Interview Attire

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
LPCC2010

LPCC2010

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
May 7, 2014
Messages
75
Reaction score
37
Members don't see this ad.
I was just wondering what would be appropriate interview attire. I am a guy and I don't know whether I should go out and get a suit or not. I have button up collared shirts and ties. The interview is next weekend, and I only really have today or tomorrow to get a suit if I decide to. Any advice? Thanks!
 
I have been to multiple interviews this year, and not every guy was in a suit. If you are professionally dressed (no wrinkles, right size, etc), I think a shirt + tie combo is fine. If you don't have the money for a new suit, don't worry about it. I even went to one interview where the attire was business casual/tie optional. There were still guys in suits, but there were also guys in sweaters. As long as it is obvious that you put some effort into looking nice, you'll be fine.

If you only have today and tomorrow, I would say don't do it. The chances of finding an off-the-rack suit that does not need to be tailored is slim. It's better to save money and wear slacks and a shirt that fit properly, than to wear an ill-fitting suit with too-long pants because you didn't have time to have them hemmed.

That being said, I think a suit is a wise investment and that everyone should own one. What do you wear to a wedding or funeral or job interview?
 
In my interviews everyone wore a suit, you have to remember you are applying for a spot in a doctorate program. You have to look very professional (clean shaven, conservative hair/jewelry). There was one male who wasn't wearing dress pants (wore khakis) and he stood out from everyone else wearing a full suit combo. You can probably find an off the rack suit / pants combo for a decent price, you dont need to be walking in with Italian made 1k dollar suit but IMO its hard to pull off a professional look when you aren't wearing a suit. Then again some programs might have different attire expectations.
 
You should have a suit. Navy or charcoal. But it needs to fit you which requires tailoring. Suits straight off the rack almost never look good. Some mens clothing stores will do next day tailoring if you really need it.
 
Watson27 said:
That being said, I think a suit is a wise investment and that everyone should own one. What do you wear to a wedding or funeral or job interview?
Click to expand...

Exactly. At least go to a mens' clothing store in the mall and cough up a couple hundred bucks for a decent looking navy or charcoal suit. It doesn't have to be an Italian designer suit. Heck it doesn't even have to be wool or particularly nice. It just needs to be kept clean and taken care of.

Trying to make it through PT school interviews, job interviews after PT school and the various other occasions that will happen wear you should wear one is silly, you might as well just bite the bullet and buy one.
 
Thank you everyone for the feedback. I ended up getting a suit on Black Friday. Surprisingly it fits very well so I won't need to get it fitted.
 
I clicked on this hoping that a girl was asking. It seems like there are more guys concerned with this than girls. From the interview that I had, I think girls need to be more concerned with their attire.
If a girl reads this: Invest in a suit (skirt or pant), just because it's in the dress clothes department does not mean it's interview appropriate, do not wear any skirt/dress above the knees, and definitely do not wear a dress with brown boots as though you are heading to a country concert afterwards.
The last thing you want is your outfit to ruin your chances of getting into a program. Invest in a suit, even if it's a cheap one. I guarantee it'll make a difference. I'm not saying you'll get in just because you wear a suit but I doubt a school is going to accept an applicant that isn't mature enough to dress professional.
 
ashnicolee43 said:
From the interview that I had, I think girls need to be more concerned with their attire...definitely do not wear a dress with brown boots as though you are heading to a country concert afterwards.
Click to expand...

😆

I lol'd because I know exactly who you are talking about...
 
ashnicolee43 said:
I clicked on this hoping that a girl was asking. It seems like there are more guys concerned with this than girls. From the interview that I had, I think girls need to be more concerned with their attire.
If a girl reads this: Invest in a suit (skirt or pant), just because it's in the dress clothes department does not mean it's interview appropriate, do not wear any skirt/dress above the knees, and definitely do not wear a dress with brown boots as though you are heading to a country concert afterwards.
The last thing you want is your outfit to ruin your chances of getting into a program. Invest in a suit, even if it's a cheap one. I guarantee it'll make a difference. I'm not saying you'll get in just because you wear a suit but I doubt a school is going to accept an applicant that isn't mature enough to dress professional.
Click to expand...

I've been kind of amused that all of the interview attire threads have been started by dudes. No brown boots at the interview I went to, but I was surprised by the sky-high stilettos many of the other gals wore. I waffled back and forth between a suit jacket over a dress, and the full suit, and ended up going with the jacket/dress the morning of. I looked okay, but I'm going with the full suit for any future interviews I may be lucky enough to get.
 
@tweaze I agree! and a Jacket/dress would still look professional. It just shocked me by the outfits I saw. All of the guys looked very professional and there were some girls that really needed help. I did not expect that!
 
ashnicolee43 said:
All of the guys looked very professional and there were some girls that really needed help.
Click to expand...

Questionable. Half or more of the guys at that interview had suits that were either black or too big for them or both. For some reason guys just can't be convinced that black suits are not appropriate at interviews, no matter how many times they are told. Its also hard to convince guys that you can't just pull a suit off the rack at Penny's and think it is going to fit you or look good on you.

Much worse though, there was a guy wearing gray jeans that looked like they had been pulled through a knot hole and a gray hoodie over his shirt and tie...the only thing I can do is give him the benefit of the doubt that the airline lost his luggage or something... :scared:

These are not things that make or break an interview (although jeans and a hoodie was definitely out there), but I am still surprised that people who are applying to be doctoral candidates don't apply a little common sense and a Google search before they get dressed for their interview. I understand that people don't want to go out and buy a new suit, but really this sea of black suits needs to stop. Interview season is like a never-ending funeral procession.

You are right though that on the average the guys did better than the ladies in that interview group. That is definitely a little surprising.

Whatever you do, please don't wear gray jeans and a hoodie to any form of interview. I shall get off my soapbox now. :lame:
 
Last edited:
Question for the ladies!

In terms of a pant suit, what is "too short" for the pant length? I read on some websites that they should almost graze the ground, with very little heel showing. I bought a pair of dress pants that are not "grazing the ground". If I am wearing them without heels, they graze ground, so they are shorter than what the websites I read describe. However, they are not short enough to be "ankle dress pants." I was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback? Thanks ^_^
 
futureDPT1203 said:
Question for the ladies!

In terms of a pant suit, what is "too short" for the pant length? I read on some websites that they should almost graze the ground, with very little heel showing. I bought a pair of dress pants that are not "grazing the ground". If I am wearing them without heels, they graze ground, so they are shorter than what the websites I read describe. However, they are not short enough to be "ankle dress pants." I was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback? Thanks ^_^
Click to expand...
To be honest with you, I opted to get my suit trouser pants hemmed right then for 12 bucks. I have no idea about the criteria, but it would be a good idea to just go to a store and asked if they can hem you pants. I won't recommend the store that I went since it's literally a warehouse for men 😉

Edit: Just realized you stated "Question for the ladies!" therefore you can disregard my whole post. 😀
 
@knj27 I forgot about the guy in the grey sweater thing. haha There was also a guy wearing a North Face jacket instead of a suit jacket which I thought was weird. I guess everyone could use a little help with their interview attire.
 
There was a girl at this weekend's Duke interview session wearing leggings. The guys dressing better than the girls held up at this session as well. Although many of the guys were wearing black suits which is a big no no in my book.
 
futureDPT1203 said:
Question for the ladies!

In terms of a pant suit, what is "too short" for the pant length? I read on some websites that they should almost graze the ground, with very little heel showing. I bought a pair of dress pants that are not "grazing the ground". If I am wearing them without heels, they graze ground, so they are shorter than what the websites I read describe. However, they are not short enough to be "ankle dress pants." I was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback? Thanks ^_^
Click to expand...

I hadn't heard about the grazing the ground rule, but I do think they should probably cover most of your shoe, unless they are indeed intended to be ankle length. How high are the heels you are planning to wear? Do you think you can get away with a flat shoe/very low heel?

If you can sew and there is some allowance in the hem, you could probably let it down a bit, or have it done professionally.
 
knj27 said:
Much worse though, there was a guy wearing gray jeans that looked like they had been pulled through a knot hole and a gray hoodie over his shirt and tie...the only thing I can do is give him the benefit of the doubt that the airline lost his luggage or something... :scared:
Click to expand...
Carry On guys! Don't pack your suit in a bag unless you really know how to pack it, nothing worse than a fold in the middle of a jacket.
 
Archline said:
Carry On guys! Don't pack your suit in a bag unless you really know how to pack it, nothing worse than a fold in the middle of a jacket.
Click to expand...
Also, know how to properly take care of the suit after the interview. I didn't realize that it can attract moths...it had tons of moth holes last week when I tried to get it ready for graduation this week 🙁 luckily I got a free exchange for a new one at men's warehouse since they didn't tell me how to take care of it (although it was my fault as well). Buy a cedar wood hanger!
 
How about an open house for accepted students?
Any need to really wash up and put on a tie (if not a suit)?
Or will jeans and a sweater not be out of place?
 
Carson Ranger said:
How about an open house for accepted students?
Any need to really wash up and put on a tie (if not a suit)?
Or will jeans and a sweater not be out of place?
Click to expand...
Great question! Maybe some khakis and a polo? Or nice jeans and a t-shirt?
 
Carson Ranger said:
How about an open house for accepted students?
Any need to really wash up and put on a tie (if not a suit)?
Or will jeans and a sweater not be out of place?
Click to expand...

I am wondering the same thing! I'm thinking I make take it down a notch and just do business casual. I'm going to Ohio State's this week, and we are allowed to bring guests. Which in my mind makes the event much more casual.
 
FWIW I just got off the phone with one of my mentors and she said even for an Open House
jeans and a polo are too casual. She insisted no jeans and at least a full button-down shirt.
Guess I'll take it down a notch from the full suit.
 
Last edited:
Watson27 said:
I am wondering the same thing! I'm thinking I make take it down a notch and just do business casual. I'm going to Ohio State's this week, and we are allowed to bring guests. Which in my mind makes the event much more casual.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. Business causal: slacks and a button down shirt. Always appropriate in pretty much any circumstance.
 
Just wanted to report back regarding the accepted applicants open house. JEANS FOR DAYS. Seriously. Many applicants were way under-dressed (in my opinion). Maybe 5% in full suits, the majority in khakis/slacks & sweaters, and the rest.... very casual. But I suppose it was a casual event. Applicants were identified by name tags, whereas guests did not have one. Most of the guests were parents, so they all looked presentable in jeans and sweaters/blazers.
 
Watson27 said:
Just wanted to report back regarding the accepted applicants open house. JEANS FOR DAYS. Seriously. Many applicants were way under-dressed (in my opinion). Maybe 5% in full suits, the majority in khakis/slacks & sweaters, and the rest.... very casual. But I suppose it was a casual event. Applicants were identified by name tags, whereas guests did not have one. Most of the guests were parents, so they all looked presentable in jeans and sweaters/blazers.
Click to expand...

Well considering I've seen people without a suit at interviews I'm not to surprised by jeans at an open house...although I guess they figure hey I'm already accepted what are they going to do take back the offer because I wore jeans? lol....I actually find slacks more comfortable than jeans personally, but not a lot of people my age seem to agree with me on that...
 
Hey another question: heading to the east coast, and I'm going to assume that it'll be pretty cold. would wearing an overcoat to and during the interview be okay? (from socal, so I don't actually have an overcoat, but my friend is lending me one and the fit is good and all that jazz..just not entirely sure what the etiquette is regarding wearing one)
 
Why would you wear an overcoat during the interview? I have never seen or heard of an interview conducted outdoors.
 
I have a tie-tack I like with the USAF logo on it. Wondering if it would be alright to pin that on for the interview. Can't imagine it would be a problem, it's not large. Anyone see people wearing something like this on their ties at interviews?
 
jblil said:
Why would you wear an overcoat during the interview? I have never seen or heard of an interview conducted outdoors.
Click to expand...
I don't know what to do with an overcoat, tbh. 😛 Never thought about having to use one. Like, if I'm indoors, is it fine to take it off and when time comes, drape it over the back of the chair during the interview (or leave it in a designated area, I suppose)?
 
Yes, just take it off and drape it over the back of your chair when you're interviewing. Sometimes there'll be coat-hangers in the lounge area of the DPT department, you could leave it there also; but make sure the pockets are empty, in case someone picks up your coat by mistake.
 
bluesareblack said:
I have a tie-tack I like with the USAF logo on it. Wondering if it would be alright to pin that on for the interview. Can't imagine it would be a problem, it's not large. Anyone see people wearing something like this on their ties at interviews?
Click to expand...

It's not going to affect your interview score either way, but tie tacks are pretty out of fashion right now. But don't worry this things are always cyclical and they'll come back in style someday....

But maybe wearing it would be a good conversation piece, if you have actually been in the Air Force at least.
 
I would suggest to the guys, NEVER wear black suits. Your best bet is charcoal, dark grey, or my personal favorite (which I always wear to most interviews) NAVY. Oh and make sure the shoe color matches. I conduct several interviews at my place of employment and I cannot tell you how many applicants we have come in that can't dress. IMO, your physical appearance matters as much as what you bring to the table unless you're a savant or something... haha!
 
Last edited:
jblil said:
Why would you wear an overcoat during the interview? I have never seen or heard of an interview conducted outdoors.
Click to expand...

I actually had a friend that had a job interview at a park. The Director and himself strolled around the park with the Director's pitbull... thought that was interesting.
 
DjT3kN said:
I would suggest to the guys, NEVER wear black suits. Your best bet is charcoal, dark grey, or my personal favorite (which I always wear to most interviews) NAVY. Oh and make sure the shoe color matches.
Click to expand...

:claps:

This has been stated many times on many interview clothing threads across many forums on SDN...yet pre-PTs, pre-meds and pre-everythings still insist on black suits. So thank you for saying it again. Maybe if we say it enough times it will eventually start to get through some thick skulls...
 
knj27 said:
It's not going to affect your interview score either way, but tie tacks are pretty out of fashion right now. But don't worry this things are always cyclical and they'll come back in style someday....

But maybe wearing it would be a good conversation piece, if you have actually been in the Air Force at least.
Click to expand...

Yea, I was in the AF. That's what I figured, it could at least be a source of conversation but it also looks neat to me. Thanks for the input...just curious if anyone had seen people wearing them or not.
 
bluesareblack said:
Yea, I was in the AF. That's what I figured, it could at least be a source of conversation but it also looks neat to me. Thanks for the input...just curious if anyone had seen people wearing them or not.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen anyone wearing a tie tack in quite a while, but if you like it then go for it. If it did come up in the interview, it would help it be a lot more comfortable and conversational as it is probably something that is easy for you to talk about.
 
I know you guys emphasize that guys should not wear black suits, do you feel the same for girls? I was wondering does anyone bring anything to the interview such as a folder/briefcase, pen, etc?
 
dlsf said:
I know you guys emphasize that guys should not wear black suits, do you feel the same for girls? I was wondering does anyone bring anything to the interview such as a folder/briefcase, pen, etc?
Click to expand...
I would still go with charcoal. And I didn't bring anything. I was given a folder, pen, and a goody bag when I got there.
 
I wore a black suit to each one of my interviews and got in to each school. I don't think the suit is life or death here... think you guys are going way too far into this. If you have a black suit wear it. If you don't then yes by all means buy a charcoal or navy suit. But, for goodness sake don't tell me cause you wear a navy suit you'll get in over someone wearing a black suit that's just ridiculous. GPA > $800 fancy fitted navy suit. Goodluck to you all!
 
futuredpt01 said:
I wore a black suit to each one of my interviews and got in to each school. I don't think the suit is life or death here... think you guys are going way too far into this. If you have a black suit wear it. If you don't then yes by all means buy a charcoal or navy suit. But, for goodness sake don't tell me cause you wear a navy suit you'll get in over someone wearing a black suit that's just ridiculous. GPA > $800 fancy fitted navy suit. Goodluck to you all!
Click to expand...

You missed the point. We are talking about what the proper dress conventions are in American society. Nobody every claimed suit color was going to make or break an interview, so you are right about that. And I agree with you that if you already own a black suit and you absolutely can't afford to go get another one for interviews, you will be fine. However a suit doesn't need to be $800. $250-300 will get you a suit that is perfectly fine for settings where business dress is required. It won't be especially amazing quality and it may not be wool, but it will look fine. I think it's worth it to go ahead and cough up the bucks for a properly fitting interview suit. It will be used repeatedly (if you don't gain a ton of weight obviously lol).
 
Romazicon said:
I would still go with charcoal. And I didn't bring anything. I was given a folder, pen, and a goody bag when I got there.
Click to expand...

I agree. I keep a pen and a small notepad in my jacket pocket though, which can come in handy.
 
dlsf said:
I know you guys emphasize that guys should not wear black suits, do you feel the same for girls? I was wondering does anyone bring anything to the interview such as a folder/briefcase, pen, etc?
Click to expand...

At the one interview I attended, it seemed like the women wore a variety of suit colors, black didn't dominate. I didn't consider bringing/not bringing anything, and just carried my purse, and it didn't seem weird or out of place - several other women also had their bags with them. A few people had folders/notepads/pens and that didn't seem weird either.
I do wish I had brought a snack, we had some downtime between various activities and I was too nervous to eat much before, and was ravenous by the end.
 
tweaze said:
I do wish I had brought a snack, we had some downtime between various activities and I was too nervous to eat much before, and was ravenous by the end.
Click to expand...

The interview I recently went to had all kinds of snacks provided...I say you got rooked... 😡
 
knj27 said:
The interview I recently went to had all kinds of snacks provided...I say you got rooked... 😡
Click to expand...

I would call and complain, but it might affect my spot on the wait list!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Interview help!
Replies
3
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
P
LIU interview help!
Replies
1
Views
1K
FutureDPT!
F
M
Idaho State Kira Interview
Replies
1
Views
1K
sunshine2025
S
Alexis_moreno
USAHS interview
Replies
11
Views
3K
Alexis_moreno
Alexis_moreno
F
Interview advice/unexpected questions
Replies
4
Views
2K
JMarcusDPT
JMarcusDPT
Top