? You spent a bunch of money on your application and interviews, yet don't want to spend $200 to get a nice suit. I think I would replace your term for you being laid back with lazy. I would splurge and get a suit. Just my two cents.

 

[peppy]

If I were you, I would definitely err on the side of caution and wear a suit on the rest of your interviews.
You can't be sure what other people are going to think of your lack of a suit. It is possible that interviewers may be very friendly to your face but still end up ranking you poorly. In fact, I would say that it is highly likely that an interviewer will not make a scene about it if they disapprove, but will simply quietly make note of it.
I personally would not hold it against an applicant if they were dressed nicely. I *have* seen other applicants who did not wear a suit but were still dressed nicely. And, of course, sometimes people have to interview in other clothes due to circumstances outside of theier control (like if the airline loses their luggage). However, you can't predict what an interviewer will think of it if you stand out as different, so I would say it's not worth the risk of giving someone a bad impression. I just looked atg your old posts and I notice you said you had some problems in med school. Why do anything that could potentially put you at a greater disadvantage?

 

[MrBurns10]

None of us can know how it was perceived by the PDs. I can only tell you how I would perceive it, and I'll say that, personally, I would consider your dress as an indication that you weren't taking the interview as seriously as everyone else. And I would definitely consider myself laid back.

The thing with interview clothing is that you really should be going for that "blending in" look. It reminds me of a quote from Ocean's Eleven: "He's got to like you then forget you the moment you've left his side." This is not the time for risk-taking. Just my opinion.

 

[anonperson]

what field are you interviewing for? If it is something like Peds or Family, maybe it is less important that you dress in the flashy suit than say if you were gunning for a Neurosurgery or Derm spot.

You're not bothered by the not wearing a suit thing since you are certain you are going to match, so why post about it here? Or are you suddenly concerned about this?

I guess I'm less concerned based on the number of interviews. I know that anything can happen. I'm not meaning to come off as arrogant or anything, I'm not really in that position, I'm just going by the adage of if you interview at a certain number of places then it is pretty likely a person will match.

I bet you stick out like a sore thumb. I think it says something to the program that you didn't take the time to get a suit. Is it really that hard to get a suit? You spent a bunch of money on your application and interviews, yet don't want to spend $200 to get a nice suit. I think I would replace your term for you being laid back with lazy. I would splurge and get a suit. Just my two cents.

Lol. That's fine if you think I'm lazy. I own suits and the only difference between what I have worn to these interviews is the lack of a suit jacket otherwise what I wear is essentially identical.

If I were you, I would definitely err on the side of caution and wear a suit on the rest of your interviews.
You can't be sure what other people are going to think of your lack of a suit. It is possible that interviewers may be very friendly to your face but still end up ranking you poorly. In fact, I would say that it is highly likely that an interviewer will not make a scene about it if they disapprove, but will simply quietly make note of it.
I personally would not hold it against an applicant if they were dressed nicely. I *have* seen other applicants who did not wear a suit but were still dressed nicely. And, of course, sometimes people have to interview in other clothes due to circumstances outside of theier control (like if the airline loses their luggage). However, you can't predict what an interviewer will think of it if you stand out as different, so I would say it's not worth the risk of giving someone a bad impression. I just looked atg your old posts and I notice you said you had some problems in med school. Why do anything that could potentially put you at a greater disadvantage?

I know that no interviewer is going to say anything to my face. That's pretty much expected.

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Otherwise from the responses I have gotten back to the suit.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I've been wondering about this. So far, I've interviewed with 2 women not wearing suits, and it kind of surprised me. Both wore short-sleeved one piece dresses in black or grey (one of which had a pretty short skirt). Does it matter? I'm also wondering why they would take the risk and opt for atypical clothing.

 

[RedAnesthesia]

I guess I'm less concerned based on the number of interviews. I know that anything can happen. I'm not meaning to come off as arrogant or anything, I'm not really in that position, I'm just going by the adage of if you interview at a certain number of places then it is pretty likely a person will match.

Lol. That's fine if you think I'm lazy. I own suits and the only difference between what I have worn to these interviews is the lack of a suit jacket otherwise what I wear is essentially identical.



I know that no interviewer is going to say anything to my face. That's pretty much expected.

--------------------------------------------------------

Otherwise from the responses I have gotten back to the suit.

So why don't you go the extra mile and wear the suit jacket then.

 

[WhoisJohnGalt]

I've been wondering about this. So far, I've interviewed with 2 women not wearing suits, and it kind of surprised me. Both wore short-sleeved one piece dresses in black or grey (one of which had a pretty short skirt). Does it matter? I'm also wondering why they would take the risk and opt for atypical clothing.

It must be a west coast thing... I've never seen anyone not wearing a suit and would be pretty surprised by it.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Lol. That's fine if you think I'm lazy. I own suits and the only difference between what I have worn to these interviews is the lack of a suit jacket otherwise what I wear is essentially identical.

See now I just don't get it - I could at least partially understand if you didn't own a suit...

 

[Doctor Bagel]

It must be a west coast thing... I've never seen anyone not wearing a suit and would be pretty surprised by it.

Actually, neither of these people were west coast people. The one with the short skirt was interviewing at her home program in the midwest, so maybe she cared less. 😕 The other person was from the south.

 

[Winged Scapula]

IMHO a fatal flaw the OP has made is this:

- getting an interview means you have met the minimum academic standards but it does not guarantee matching

Please ignore those stats that say if you have "X" interviews your match percentage is "Y". There is no guarantee; the interview is where you give faculty a flavor of you off paper. Being different on interview day is not necessarily good.

There is a standard uniform for interviews and the professional world; it is ok to deviate with color of your tie or blouse, even to not wear a black or dark blue suit. But I would find it not only odd for a candidate not to wear a suit but would wonder what sort of professional colleague this person would be, whether or not he/she was taking the event seriously and understood societal and business norms.

I don't see anything wrong with a woman wearing a tailored dress with a jacket but a short skirt is inappropriate. For some reason, female students tend to have more difficulty with figuring out what's appropriate business wear, IMHO.

 

[smq123]

I've been wondering about this. So far, I've interviewed with 2 women not wearing suits, and it kind of surprised me. Both wore short-sleeved one piece dresses in black or grey (one of which had a pretty short skirt). Does it matter? I'm also wondering why they would take the risk and opt for atypical clothing.

From what I've seen, and from stories that I've heard, some people really just DO NOT know what to wear to interviews. I think some of it may have something to do with the whole "never had a job" thing, although you'd think that common sense ought to still tell people what to wear. 😕

- I remember seeing someone interviewing in light brown, embossed, cowboy boots. The residents who were conducting the tour made fun of him last year, referring to him as "ugly cowboy boots dude."

- I was told about a girl who interviewed while wearing Danskos. 😕 Her Danskos, by the way, were not polished and in a color which clashed with her lavender plaid skirt suit. She was also not-so-fondly remembered for her attire.

- Another person that I saw interviewing at my school last year wore something that can only be described as a "zoot suit." Complete with huge punk-style watch chain.

As for asking whether or not it matters - it does. I'm a resident in a fairly non-competitive specialty in a community program, but even on our interview sheets, there is an assessment line for "attire." No matter how relaxed the program is or how uncompetitive the specialty is, don't assume that your interviewers aren't paying attention to how professionally you are dressed.

See now I just don't get it - I could at least partially understand if you didn't own a suit...

I still don't get it even then. How expensive is a suit compared to how important your residency interviews are? And people aren't looking at your suit to see if it's Donna Karan or Nine West....they just want to see that it's clean, pressed, and professional-looking. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should still be a suit.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I still don't get it even then. How expensive is a suit compared to how important your residency interviews are? And people aren't looking at your suit to see if it's Donna Karan or Nine West....they just want to see that it's clean, pressed, and professional-looking. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should still be a suit.

Oh I definitely agree overall. But I could at least understand (if not agree with) an argument of "it's not worth it" or "I'm broke" if someone didn't already own a suit.

The fact that the OP owns suits and is deliberately choosing not to wear them is very odd to me and makes much less sense than not wearing one b/c they don't have one.

 

[diosa428]

From what I've seen, and from stories that I've heard, some people really just DO NOT know what to wear to interviews. I think some of it may have something to do with the whole "never had a job" thing, although you'd think that common sense ought to still tell people what to wear. 😕

- I remember seeing someone interviewing in light brown, embossed, cowboy boots. The residents who were conducting the tour made fun of him last year, referring to him as "ugly cowboy boots dude."

- I was told about a girl who interviewed while wearing Danskos. 😕 Her Danskos, by the way, were not polished and in a color which clashed with her lavender plaid skirt suit. She was also not-so-fondly remembered for her attire.

- Another person that I saw interviewing at my school last year wore something that can only be described as a "zoot suit." Complete with huge punk-style watch chain.

As for asking whether or not it matters - it does. I'm a resident in a fairly non-competitive specialty in a community program, but even on our interview sheets, there is an assessment line for "attire." No matter how relaxed the program is or how uncompetitive the specialty is, don't assume that your interviewers aren't paying attention to how professionally you are dressed.

Haha. I've seen some ugly attire for sure, mostly on girls though. One girl in a bright blue suit that was possibly velvet in material? A girl with a suit jacket that was too short (probably "trendy") but did not meet the top of her pants, leaving a half-inch of her shirt showing all the way around, which was especially attractive when her shirt started untucking itself in the back. I've also seen candidates in unpolished Danskos, and pants that are too long and need to be hemmed. And if you're wearing a cotton cami under your suit, it's not that noticeable when you keep your suit jacket buttoned, but when you unbutton it it's really obvious. And the hair - if your hair is really long and has a tendency to be frizzy, you should probably tie it back...

 

[Tired Pigeon]

I've been out on the interview trail myself this year and although I'm no fashion expert I've been very surprised by what some of the applicants consider "professional attire". And it's generally the women who make some of the most alarming choices -- IDK, maybe because there are more clothing options for women in general. I've seen strappy sandals, miniskirts, long fingernails painted bright colors, long fingernails painted black, flip flops (with a high wedge heel, but they're still flip flops), dramatic makeup, long false eyelashes, plunging necklines ..... some of this stuff might look okay in a club, maybe, but at residency interviews?

Some questionable choices for the men as well ... what's with dress shirts in bright purple or hot pink? A belt buckle with a huge Dolce & Gabbana logo? Flashy snakeskin shoes? If you're remembered for your shoes, that ain't good.

By the way, I am interviewing for general surgery, a specialty not known for being particularly progressive in terms of dress code.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I've been out on the interview trail myself this year and although I'm no fashion expert I've been very surprised by what some of the applicants consider "professional attire"
...
By the way, I am interviewing for general surgery, a specialty not known for being particularly progressive in terms of dress code.

ditto.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Hmm, extra long nails for surgery interviews seem especially odd since I don't think you can really do the manicured long nail thing and operate. Actually, it's odd for any field of medicine where you touch your patients.

About women's clothing, it's probably harder for us because, yeah, there are more options, and two, it's becoming pretty hard to find suits for women. I hadn't purchased a suit since I interviewed for medical school, and I found it a lot harder this time around. Very few stores carry suits, and pretty much no one carries petite suits. I don't know really why this is. I guess fewer professional women wear suits regularly, so there's less demand. 😕

 

[diosa428]

Hmm, extra long nails for surgery interviews seem especially odd since I don't think you can really do the manicured long nail thing and operate. Actually, it's odd for any field of medicine where you touch your patients.

About women's clothing, it's probably harder for us because, yeah, there are more options, and two, it's becoming pretty hard to find suits for women. I hadn't purchased a suit since I interviewed for medical school, and I found it a lot harder this time around. Very few stores carry suits, and pretty much no one carries petite suits. I don't know really why this is. I guess fewer professional women wear suits regularly, so there's less demand. 😕

And then the ones you can find have like 3/4 length sleeves or are cheaply made or are tweed or something.

 

[MrBurns10]

About women's clothing, it's probably harder for us because, yeah, there are more options, and two, it's becoming pretty hard to find suits for women. I hadn't purchased a suit since I interviewed for medical school, and I found it a lot harder this time around. Very few stores carry suits, and pretty much no one carries petite suits. I don't know really why this is. I guess fewer professional women wear suits regularly, so there's less demand. 😕

My problem buying a suit was that 99% of them made me look old. I found one I liked for med student interviews and have stuck with that one for residency interviews. 🙂

 

[diosa428]

My problem buying a suit was that 99% of them made me look old. I found one I liked for med student interviews and have stuck with that one for residency interviews. 🙂

You'd probably have better luck if you just wore a paper bag over your head.

👍

 

[oompa loompa]

and the claws come out...esp when it comes to girls. I've actually never seen anyone look less than impeccable on my interview days, although I've been guilty of wearing pants that needed to be hemmed so maybe I'm the one everyone's talking about! I agree that women are bombarded by way more clothing options in fashion mags, tv shows, etc. and the more "stylish" ensembles may turn out to be a mistake. I was shopping for my bf and noticed the huge selection of shirts in all colors...for $18!!! To get a nice shirt like that for a girl would cost $40-$70! The cheaper kind have all sorts of ruffles or patterns that just aren't very professional looking. So not fair.

I don't see what's wrong with wearing danskos, provided they look nice and match the suit.

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I don't get it. Why do you even have a suit if you're not going to wear it for this? Are you saving it for your Presidential dinner invite? Actually, I heard you can just show up these days.

But seriously, this is the most important job interview most of us have been to up to this point. Some people would probably donate a kidney if they had to to buy a suit.

And interviewers know this. Even if you were absolutely dirt poor, they would probably assume you could borrow one from a friend.

So basically, by not wearing a suit, you're saying, "I recognize the societal norms involved with this process, and I am blatantly choosing to ignore them. I am well aware of the consequences of my actions, and I am willing to accept that in exchange for making a statement that 'The Man' can't tell me how to dress." That's probably why you're not getting any confrontational feedback: what is there to debate?

Also, I think it is worth repeating that the match statistics should be read: "X% of SUIT-WEARING applicants will match if they rank Y programs." Someone couldn't go to 25 interviews, b*slap each of the PDs in the face, then expect to match because they "went to enough interviews." Granted, it's different, but in the world of medicine interviews, probably not too far off.

 

[RedAnesthesia]

I don't get it. Why do you even have a suit if you're not going to wear it for this? Are you saving it for your Presidential dinner invite? Actually, I heard you can just show up these days.

But seriously, this is the most important job interview most of us have been to up to this point. Some people would probably donate a kidney if they had to to buy a suit.

And interviewers know this. Even if you were absolutely dirt poor, they would probably assume you could borrow one from a friend.

So basically, by not wearing a suit, you're saying, "I recognize the societal norms involved with this process, and I am blatantly choosing to ignore them. I am well aware of the consequences of my actions, and I am willing to accept that in exchange for making a statement that 'The Man' can't tell me how to dress." That's probably why you're not getting any confrontational feedback: what is there to debate?

Also, I think it is worth repeating that the match statistics should be read: "X% of SUIT-WEARING applicants will match if they rank Y programs." Someone couldn't go to 25 interviews, b*slap each of the PDs in the face, then expect to match because they "went to enough interviews." Granted, it's different, but in the world of medicine interviews, probably not too far off.

Well said WLG7.

 

[Winged Scapula]

So basically, by not wearing a suit, you're saying, "I recognize the societal norms involved with this process, and I am blatantly choosing to ignore them. I am well aware of the consequences of my actions, and I am willing to accept that in exchange for making a statement that 'The Man' can't tell me how to dress." That's probably why you're not getting any confrontational feedback: what is there to debate?

QFT. This is exactly what this behavior says, at least to me and my colleagues.

 

[smq123]

I don't see what's wrong with wearing danskos, provided they look nice and match the suit.

Danskos are not professional shoes. They're work shoes, and have no place at an interview. Spend the $12 at Payless and buy interview-appropriate shoes.

I suppose this does sound "catty," but....like other people are saying, this IS one of the most important things you'll do in your med school career! Why take a chance?

 

[oompa loompa]

Danskos are not professional shoes. They're work shoes, and have no place at an interview. Spend the $12 at Payless and buy interview-appropriate shoes.

I suppose this does sound "catty," but....like other people are saying, this IS one of the most important things you'll do in your med school career! Why take a chance?

hmm, maybe because a program where the residents/attendings make snide remarks or think less of applicants not dressed to match perfectly or wearing danskos is not the kind of program that I'd want to be at?

seriously people, the OP's intention was probably to stir up indignation because this is generally an uptight community. He/she is probably wearing a suit to all interviews and laughing about the responses he has generated.

 

[smq123]

hmm, maybe because a program where the residents/attendings make snide remarks or think less of applicants not dressed to match perfectly or wearing danskos is not the kind of program that I'd want to be at?

No one is saying that you need to be dressed to match perfectly.

But, this IS a professional interview. A lawyer looking for a job wouldn't wear Danskos to a job interview. A person interviewing for a job to be a teacher wouldn't wear Danskos either. So why should you wear Danskos to a residency interview?

If the kind of program that looks askance at a person who wears Danskos to an interview is "not the kind of program that you'd want to be at," then you're essentially saying that you wouldn't want to be a resident anywhere. I can't think of a program or a specialty that wouldn't find it odd that someone would wear such casual shoes to a job interview.

It's just funny that you find such Type-A personalities when it comes to other things about this process ("Should I thank ALL of my interviewers, or just write a group thank-you card?" "Email or thank you card or nice note on stationary?" "Does the type of stationary I use matter?", "My Step 2 was 1 point less than my Step 1 score!!!!!" etc."), but such an easy thing to do (i.e. dressing professionally, wearing a suit) seems so hard.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I agree with smq.

Danskos are work shoes and as such, are not appropriate for such a formal occasion such as a job interview. And yes, this goes for Danskos in the "mary-jane" style - they are not formal enough.

This has nothing to do with "thinking less" of candidates but rather wondering why students would treat a formal occasion such as a residency interview so casually and essentially thumb their nose at societal and professional expectations. Frankly, I like a little deviation from the norm, but you still have to stay inside the box - that means a nice scarf or non-black suit, it does not mean wearing casual work shoes or dressing like Mr. Rogers for your interview. Those that do may match IN SPITE of their attire; not because of it and their application can only be hurt by it.

You can choose to do what you want. But the OP asked for advice; just because some did not like to hear what we had to say doesn't make us wrong. Try showing up for any formal interview in the "real world" without a suit and tie and formal dress shoes and it will be noticed negatively. Same goes for medicine. This is not being uptight...this is the reality of the working professional, white collar world. I would have the same opinion if I was hiring you to be my office manager. There is a wardrobe which is expected.

 

[oompa loompa]

No one is saying that you need to be dressed to match perfectly.

But, this IS a professional interview. A lawyer looking for a job wouldn't wear Danskos to a job interview. A person interviewing for a job to be a teacher wouldn't wear Danskos either. So why should you wear Danskos to a residency interview?

If the kind of program that looks askance at a person who wears Danskos to an interview is "not the kind of program that you'd want to be at," then you're essentially saying that you wouldn't want to be a resident anywhere. I can't think of a program or a specialty that wouldn't find it odd that someone would wear such casual shoes to a job interview.

It's just funny that you find such Type-A personalities when it comes to other things about this process ("Should I thank ALL of my interviewers, or just write a group thank-you card?" "Email or thank you card or nice note on stationary?" "Does the type of stationary I use matter?", "My Step 2 was 1 point less than my Step 1 score!!!!!" etc."), but such an easy thing to do (i.e. dressing professionally, wearing a suit) seems so hard.

well, i am not surprised about the OCD that goes into stuff like thank you notes and LORs and grades. But, I remain surprised that dansko shoes are considered a big faux pas for interviews. I do not own danskos myself, but I thought the whole point of paying $200+ for danskos was to have a pair of super comfortable shoes that also looked completely professional and that you could wear with slacks and a shirt when working in the hospital. I have seen people wear what look like really nice danskos in a mahogany to dark brown polished color that I think would look fine with a matching suit. To think that one would look askance at someone wearing those to an interview is ludicrous to me. But then again, I'm not the one interviewing people, so what do I know. Just my 2 cents.

 

[oompa loompa]

This has nothing to do with "thinking less" of candidates but rather wondering why students would treat a formal occasion such as a residency interview so casually and essentially thumb their nose at societal and professional expectations.

See thats just the thing. Why are applicants who wear danskos necessarily "thumbing their nose" at societal norms? I don't own danskos, but during my interviews, I thought it would be great if I owned a nice pair because they had the height of high heels, but were super comfy to walk around in. Maybe the applicants who wear them are simply trying to be comfortable for the tour.

 

[Winged Scapula]

...but I thought the whole point of paying $200+ for danskos was to have a pair of super comfortable shoes that also looked completely professional and that you could wear with slacks and a shirt when working in the hospital. I have seen people wear what look like really nice danskos in a mahogany to dark brown polished color that I think would look fine with a matching suit. To think that one would look askance at someone wearing those to an interview is ludicrous to me. But then again, I'm not the one interviewing people, so what do I know. Just my 2 cents.

See thats just the thing. Why are applicants who wear danskos necessarily "thumbing their nose" at societal norms? I don't own danskos, but during my interviews, I thought it would be great if I owned a nice pair because they had the height of high heels, but were super comfy to walk around in. Maybe the applicants who wear them are simply trying to be comfortable for the tour.

Because Danskos are work shoes, they are not formal enough for a job interview nor are they considered "professional". That is why I consider it to be an inappropriate choice. They are designed to be worn at work on occasions when you are standing for long periods of time and frankly get WAY too much use outside of the OR and the wards. Same goes for those who wear loafers, sandals, open-toed shoes, etc. for interviews. If someone spent $200 for Danskos because they thought they were appropriate for all those situations, they wasted their money.

I don't doubt that applicants are trying to be comfortable. And I remember what its like to be on daylong interviews wearing high heels and a suit. However, there are rules (which are not of my making) which dictate what is considered appropriate work wear for a formal occasion such as a job interview. I've seen the dark Danskos worn with trousers in clinic and while I consider them fairly ugly, I can appreciate that they are acceptable in this setting. They are not however dressy or professional enough to be worn with a suit in an interview situation.

Its fine to be comfortable but there are more appropriate shoes for interviewing (ie, Naturalizer makes well padded high heels - if you even feel the need to wear heels). Its a cop out to assume that no other shoe could possibly be comfortable. I am not the only one who feels this way and if I notice it, so will others. It is not specialty specific either - students think, "oh EM/FM, etc. is casual so I can dress down for the interview day." Wrong...its still a formal occasion. Save the clogs/Danskos/sweater once you've gotten the job.

Why would anyone take a chance and wear something that the faculty interviewing them might think reflects poorly on them?😕 I just don't get it.

I'm just trying to give the OP and others some insight from the other side of the fence, although my attitude on the subject has not changed since I was a resident. I'm sure I've worn some inappropriate things to work in my past life as well. 😀

 

[smq123]

I do not own danskos myself, but I thought the whole point of paying $200+ for danskos was to have a pair of super comfortable shoes that also looked completely professional and that you could wear with slacks and a shirt when working in the hospital.

I don't know if Danskos ever advertised themself as appropriate footwear for interviews, though.

I think part of the problem is that we throw the word "professional" around too loosely. Or, at least, it means different things in different situations.

I dress "professionally" in the hospital. That doesn't mean that I wear a skirt suit, heels, and carry a leather briefcase while rounding on patients, though. I wear flats, a clean white coat, and khakis or slacks.

I also dressed "professionally" for interviews. In that instance, it DID mean wearing a pantsuit/skirt suit, heels, and a briefcase of some sort.

Just...different footwear for different situations. In any case, if you were the only one wearing Danskos, you'd stick out like a sore thumb. And why do that?

 

[Tired Pigeon]

I don't get the Dansko thing either. These are casual shoes. They look ridiculous with a suit and just aren't appropriate for an interview. Yeah, they might be more comfortable than some (not all) dress shoes, but you could say the same thing about flip flops. Fortunately I have only seen these (flip flops) on one applicant.

What is appropriate on the wards is not = what is appropriate in a professional job interview.

 

[error404]

Residency interviews are not the place for self expression.

You might find that some of those people or some of those programs honestly don't care what you wear, but why are you risking your career?

A sweatervest isn't worth it.

 

[howelljolly]

well, i am not surprised about the OCD that goes into stuff like thank you notes and LORs and grades. But, I remain surprised that dansko shoes are considered a big faux pas for interviews. I do not own danskos myself, but I thought the whole point of paying $200+ for danskos was to have a pair of super comfortable shoes that also looked completely professional and that you could wear with slacks and a shirt when working in the hospital. I have seen people wear what look like really nice danskos in a mahogany to dark brown polished color that I think would look fine with a matching suit. To think that one would look askance at someone wearing those to an interview is ludicrous to me. But then again, I'm not the one interviewing people, so what do I know. Just my 2 cents.

No. You're wrong. That isn't the point.

1. Go to Work n Gear or something similar. Those brown jackets are like $100. Are they "professional"? No, they are designed to keep people alive when they have to work all day in the bitter cold. Thats why they cost so much. Dansko's cost so much because they are designed for people that have to stand upright for inhuman lengths of time. Thats the point. It never was to provide comfortable shoes that looked "professional". You made that one up.

2. You're personal fashion sense, or mine for that matter, does not matter at interviews and other professional events. That's why you blindly follow the societal norms. That's how its done. I happen to think that the EM doc's reverse mullet - nice slacks, shoes, and a scrub top - looks professional. Some think it looks silly. Same goes for your suit + surgical clogs. Its your personal opinion, which has no place in societal norms of any kind.

Professional attire is about conformity and loss of individuality in favor of getting a job done. Uniforms are for uniformity, whether that's in medicine, the military, EMS/FD/PD...

 

[sam1999]

I think this post is a troll. Any way comeback once you find out in march that your match box will be empty.😀

My division chief expects all doctors/fellows who are even in lab rotation wear a tie and nice shirt when go see him about career things etc and you expect anyone to get a physician job with such a attire.

There was tech in our lab who belong to gothic culture with visible tattoo, long hair, body piercing and dark clothes. That person was applying to grad school. One interview day that person came to lab after interview. I did not recognize that tech as that person was a changed. Hair were cut, nice dress suit so no visible tattoos etc., piercing were removed and next day same person was back with usual attire plus chains. May be you can learn from others how to advance professional career.

 

[MrBurns10]

You'd probably have better luck if you just wore a paper bag over your head.

The good news is that I already do...and it matches my suit perfectly! See my picture from a recent interview below.

I'm not quite sure sure how that watermark got there...

 

[diosa428]

The good news is that I already do...and it matches my suit perfectly! See my picture from a recent interview below.

I'm not quite sure sure how that watermark got there...

Now THAT is professional! 👍

 

[SocialistMD]

I happen to think that the EM doc's reverse mullet - nice slacks, shoes, and a scrub top - looks professional.

Oh, how grossly mistaken you are...🙂

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Hmm, maybe there is some room for debate about the shoes. I agree that danskos are not OK (well, unless maybe you change into them just for the tour because you have feet issues -- some people do, even though it's less likely in our age range). However, I've been sporting loaferesq shoes that would be I guess mid-rise shoes, and I don't really feel like I'm pushing the boundaries with those. They're polished and way nicer than anything I'd routinely wear in the hospital. Also, all the emails I've received about interviews have mentioned wearing comfortable shoes, so maybe the dansko person took that a little too seriously.

Also, it seems like the majority of guys on my interviews have been wearing lace-free shoes like those posted in that very long debate here, so I'm guessing those have crossed into the being OK territory.

 

[gutonc]

I think this post is a troll. Any way comeback once you find out in march that your match box will be empty.😀

My division chief expects all doctors/fellows who are even in lab rotation wear a tie and nice shirt when go see him about career things etc and you expect anyone to get a physician job with such a attire.

The OP is applying to OB, the most sociopathic specialty out there. So s/he has either been blackballed from every program in the country already or, in search of somebody willing to take that much abuse for 4 years with minimal learning in return, s/he'll be just fine.

But, I remain surprised that dansko shoes are considered a big faux pas for interviews. I do not own danskos myself, but I thought the whole point of paying $200+ for danskos was to have a pair of super comfortable shoes that also looked completely professional and that you could wear with slacks and a shirt when working in the hospital.

Danskos look very professional. If you are the sous chef at Olive Garden.

Otherwise they are sturdy, comfortable shoes to wear for 12-30 hours at a shot that can get placenta, poop and peritoneal fluid on them and still be presentable at morning report (assuming you wiped off the big chunks).

As others have mentioned, this is a job interview. A pretty big one at that. Think of it in these (not too out there IMHO) terms. Let's say it cost you $250K to get your bachelor's and MBA in finance at U of Fancy Pants. You want to go into investment banking (which is still hiring, just not in the numbers it used to). If you get hired over the competition who just graduated from Harvard, Stanford, etc., you're going to work 100 hours a week for the next 3 to 5 years, get made a partner (or fired if you don't keep your head down and numbers up) and maybe then make a low to mid-6 figure salary (granted...with a potentially huge bonus at Xmas time). Are you going to wear jeans, flip-flops and a sweater to that interview? How about khakis, an oxford, a rep tie, sweater vest and Keen's (or Dansko's)? If you do, they will at least do you the favor of having the security guard turn you away before you even get in the elevator.

Professional has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. If you haven't learned that by this point in your life, you deserve what you get.

 

[45408]

Also, it seems like the majority of guys on my interviews have been wearing lace-free shoes like those posted in that very long debate here, so I'm guessing those have crossed into the being OK territory.

Oh no! I haven't been wearing lace-free shoes at all of my interviews! What are my chances??

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Oh no! I haven't been wearing lace-free shoes at all of my interviews! What are my chances??

Ohs noes!! Sometimes needs to bump that men's shoe laces thread again because it is truly an SDN classic. 👍

 

[BlondeDocteur]

To stir the pot even more... I haven't been wearing suits. I strongly dislike them. I think women's suits are an artificial attempt to masculinize us.

BUT the major caveat is that what I have been wearing most certainly is in that amorphous category of 'professional.'

What do I wear? [straight men feel free to skip over this paragraph as it will probably make you want to go outside and toss the ball around a bit] When I interviewed for medical school, I wore a ladies' tuxedo from a British design house with a fedora. Now I wear separates with color, print, texture, etc that are *never* revealing, tight, cheap, uncomfortable, outre, or casual. I have, for example, beautiful wool slacks from Gucci with a gorgeous sheen; a rich gold cowl-neck silk blouse from an NYC boutique; and a muted print silk-wool jacket from Escada. The look is formal, feminine, subtle, but emphatically NOT a suit. It *is* self-expression, because I love fashion and follow it closely, but not in confrontational "look at me I'm so different" kind of way. Or a label-*****-conspicuous-consumption kind of way with nasty CCs and LVs plastered all over everything.

It's always been commented upon favorably, when commented upon at all. Most people glide their eyes right over me as I think the message is well-conveyed that I'm paying the program due respect with my attire. You don't need a polyester pantsuit from the Dress Barn to look the part of a doctor.

The most grievous fashion error I've noted is women who wear shoes in which they can't walk. IMHO if you can't go on a hospital tour or climb a flight of steps in your shoes, you quite frankly look ******ed.

 

[RegularNihilist]

There is a standard uniform for interviews and the professional world

In the US. There are less conservative areas of the world, and there are less conservative professions.

But I would find it not only odd for a candidate not to wear a suit but would wonder what sort of professional colleague this person would be, whether or not he/she was taking the event seriously and understood societal and business norms.

I can count numerous other reasons. But I bet most ppl probably can't, won't or are just put off by non-adherence to conformity, whether or not that is the reason in itself. Kinda frustrating.

To stir the pot even more... I haven't been wearing suits. I strongly dislike them. I think women's suits are an artificial attempt to masculinize us.

I get a rock hard one whenever I see a really elegant woman in a dress. Are you saying that I am secretly gay? OMG!

When I interviewed for medical school, I wore a ladies' tuxedo from a British design house with a fedora. Now I wear separates with color, print, texture, etc that are *never* revealing, tight, cheap, uncomfortable, outre, or casual. I have, for example, beautiful wool slacks from Gucci with a gorgeous sheen; a rich gold cowl-neck silk blouse from an NYC boutique; and a muted print silk-wool jacket from Escada. The look is formal, feminine, subtle, but emphatically NOT a suit. It *is* self-expression, because I love fashion and follow it closely, but not in confrontational "look at me I'm so different" kind of way. Or a label-*****-conspicuous-consumption kind of way with nasty CCs and LVs plastered all over everything.

That's kinda cool.

 

[RegularNihilist]

No. You're wrong. That isn't the point.

Professional attire is about conformity and loss of individuality in favor of getting a job done. Uniforms are for uniformity, whether that's in medicine, the military, EMS/FD/PD...

No. You're wrong. That isn't the point.

Professional attire is defended the most by those ppl who like to dress professionally. Professionalism is a cheap excuse to avoid seeing yourself as vain, and coercing co-workers to adhere to the same rules of the costume party. Women are drawn to men who dress in uniforms. It is about looks for the sake of looks sex, and role play (which is what some ppl call professionalism).

Everybody lies.

 

[Danae00]

Hmm, maybe there is some room for debate about the shoes. I agree that danskos are not OK (well, unless maybe you change into them just for the tour because you have feet issues -- some people do, even though it's less likely in our age range). However, I've been sporting loaferesq shoes that would be I guess mid-rise shoes, and I don't really feel like I'm pushing the boundaries with those. They're polished and way nicer than anything I'd routinely wear in the hospital. Also, all the emails I've received about interviews have mentioned wearing comfortable shoes, so maybe the dansko person took that a little too seriously.

Also, it seems like the majority of guys on my interviews have been wearing lace-free shoes like those posted in that very long debate here, so I'm guessing those have crossed into the being OK territory.

I'm glad someone mentioned this. I absolutely cannot wear high heels. I have hopelessly bad ankles due to various sports injuries and I have promised my podiatrist that I wouldn't risk further injury. Not that I'd ignore his advice anyway, as I can barely walk straight in them anymore without my ankles shaking.

I don't know anything about interviewing for med school, but I will say there is a lot more flexibility for attire in job interviews in the corporate world than what is being said in this thread. You just need to know the corporate culture of the company you are applying to first. If the CEO walks around in jeans and cowboy boots every day, and the last time anyone in the office wore a tie was at the Aunt Mildred's funeral, then wearing a $1000 power suit is probably not a good idea. A very smart business casual would be more appropriate (i.e. very nice blouse, suit-styled skirt, nice shoes and accessories). Basically you want to be one step up in formality from those who work there.

I also will say that wearing either flats or very low heeled shoes with a wide base never hurt me either, and I interviewed for (and was offered) jobs that had a 6 figure salary. So I'm talking about a professional skilled position.

But med school to me is this weird cult-like entity. If I wanted to be a doctor I certainly wouldn't risk not wearing a really nice suit. That said, I would need to stick to flats though otherwise I'd look like a new born calf taking my first steps

 

[LucidSplash]

I also will say that wearing either flats or very low heeled shoes with a wide base never hurt me either, and I interviewed for (and was offered) jobs that had a 6 figure salary.

Agreed. But Danskos are neither flats nor low heeled shoes with a wide base. I don't think anyone said that you must wear heels if you are a woman. There are other professional shoes that work well with a suit if you are a woman that aren't heels - just that Danksos aren't commonly accepted as such.

I think its safe to say here that its no sweat off any individual's brow if someone decides "not to conform" by wearing other than a suit. Heck, in a very conservative program, you might make someone else's chance that much better. But the responses to the OP and the subsequent discussion reflect that while there is a range of views on acceptable attire, the majority has a pretty narrowly defined view. The posts here are likely to reflect the range of views of those interviewing you. Everyone should dress as they feel appropriate, but the wise interviewee should probably also do so with a mind to how their interviewers will interpret their choice. IMHO, in this instance, the message received is more important than the message I wish to send and I wish there to be no room for error during such non-verbal communication.

Before medical school, I had numerous occasions to interview people seeking employment - I remembered people for their personality during their interviews, not their clothing. Typically, if I remembered their clothing, it was because they looked sloppy and I interpret that as a reflection of their personal attention to detail which, in turn, colors my perception of their ability to perform a task to my specifications. Style is only important in that it doesn't detract from my ability to focus on your qualifications - people in attire that appears to be constructed to show off their "individuality" would make me probe to be sure they weren't trying to cover up a personality disorder or personal deficiency with smoke & mirror deflection. Suits are the norm, IMHO, largely because suits make it easy to look professional so as not to distract from what you SHOULD be presenting during your interview - your personality and ability to perform the job at hand. For me personally, its a matter of choosing my battles - while my individuality is important to me, I save my non-conformity for more important digressions from the norm; I recognize that is a matter of personal preference. However I can say that the ability to "choose your battles wisely" is also a trait I used to look for in prospective employees and co-workers.

Also, where the heck are you people shopping that its so difficult/expensive to find suits? I bought two Calvin Klein suits (pants for me as I personally dislike skirt suits but that's because I don't like stockings and my skin is fish-belly white) for $80 each at Ross & Burlington Coat Factory - NOT polyester. I purchased classic suits which I could easily use again to interview for fellowship and/or jobs a decade from now. I spent about $25/suit getting tailoring (sleeves shortened and pants hemmed). I consider myself decently thrifty and could have done with one suit but wanted two in case there was a stain disaster (not all together unlikely given my ability to spill coffee on myself).