Interview Attire

[uncwpt2018]

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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?

Most of the girls I saw were wearing black suits, probably because it's just easier to find and bright colors are too much. The girls not wearing suit jackets definitely stood out and didn't look as professional.
I brought a portfolio folder thing with a pad of paper that I had questions written down in. I put my car key and a pen in there, but left everything else in the car. Some girls had large bags but it looked out of place and unnecessary. A small purse would be okay. I think everyone at least had a notebook and a pen.
I wish I had brought a water bottle though, but I didn't have anywhere to put it.

 

[Watson27]

I brought a portfolio with note pad, pen, and a few copies of my resume. It was definitely helpful to have. I was able to take notes during the info sessions. And one school had us fill out a survey. There were several penless rookies. However, at all 4 programs, once it was time for the actual one-on-one interview, we were not allowed to take anything in the room.

 

[DesertPT]

There were several penless rookies.

😆 There is definitely some value to having the wisdom of years I guess...

But what you described is why I thought a pen and a small notepad that fits in a jacket pocket were a good way to go.

 

[DDJ]

I've been to several interviews so far and I'd say most people were wearing black suits. Some people wore other color suits (I wore a dark navy). The people who stood out were the girls who did not wear suits and looked under dressed. The other thing that really stood out was the bigger bags/purses especially when they didn't match the outfit. I think it's fine if you want to wear a black suit as long as it fits nicely. There were a lot of strangely baggy suits. Most girls I saw wore flats or low heels because a tour was involved so that is just good planning.

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

First of all, if you're flying, make absolutely sure that your suit is in your carry-on. If you're a a woman don't wear anything too fitted and if you're going to wear flats make sure they look professional and new. I've seen so many girls at interviews in flats that stick out like a sore thumb next to their suit. Finally, make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to walk in. At my last interview I saw a girl with blood on the bottom of her pants and a band-aid hanging out of her shoe. Aside from looking bad, she was probably miserable all day and unable to concentrate on giving a great impression. Another girl wore a skirt with tights and her shoe kept falling off during the campus tour. Give your outfit a practice run and you'll feel so much more confident on interview day!

 

[DesertPT]

I've seen so many girls at interviews in flats that stick out like a sore thumb next to their suit.

Me too.

At my last interview I saw a girl with blood on the bottom of her pants and a band-aid hanging out of her shoe.

Minus the blood, I've seen this happen too.

 

[DesertPT]

I think it's fine if you want to wear a black suit as long as it fits nicely.

Just because it's fine and probably isn't going to affect your interview score doesn't mean you should. Navy and charcoal please. Campus tours that I've been on this interview season have literally looked like funeral processions.

 

[DjT3kN]

Just because it's fine and probably isn't going to affect your interview score doesn't mean you should. Navy and charcoal please. Campus tours that I've been on this interview season have literally looked like funeral processions.

Not just that, you want to stand out from the crowd especially within a group interview. Just think about it... if you went into a group interview with three other people and everyone else was wearing black but you with your nice tailored suit other than black (both men and women), I feel that you would stand out (stated the fact that you did pretty well answering their questions). Having a slight advantage on who they would remember, helps a great bit in my opinion. My interview this past weekend, there were sooooo many applicants wearing black suits and all. You don't want to be looked upon as part of the norm, stand out and be seen because that small bit may help you being remembered when interviewers review the day's end. Just my two cents about this....

 

[DesertPT]

It's sad that dressing according to the long and well-established tradition of proper American business attire makes you stand out. You'd think it would be the opposite.

I blame all the crime dramas and James Bond movies for making 20-somethings think that wearing a black suit is the only way to do anything epic. Heck, James bond doesn't even always wear a black suit...