Interview attire

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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twelvetigers said:
I got a suit at Anne Taylor Loft back when I weighed in at an impressive 110 lbs. It was spendy but it looked good. Maybe try there.
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I got mine at Anne Taylor for someplace around $130 if I remember correctly. It was 50% off which has been happening a fair bit for their suits, so it's worth a try. Plus it was the only place I could find with suits that fit wee people. I just had to move over the button on the jacket and hem the pants. No biggie.
 
twelvetigers said:
I got a suit at Anne Taylor Loft back when I weighed in at an impressive 110 lbs. It was spendy but it looked good. Maybe try there.
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I LOVE what I see on AnnTaylor.com but we don't have one where I live 🙁 I'm skeptical about ordering online.
 
juliyav said:
CRISIS!!! So my miniature self does not fit into suits! I spent all day shopping, and express size 00 pants did not fit! (I am normally a size 00/24) Also express xs shirts looked as if I borrowed my boyfriends shirt 🙁 I have one pair of pants that fit me, they are black, just a different material from my blazer. I also have a suit skirt (goes to my knees) which I can wear. Not sure which is more appropriate? Or to solve my crisis, where can I find dress pants which fit (preferably in grey)?

Also would you recommend a typical button down shirt with a collar, or a nice shirt underneath my blazer?
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I'm wearing a suit skirt with my blazer. The pants that went with the jacket looked silly on me and I think wearing a skirt is completely appropriate.

I ended up getting my blazer and skirt at New York and Co on Black Friday at 50% off 😀. However, I just bought a nice button down blouse at Express for more than I paid for the rest of my suit.... Oh well.
 
I wore a pants suit with a purple blousy tank top underneath with a Celtic wristband. Didn't think it hurt my cause 😉 I wore heels and brought flats (and snow boots cause Tufts had gotten like 2 feet of snow). Remember to dress in what you are most comfortable in while still looking professional 🙂
 
christiansenle said:
Are peep toes too unprofessional?
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I would personally shy away from them, but I don't think it will kill you.

Also, no shame in just bringing a pair of sneakers as opposed to flats or something to wear for your tour. I did it and it didn't seem to be a big deal (I saw a few other people do the same). Definitely bring something that you're going to be comfortable in for your tour. I know at Mizzou we had to wear some pretty crazy knee high boot covers in the LA and equine hospitals and they looked like a pain in heels.
 
wildcatj said:
I would personally shy away from them, but I don't think it will kill you.

Also, no shame in just bringing a pair of sneakers as opposed to flats or something to wear for your tour. I did it and it didn't seem to be a big deal (I saw a few other people do the same). Definitely bring something that you're going to be comfortable in for your tour. I know at Mizzou we had to wear some pretty crazy knee high boot covers in the LA and equine hospitals and they looked like a pain in heels.
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I totally changed out of my suit and into jeans and a sweater for my K-State tour. It was right after my interview and everyone that saw me said that they wished they had done the same.
 
juliyav said:
CRISIS!!! So my miniature self does not fit into suits! I spent all day shopping, and express size 00 pants did not fit! (I am normally a size 00/24) Also express xs shirts looked as if I borrowed my boyfriends shirt 🙁 I have one pair of pants that fit me, they are black, just a different material from my blazer. I also have a suit skirt (goes to my knees) which I can wear. Not sure which is more appropriate? Or to solve my crisis, where can I find dress pants which fit (preferably in grey)?

Also would you recommend a typical button down shirt with a collar, or a nice shirt underneath my blazer?
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I'm miniature like you are and it's hard! I wear business casual for my current job and Banana Republic seems to have my size. They have petite 00s!! They have a ton of options online! 🙂
 
Do interviewees make an effort to cover tattoos or is it ok for them to show if they're tasteful?
 
Don't forget to utilize a local seamstress in your area! If you find a suit that you like that is too long, or one teensy thing not right, bring it to them! They do wonders!
 
I bought my suit from Express. They are always having a sale, and I got 2 blouses, pants, a skirt and a blazer for $107! I believe they also have short length in pants too.
 
wolfspeaker said:
Don't forget to utilize a local seamstress in your area! If you find a suit that you like that is too long, or one teensy thing not right, bring it to them! They do wonders!
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👍 The woman at my drycleaners has saved many pairs of pants for me.


And I adore Ann Taylor Loft. Super helpful customer service in the stores and really cute suits.

Also, for shoes, I have a pair of Beautifeels (cheesy name, I know), which aren't necessarily cheap, but I've had mine since Summer 2008 when I used them to walk over a mile each way as part of my commute (plus lots of walking at work leading tours) and have worn them also on all my tours at interviews and am never uncomfortable at all. An investment, but have really been worth it.
 
EngrSC said:
Do interviewees make an effort to cover tattoos or is it ok for them to show if they're tasteful?
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I think you should make your best effort to cover them up. I'm not sure if it is completely necessary, but it is always better to err on the side of caution. At the practice I work for, one of the other girls was told to wear long sleeves to hide her tattoos because they wanted her to be more professional. However, I did see one girl at my interview that had a tattoo showing on her upper chest area (it was right above the neckline of her shirt).

I also think wearing a suit to any school interview is best. At my interview at missouri I think almost everyone I saw was in a suit. I found my pants at Gap (I need longs and longs at most places aren't even long enough!) and a jacket and New York & Company. Both were on sale and weren't extraordinarily expensive. I had to go to quite a few places to find a pair of dress pants that fit the way I wanted them too, but I found them eventually!
 
wildcatj said:
I would personally shy away from them, but I don't think it will kill you.

Also, no shame in just bringing a pair of sneakers as opposed to flats or something to wear for your tour. I did it and it didn't seem to be a big deal (I saw a few other people do the same). Definitely bring something that you're going to be comfortable in for your tour. I know at Mizzou we had to wear some pretty crazy knee high boot covers in the LA and equine hospitals and they looked like a pain in heels.
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👍 I wore converse on my tour at Mizzou, then changed into heels for the interview.
 
I heard from one of my friends that you shouldn't put all your hair up because it's unprofessional. However, I'd feel much better putting all my hair up since it's never down normally, and it might be annoying/distracting. I also did a quick google search and didn't find anything about not putting your hair up. Any opinions?
 
Is camel an okay color for a suit or should I stick with dark grey or black? I also would like to know about the above mentioned hair question. I wear my hair up in a bun or a nice pony tail always. I think it would make me nervous to have my hair down.
 
jestry said:
I heard from one of my friends that you shouldn't put all your hair up because it's unprofessional. However, I'd feel much better putting all my hair up since it's never down normally, and it might be annoying/distracting. I also did a quick google search and didn't find anything about not putting your hair up. Any opinions?
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I don't see anything wrong with pulling your hair back. Like anything else just make sure it's pulled back nicely, don't just throw it in a pony tail or messy bun, actually do it. The only think I might do to make it look professional if you're going to put it up is do that thing where you leave a small section of hair to go around the elastic and cover it. But I doubt anyone is going to look that closely anyways.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using SDN Mobile
 
EngrSC said:
Do interviewees make an effort to cover tattoos or is it ok for them to show if they're tasteful?
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I covered the large one on my arm with a long sleeved shirt, but the one on my hand I didnt cover. The professional cover up make up is very expensive. If you feel comfortable, show them. If not, cover them. 🙂
 
Lissarae06 said:
I totally changed out of my suit and into jeans and a sweater for my K-State tour. It was right after my interview and everyone that saw me said that they wished they had done the same.
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I actually showed up in my jeans and sneakers for the tour in the morning and then changed for an afternoon interview. Everyone thought I was insane until they saw me after lunch dressed up. I know that several of them wearing heels were very sorry they showed up that way and had nothing else to change into.
 
Just my two cents on the topic:

A well fitted pair of slacks and blouse/shirt is preferable to an ill fitting suit, so if you can't get the jacket professionally tailored, don't wear it.

If you're uncomfortable in a suit, don't wear one. I wore slacks and a blouse with conservative heels and fit in just fine. I was one of a very few not wearing a suit, but I don't mind standing out a bit and would have been really uncomfortable in a suit.

Some people wore lighter suits and they looked great. Plus again they stood out in the sea of black and grey, which I think is a good thing if that is your personality.

Wear minimal jewelry and makeup.

I have tattoos and covered them up, although their location makes this easy. I would have anyway though. For me it's the same as wearing minimal jewelry. There is a time to show off your awesome sparkly drop earrings and there is a time that they will distract from you and what you are trying to say. A vet school interview (much like a job interview) is the time to shine for your mind, not your accessories/personal style. Plus, you never know who is on the other side of the table. Plenty of older people still hate tattoos and will judge you because of them. Same goes for facial piercings.

Open toed shoes, ehh, if they're conservative, may be fine. Make sure you have a pedicure before the interview. But it is the winter, just saying.
 
So I recently bought this dress and I have a black suit jacket to go over it. The dress looks like business attire, and I thought it would look nice. Anybody else have any opinions on this? Would it look professional, or should I go with a safer black-slacks-and-blouse look?
 
jestry said:
I heard from one of my friends that you shouldn't put all your hair up because it's unprofessional. However, I'd feel much better putting all my hair up since it's never down normally, and it might be annoying/distracting. I also did a quick google search and didn't find anything about not putting your hair up. Any opinions?
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I would definitely say that you should style your hair however you feel comfortable. The day of your interview is not the time to be trying out new hairstyles - you're going to be stressed as it is, and if something goes wrong you don't want to wind up feeling self-conscious or, even worse, being late to the interview. Do what makes you feel comfortable. As long as it's not super messy or distracting (don't wear those butterfly hair clips with the fluttering wings that you loved when you were six!) you should be fine.

After all, it's not like as soon as you leave the room the adcom is going to say "Can you believe she wore her hair up? How can she possibly expect to be accepted into an institution of higher learning?! Pshaw!" :laugh:

As long as you're clean and well groomed, I really don't think the style matters much.
 
BlackDog17 said:
I would definitely say that you should style your hair however you feel comfortable. The day of your interview is not the time to be trying out new hairstyles - you're going to be stressed as it is, and if something goes wrong you don't want to wind up feeling self-conscious or, even worse, being late to the interview. Do what makes you feel comfortable. As long as it's not super messy or distracting (don't wear those butterfly hair clips with the fluttering wings that you loved when you were six!) you should be fine.

After all, it's not like as soon as you leave the room the adcom is going to say "Can you believe she wore her hair up? How can she possibly expect to be accepted into an institution of higher learning?! Pshaw!" :laugh:

As long as you're clean and well groomed, I really don't think the style matters much.
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I started chuckling about hair... 😱 and then I realized that I have a history of having bad hair days during important events. French braid it is. :laugh:
 
JoAnna423 said:
I covered the large one on my arm with a long sleeved shirt, but the one on my hand I didnt cover. The professional cover up make up is very expensive. If you feel comfortable, show them. If not, cover them. 🙂
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That's what I figured. I have one on my foot that extends up my leg. So at my vet hospital job it's always covered because I'm in scrub pants and sneakers. I guess that will limit me to a pant suit instead of a skirt for interviews 🙂 (when the time comes)
 
vickers said:
So I recently bought this dress and I have a black suit jacket to go over it. The dress looks like business attire, and I thought it would look nice. Anybody else have any opinions on this? Would it look professional, or should I go with a safer black-slacks-and-blouse look?
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Can't see the picture, link doesn't work
 
I have long hair, so I braided it. Looked a little more sophisticated than just a ponytail, which is my normal go-to.

Dress...eh. If you have the slacks and blouse, I'd say that's better than a dress, even if a professional one.
 
vickers said:
So I recently bought this dress and I have a black suit jacket to go over it. The dress looks like business attire, and I thought it would look nice. Anybody else have any opinions on this? Would it look professional, or should I go with a safer black-slacks-and-blouse look?
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I did business dress with a black jacket ( the dress was black skirt with a gray top). I cannot stand most dress pants becasue they just do not look right on me. I was more comfortable with the dress. I think either should be fine.
 
canhardlywait said:
can't see the picture, link doesn't work
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31noR3vHEUL.jpg
 
Lissa & Canhardlywait - the dress comes to about the middle of my knee. Not short on me at all.

Museum nerd - I agree with the dress pants, that's why I was hoping the dress would be good. Dress pants seem to be sized way different than jeans, so I have to go a size or 2 up to get them to fit around my waist, but then they're super baggy around the rest of my lower body 🙁
 
jestry said:
I heard from one of my friends that you shouldn't put all your hair up because it's unprofessional. However, I'd feel much better putting all my hair up since it's never down normally, and it might be annoying/distracting. I also did a quick google search and didn't find anything about not putting your hair up. Any opinions?
Click to expand...

Hair pulled back from your face is WAY more professional then down. However this means updo style, sleek bun ect. not your post gym pony tail.
 
How about half up and half down? I'm planning on putting it down since it looks better than up but knowing me.. I will end up getting sweaty and might end up pulling me hair back with a clip for half hair-do. Also, I have wavy hair.
 
yejjers said:
How about half up and half down? I'm planning on putting it down since it looks better than up but knowing me.. I will end up getting sweaty and might end up pulling me hair back with a clip for half hair-do. Also, I have wavy hair.
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I think half up half down can be very professional as long as it's neat and you don't have lots of fly-aways in your face. I work at a corp law firm and that's how I used to wear my hair most days before I chopped it all off 🙂
 
christiansenle said:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-Tropical-Wool/Tropical-Wool-Dahlia-Jacket/291467?colorExplode=false&skuId=12409082&catid=cata000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6434

Just got this suit for $266! LOVE IT
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Very cute, and I bet it fits like a glove, but dayum. Just a sneeze short of $300. I think my first suit was nearly that much. I loved it but I got fatter before I applied again.Thankfully, I got the second suit for more like $100. (It doesn't fit anymore either...)
 
I'm surprised that so many women wear suits to their interviews-I find the jackets to be *super* uncomfortable, and totally unnecessary if I'm a nervous sweaty mess. As long as I look professional, I know a school is not going to judge me. I feel lucky to be a woman in this regard- the standard for men is a suit, but for women it can be a suit or a pants + shirt or skirt + shirt.

My advice is just to wear what looks nice + appropriate and makes you feel confident. If you can rock a suit comfortably, go for it. 🙂
 
I want to thank you guys for the Loft suggestion!! Their 00P fits me as if they were tailor made for my little body! Unfortunately, they didn't have the pants I loved in black so I'll be on a hunt at other malls/online to buy them. So so so happy!

Also, what heel size do you guys find appropriate for the interview? I'm wearing a skirt, so flats with my short self make me look like an oompa loompa
 
juliyav said:
I want to thank you guys for the Loft suggestion!! Their 00P fits me as if they were tailor made for my little body! Unfortunately, they didn't have the pants I loved in black so I'll be on a hunt at other malls/online to buy them. So so so happy!

Also, what heel size do you guys find appropriate for the interview? I'm wearing a skirt, so flats with my short self make me look like an oompa loompa
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Shorter the hooker height should do. 😀

I'm a fan of kitten heels for professional attire.
 
juliyav said:
Also, what heel size do you guys find appropriate for the interview? I'm wearing a skirt, so flats with my short self make me look like an oompa loompa
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What you can actually walk in! :laugh: But I would say no more than 3".
 
So if anyone has a Talbots in there tiwn they are haveing an additional 50% off sale items. Mine has suits galor on sale. There suits are usually between 3-400 bucks I could of walked away with a shirt jacket and pants for less then 150. I already have a nice Banana Republic suit. I did walk away with a pair or practical pumps a matching belt and a pair of casual flats for 80 dollara and there stuff is super well made and practical. Talbots has a reputation for being positioned as an older ladies store but if you know what your looking you can find some nice staple pieces.
 
So I finally found a business professional suit and ended up buying both the skirt and pants to go with it. (I'll be returning one of the them eventually)

I've heard from some women (those in the engineering field at least) that wearing skirts is considered 'more professional'

However, I have interviews so far with Kansas and Minnesota, and both being in January / Early Feb, I really don't want to be wearing a skirt in 20 degree weather of a Midwest winter.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks 🙂
 
adams30 said:
So I finally found a business professional suit and ended up buying both the skirt and pants to go with it. (I'll be returning one of the them eventually)

I've heard from some women (those in the engineering field at least) that wearing skirts is considered 'more professional'

However, I have interviews so far with Kansas and Minnesota, and both being in January / Early Feb, I really don't want to be wearing a skirt in 20 degree weather of a Midwest winter.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks 🙂
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This ruffles my feathers. 😡 At the "white shoe" law firm I work at, most female attorneys wear pants. Skirts are not unheard of but the majority prefer pants because they're more comfortable. These are ivy league grads in an incredibly professional environment. Wear a skirt if you think you would be more comfortable in a skirt. However, in 20 degree weather I would assume you would be more comfortable in pants... so you should absolutely wear pants. There is no reason a female applicant should be considered "less professional" for choosing to wear pants over a skirt. And if any adcoms think so, I volunteer to politely drag their butts out of the 1950's and into 2013. /end rant.
 
felinelvr44 said:
This ruffles my feathers. 😡 At the "white shoe" law firm I work at, most female attorneys wear pants. Skirts are not unheard of but the majority prefer pants because they're more comfortable. These are ivy league grads in an incredibly professional environment. Wear a skirt if you think you would be more comfortable in a skirt. However, in 20 degree weather I would assume you would be more comfortable in pants... so you should absolutely wear pants. There is no reason a female applicant should be considered "less professional" for choosing to wear pants over a skirt. And if any adcoms think so, I volunteer to politely drag their butts out of the 1950's and into 2013. /end rant.
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Sorry did not mean to offend. 🙁 I was just told this by people in the engineering profession but I guess each is different (the skirt more professional thing is not my personal view). I agree I think either works.
 
I know this was mentioned earlier in the thread but I thought I'd ask again. Is it acceptable to wear nail polish (a neutral color)? I feel like I'd be less likely to pick at my nails (bad nervous habit) if they were painted.

Heading to the mall tomorrow to buy a shirt for under my suit jacket and pants, hopefully there will be some good deals to be found.
 
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