Interview Attire 2014-2015

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Also I didn't pay whatever that price tag says haha trust me
 
Light grey suit, light purple shirt, dark purple tie, brown belt and shoes sounds dashing to me. Confidence is key.
 
These threads always seem ridiculous to me. There's nothing special about a medical school interview seeing as the dress code will be similar to any other job interview in a professional environment - you could literally ask ANYONE how to dress for a job interview (or look at any of the millions of sites devoted to it).

There's people that are obsessing over "how long should my sideburns be" or "should I clean shave or not" or "how many rings should I wear on my right hand" or "should I trim my eyebrows?" It just gets out of control... Have you seen many physicians? For every physician that dresses well and looks great there's three that look like they just crawled out of bed (NB: they did). This isn't a beauty contest, regardless of how much it may or may not help.

Take a shower. Buy a nice suit. Get a haircut. Does it need to be any more complicated? No, if your beard is well trimmed you don't need to shave it all off unless you look like Santa Claus (Do you really want to go to a school where the main point of contention was you had a well trimmed beard?). No you shouldn't have a mohawk, no your suit shouldn't be bright red, no you shouldn't wear your big Louie Vuitton belt, no this isn't the time to bring your favorite transformers backpack... It's all common sense.

You should be more focused on your demeanor than the minutiae of your clothes or accessories. If you're having good conversation they won't notice the shoulders on your suit have been brought in too much. Be neurotic about things that are more important. Jeeze.
 
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kalat said:
These threads always seem ridiculous to me. There's nothing special about a medical school interview seeing as the dress code will be similar to any other job interview in a professional environment - you could literally ask ANYONE how to dress for a job interview (or look at any of the millions of sites devoted to it).

There's people that are obsessing over "how long should my sideburns be" or "should I clean shave or not" or "how many rings should I wear on my right hand" or "should I trim my eyebrows?" It just gets out of control... Have you seen many physicians? For every physician that dresses well and looks great there's three that look like they just crawled out of bed (NB: they did). This isn't a beauty contest, regardless of how much it may or may not help.

Take a shower. Buy a nice suit. Get a haircut. Does it need to be any more complicated? No, if your beard is well trimmed you don't need to shave it all off unless you look like Santa Claus (Do you really want to go to a school where the main point of contention was you had a well trimmed beard?). No you shouldn't have a mohawk, no your suit shouldn't be bright red, no you shouldn't wear your big Louie Vuitton belt, no this isn't the time to bring your favorite transformers backpack... It's all common sense.

You should be more focused on your demeanor than the minutiae of your clothes or accessories. If you're having good conversation they won't notice the shoulders on your suit have been brought in too much. Be neurotic about things that are more important. Jeeze.
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I don't think it's unreasonable that people want to want to put their best foot forward. Some people need some help and advice, and this is for those people. Obviously you don't need to nitpick about the minutiae of style and grooming, but you would be surprised how many people were never taught or learned how to dress for an interview.
 
bigtex22 said:
What about suit color? It ok?
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Yes, I and a few others wore light grey suits to an interview the other day. Perfectly fine. Anchor the light color suit with a darker colored tie, but don't go crazy with the pattern. A lighter colored suit can be seen as less conservative/traditional, so make sure the tie pattern is low key or just go with a solid color. Just make sure that your shoes and belt match 😉
 
deadleopard said:
I don't think it's unreasonable that people want to want to put their best foot forward. Some people need some help and advice, and this is for those people. Obviously you don't need to nitpick about the minutiae of style and grooming, but you would be surprised how many people were never taught or learned how to dress for an interview.
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I understand completely that there are people that need help, but skimming over some of the replies you can tell that advice can start creating more problems than it's solving. I can see someone sitting in an interview and they're asking them why they want to do medicine and such and such and here this guy is thinking "Oh man SDN told me they were going to notice my pants were too tight, I hope they're not noticing my pants. This tie seems really distracting. Oh damn, what were they saying?" Meanwhile when they're expected to answer the question they're sitting there looking like a deer in headlights. Honestly, you can get a decent looking suit from a lot of places that will provide all the help you need in store - just tell them your situation and they will take it seriously.

The other thing is the "standard" style will vary depending on the school. If you're interviewing at places all over the country you will need either one encompassing style or multiple styles representative of the areas. I guarantee that the style difference between Florida schools and New England schools is significant. This is something that's pretty important, but I've never seen it touched on. Meanwhile there's people talking about tie patterns.
 
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kalat said:
I understand completely that there are people that need help, but skimming over some of the replies you can tell that advice can start creating more problems than it's solving. I can see someone sitting in an interview and they're asking them why they want to do medicine and such and such and here this guy is thinking "Oh man SDN told me they were going to notice my pants were too tight, I hope they're not noticing my pants. This tie seems really distracting. Oh damn, what were they saying?" Meanwhile when they're expected to answer the question they're sitting there looking like a deer in headlights. Honestly, you can get a decent looking suit from a lot of places that will provide all the help you need in store - just tell them your situation and they will take it seriously.

The other thing is the "standard" style will vary depending on the school. If you're interviewing at places all over the country you will need either one encompassing style or multiple styles representative of the areas. I guarantee that the style difference between Florida schools and New England schools is significant. This is something that's pretty important, but I've never seen it touched on. Meanwhile there's people talking about tie patterns.
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Nice dig at the end. It seems like you have a lot of advice on style, it's a shame you can't give it in a constructive manner. Insert last word below.
 
deadleopard said:
Yes, I and a few others wore light grey suits to an interview the other day. Perfectly fine. Anchor the light color suit with a darker colored tie, but don't go crazy with the pattern. A lighter colored suit can be seen as less conservative/traditional, so make sure the tie pattern is low key or just go with a solid color. Just make sure that your shoes and belt match 😉
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thanks friend. I appreciate the help.
 
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I'm going to wear it. It's summer, so lighter colors make sense. It's not a casual suit. It looks professional. They aren't going to not accept me because my suit is tan or my tie pattern. I was just curious to what others thought. I received the feedback I was looking for so thanks!
 
baxt1412 said:
what color is it? i can't tell from so up close and awkward lighting. is it grey or tan-colored? i would probably go with a darker grey as it would look more professional in my opinion
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It's like a taupe color
 
bigtex22 said:
It's like a taupe color
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I personally wouldn't wear it... but I do agree with whoever posted not so long ago that as long as your suit is black, navy, grey, or taupe/tan, and you are otherwise in what the majority of people would consider "professional", then I don't think your attire will be of any concern.
 
ananasmed said:
Where are the ladies?! I'm trying to decide whether I'll buy a skirt suit or pants suit. And is a simple, low ponytail acceptable for hairdo? I'm hair challenged but have long hair that I wouldn't want causing distraction.
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I tried wearing the skirt for a day, but ultimately felt more comfortable in a pants suit even though the skirt suit looked better on me. I ended up going with a dark navy suit and I'm currently trying to figure out shirts and shoes.
For hair, I'll probably stick with a low ponytail with a modification so I can pin back my bangs. Make sure to use a hair colored hair tie or use your own hair to wrap around the hair tie. I'm hair challenged as well, but I'd recommend trying hairstyles while wearing the suit!
 
StarFall said:
I bought a charcoal jacket and matching pants pair online for only $110 or so, and haven't tailored them yet. I was wondering if this would do since for $110, the material can't be that great.
I'm also looking into a navy suit and would love some recommendations.
What's the consensus on brown shoes?

Here are the setups that I want to have:
Set up #1 (similar)
- Charcoal suit
- Black shoes and belt
- Light blue shirt
- Navy patterned tie

Set up #2
- Navy suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- Light blue gingham shirt or white shirt
- Solid navy tie

Set up #3 (similar, similar)
- Light grey suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- White shirt
- Solid or patterned navy tie
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Do your best to get the suit tailored! See the attached pic; if it's not tailored/happens to fit you VERY well, it looks awful.
Otherwise, I agree no navy suit+navy tie, but great choices!
 

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MidnightSunDoc said:
Do your best to get the suit tailored! See the attached pic; if it's not tailored/happens to fit you VERY well, it looks awful.
Otherwise, I agree no navy suit+navy tie, but great choices!
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Yep, fit makes everything look better.
 
How do you guys feel about dress boots?
 
wxman393 said:
How long have you been out? I know it may be semantics but are you referring to wearing the ASU (e.g., beret, neck tie)? IMHO, as a current Army Officer, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing your service uniform to your interview. There will definitely be people out there that might think you are just trying to draw attention to yourself, especially if you are with a group before splitting off into individual interviews. Disregard all of this. Remember, as a Veteran, you make up 1% of the population that has served in the military. You can definitely be proud of being a Veteran without being arrogant or being a "show off". You have earned the right to wear the uniform and you should not be ashamed that you "stand out" during the interview.
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By the time I interview (next cycle) it would be about 3 years. I still have a pair of ACUs and a pair of ASUs hanging up in my closet, as fresh as the last day I wore them. Its funny though, because when I see people wearing their uniforms at say, the airport, I roll my eyes because I know most of the time they are just going/coming on leave, and could have just worn sweats and a t shirt. I felt this way when I was in the Military as well, but then again I hated just about every second of my time in the military. I am proud to have served though, and believe it or not I would do it again. I'm still about a year away though but when the time comes I may just say what the heck and dust of my ACUs. I thank you for your input, sir!
 
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mikerowesvoice said:
Is the plain navy tie out there? No way. I'd say its too plain and needs some simple pattern. For shoes, just don't buy anything that looks matte and dull, especially with black imo
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http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...3239&LinkType=&swatchColor=Navy#fn=BRAND=Ryan Seacrest Distinction%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D22%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D

how about that? Navy color.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...lso Shopped$53239$1605240&LinkType=PDPZ1_Pos2

but this shows the how the color really looks in person.
 
Hey everyone. So, great navy suit, crisp white shirt, nice darker red tie, dark brown shoes. Question is, if I wore a white pocket square (horizontally folded, sticking out minimally) WITH a tie clip, is that too much? Do I pick one over the other? I've been to two interviews so far and I haven't seen anyone else wear a pocket square, so while I think I look great, I don't know if I am standing out in a bad or good way!
 
A pocket square makes you look silly. No physicians, or business people for that matter, are walking around in pocket squares. You want to look professional. You're interacting with actual professionals, not trying to impress college girls.

Look professional.
 
jonnythan said:
A pocket square makes you look silly. No physicians, or business people for that matter, are walking around in pocket squares. You want to look professional. You're interacting with actual professionals, not trying to impress college girls.

Look professional.
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I have to wholly disagree. I've seen plenty of businesspeople wear pocket squares. IMO, a strategically-placed, neutrally colored pocket square is a little add-on that shows you've put some thought into your outfit without making it seem like you tried too hard.
 
ToBeDoctor00 said:
This was the most up-to-date forum I can find on interview attire. So I just wanted to ask if it's a appropriate to wear this blazer (link down below) with black slacks, some sort of white silky top and 3 inch black heels.
http://www.hm.com/ca/product/79468?article=79468-A
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I think the general consensus is non matching suits are informal and not appropriate for interviews. Cute, though
 
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Didn't see a new thread for this year...so bump.

Are gray suits still fine? Wanting to avoid the black. Any color tie we should avoid...red?
 
Mavs88 said:
Didn't see a new thread for this year...so bump.

Are gray suits still fine? Wanting to avoid the black. Any color tie we should avoid...red?
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Grey is fine. Red is probably the most popular tie color you'll see, actually. I really think people make too big of a deal about attire. Just be yourself and not outlandish and you'll be fine. Just don't wear white sneakers and or a clown tie and I'm sure no one will actually care
 
ChiTownBHawks said:
Grey is fine. Red is probably the most popular tie color you'll see, actually. I really think people make too big of a deal about attire. Just be yourself and not outlandish and you'll be fine. Just don't wear white sneakers and or a clown tie and I'm sure no one will actually care
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haha thanks. I recall hearing a long time ago to not wear red because it's a sign of power...maybe that's in the business world.
 
Mavs88 said:
haha thanks. I recall hearing a long time ago to not wear red because it's a sign of power...maybe that's in the business world.
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Meh. Maybe. I mean I rolled with blue because I wanted to err on the side of caution but after your first interview you'll realize that you can throw most of this stuff to the wind. A red tie with a navy suit and brown shoes/belt is such a classic look that one can't go wrong with it (as an example).

I highly doubt anyone interviewer is marking down, "red tie: reject."
 
Mavs88 said:
Didn't see a new thread for this year...so bump.

Are gray suits still fine? Wanting to avoid the black. Any color tie we should avoid...red?
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avoid pink tie, "power tie"
 
Mavs88 said:
haha thanks. I recall hearing a long time ago to not wear red because it's a sign of power...maybe that's in the business world.
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I'm a lady, but I wore a full on true red BLOUSE to 3 of my interviews last cycle. Result: accepted, sooo you know, feel like the red tie would be fine since that's probably less controversial than the whole shirt being red.
 
I would say the best think you can do is not stick out (at least for know)
 
Just my experience, but when doing interviews (MMI style) all I really noticed was whether everything fit well, matched, and didn't look shabby. Don't sweat the colors too much as long as they're not outlandish and look professional.

Fit matters so much more than you think.
 
Mavs88 said:
Didn't see a new thread for this year...so bump.

Are gray suits still fine? Wanting to avoid the black. Any color tie we should avoid...red?
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I switched it up for most of my interviews (not necessary, but I'm a fan of a nice suit so I have a couple). Gray and navy seemed to be the most common. Just black without small pin stripes or anything may be a little funeral-esque, but I seriously doubt anyone interviewing you would care if you wore a black suit. I'm a fan of the gray suit, white shirt and navy tie combo.
 
From a style/fashion perspective....is it okay to wear black shoes and a black belt with a gray suit? I would think yes, but the heck do i know?
 
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1) Wear something that fits.
2) Button down dress shirt
3) Good blazer
4) tie

What else is there to this that requires a thread (For men at least)??? im genuinely perplexed.
 
Mavs88 said:
From a style/fashion perspective....is it okay to wear black shoes and a black belt with a gray suit? I would think yes, but the heck do i know?
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Depends on what color the suit is, like light versus dark gray. You could wear brown shoes and a brown belt with a gray suit for sure, but if it is a dark gray just make sure the belt and shoes are a dark brown. Black is always a good option as well. Just wear whatever you have without breaking the bank while maintaining a professional appearance. I'm sure you'll be just fine either way.
 
jonnythan said:
Just my experience, but when doing interviews (MMI style) all I really noticed was whether everything fit well, matched, and didn't look shabby. Don't sweat the colors too much as long as they're not outlandish and look professional.

Fit matters so much more than you think.
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This. ive seen guys in the business world look grade A with a C class suit because they have a good tailor and it fit emmaculate
 
Mavs88 said:
From a style/fashion perspective....is it okay to wear black shoes and a black belt with a gray suit? I would think yes, but the heck do i know?
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Yes. As my blue fuzzy friend mentioned it will probably look better if its light grey.
 
asdf123g said:
1) Wear something that fits.
2) Button down dress shirt
3) Good blazer
4) tie

What else is there to this that requires a thread (For men at least)??? im genuinely perplexed.
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Yeah don't wear a blazer. Wear a suit
 
Mavs88 said:
From a style/fashion perspective....is it okay to wear black shoes and a black belt with a gray suit? I would think yes, but the heck do i know?
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that is absolutely fine. Im not quite sure what other color belt or shoes you would put with a grey suit to be honest. Black + black is your best choice
 
For any of the women interviewing this season, I spent a lot of time stressing about how to dress for my interviews last cycle so I totally know how you feel if you're doing the same. You'll see other interviewees wearing all kinds of combos of things. My best suggestion is to make sure you fit you're own personality and, most importantly, are COMFORTABLE.

Navy blue is personally my favorite color, so I got a solid navy blue skirt suit from Banana Republic. I wore it with this blouse from loft: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a1/93/a1/a193a10ecfad34ca390a5ab838a4f2fa.jpg (but in a subtle green/black floral pattern) with gold jewelry & black wedge pumps (so that I could walk comfortably!)

Pant suits are extremely common as well! As I said, do what makes you feel comfortable and confident, but still is true to your personality. The interviewers want to know who you are, not who you think they want you to be!
 
LuluMed said:
that is absolutely fine. Im not quite sure what other color belt or shoes you would put with a grey suit to be honest. Black + black is your best choice
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Grey suit with brown leather looks good and is becoming the norm over black. It has to be a medium to light grey though; charcoal and brown is no good. And the brown needs to be darker than the grey.
 
thoughts on a tie clip? too fancy for this interview?
 
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