Interview attire

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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I'm not totally sure what a sweater jacket is, but the photo you linked looks fine to me. If you think you'll feel comfortable and project confidence while wearing it, I say go for it.
 
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22aNewBeginning said:
I would highly recommend wearing sensible shoes there and bringing your heels with. You are going to be doing a lot of walking and waiting around. Last year my interview wasn't until 2pm so I waited FOREVER and went on multiple tours to pass the time. I put my heels on just before the interview and took them off again to walk back to my car. The interviewers aren't going to see you until the time of your interview so there's no worries there. For the "campus" tour you are really only outside for a minute when you walk from one building to the other. At that point in time there is a skyway and the remainder of the tour is inside. The most outdoor walking I had to do was walking from my car to the meeting building and back again. I did tour the raptor center (definitely recommend that if yo haven't been there) without realizing that 80% of the tour would be outside and on uneven ground (wood frame stairs with gravel).

Maybe that helps a little?
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haha it does thanks. Get this though,
so I went shopping for some flat boots with like a 1/2 heel and I ended up not finding anything I liked, but left the store with some cute white crochet slip on flats.
FAIL:smack:lets try again next weekend :slap:
 
Bringing this forum back to the top! What is everyone wearing for their interview? I'm trying to decided what color blouse to wear under a pantsuit.
 
fredandcessna said:
Bringing this forum back to the top! What is everyone wearing for their interview? I'm trying to decided what color blouse to wear under a pantsuit.
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Color doesn't matter IMO, as long as your suit is conservative (and the outfit matches, of course). I think color can matter more when it comes to wearing a dress, shoes, makeup, etc.
 
pinkpuppy9 said:
Color doesn't matter IMO, as long as your suit is conservative (and the outfit matches, of course). I think color can matter more when it comes to wearing a dress, shoes, makeup, etc.
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I'm definitely going to wear minimal, natural looking makeup. I'm planning on a black suit and black flats.
 
fredandcessna said:
I'm definitely going to wear minimal, natural looking makeup. I'm planning on a black suit and black flats.
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Sounds like a good plan. I think you could go with any color blouse you're comfortable with! Really, interview attire isn't a that big deal unless you're dressed poorly. That can mean being revealing, wearing very poorly fitting clothing, or just in general dropping the ball with professional attire.
 
fredandcessna said:
Bringing this forum back to the top! What is everyone wearing for their interview? I'm trying to decided what color blouse to wear under a pantsuit.
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I wore a grey pant suit with a pretty blue blouse underneath to make my eyes pop! :pompous: I wore natural makeup and wore my hair down but clipped back. I also wore turtle stud earrings and left my cartilage piercing in (and since my hair was clipped back, it was visible). If you're wearing blouse, make sure it still looks professional with the jacket off. I got hot during the campus tour at MWU but couldn't take my jacket off because my shirt wouldn't have been appropriate just by itself (had a really low cut back). One person wore reallyyyyy high heels, and the tour guide made a comment about how that wasn't smart because of the long tour. I wore a very small heel so it was fine. Other than that, as long as you're comfortable and confident, that will shine through!
 
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1. Look professional. The difference between a suit and a nice blouse/sweater and slacks is essentially negligible for the purposes of vet school interviews; the difference between the aforementioned and something like jeans and a polo is not. If this is not already obvious to you, just ask someone if your outfit seems appropriate before going. Professionalism includes things like make-up and jewelry - the less obvious, the better.

2. Comfort is important in that you need to be able to move, sit, breathe and speak. If you cannot wear the aforementioned professional clothing without being comfortable, that's unfortunate but you'll need to suck it up for a few hours.

3. Self-expression is great and all, but imagine that you're going to meet your grandma's friends or something: obvious piercings, tattoos or hair colors are less desirable if you can avoid it (don't get a giant tattoo on your face a couple days before the interview), but not necessarily doing to sink your chances.

There are people who have gotten in wearing a variety of different things, styles of make-up, piercings, etc. I'm the play-it-safe sort of person and would rather I blend in style-wise at an interview; let yourself stick out in other, better ways.
 
If you wear heels, you can take a pair of flats or sandals in your purse/bag/whatever in case you get tired walking around.
 
hazelmoo said:
I wore a grey pant suit with a pretty blue blouse underneath to make my eyes pop! :pompous: I wore natural makeup and wore my hair down but clipped back. I also wore turtle stud earrings and left my cartilage piercing in (and since my hair was clipped back, it was visible). If you're wearing blouse, make sure it still looks professional with the jacket off. I got hot during the campus tour at MWU but couldn't take my jacket off because my shirt wouldn't have been appropriate just by itself (had a really low cut back). One person wore reallyyyyy high heels, and the tour guide made a comment about how that wasn't smart because of the long tour. I wore a very small heel so it was fine. Other than that, as long as you're comfortable and confident, that will shine through!
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If you can actually walk in heels (and for long distances) without looking like a fool in pain, more power to you. I saw some crazy footwear, some I would have expected for a night out at the club or something.

I decided to wear flats. I found out on my tours that the said flats were just as terrible to walk in because I ended up with some impressive blisters after just an hour or so!
 
I personally love wearing heels. If you do well in heels (know how to walk and stand in them competently), go for it. I wore my heels for my entire K-State interview a few years back and didn't have a problem. I got that same reaction from the vet student giving our tour about wearing heels all day, but I faired better than some others in flats.

It rolls back to the confidence thing. If you're confident in what you wear and do, you'll be fine.
 
batsenecal said:
I personally love wearing heels. If you do well in heels (know how to walk and stand in them competently), go for it. I wore my heels for my entire K-State interview a few years back and didn't have a problem. I got that same reaction from the vet student giving our tour about wearing heels all day, but I faired better than some others in flats.

It rolls back to the confidence thing. If you're confident in what you wear and do, you'll be fine.
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A professional looking pair of heels can do wonders for your look. Seriously.
 
I would wear heels everyday if I had the clothes to go with them.
 
cowgirla said:
My feet do ok.
The problem is when my head meets the pavement at high velocity.
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Another aspect of wearing heels: knowing how to fall with them so it still looks graceful.
 
batsenecal said:
Another aspect of wearing heels: knowing how to fall with them so it still looks graceful.
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that redhead said:
1. Look professional. The difference between a suit and a nice blouse/sweater and slacks is essentially negligible for the purposes of vet school interviews;
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Now that I actually have my interview invite I'm thinking about this more, especially since I'm realizing I'm going to have to buy a new outfit for this.

So am I reading correctly that I don't need to wear an actual suit? Most of what I've read on the threads here seems to imply that a suit is the way to go.
I'm not really comfortable in a suit though so I'm trying to figure out whether I need to suck it up and wear one or not.
 
Call me cocky or call me confident (which I am neither) but I bit the bullet and splurged on a pantsuit back in October. Thoughts?
 

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finnickthedog said:
Now that I actually have my interview invite I'm thinking about this more, especially since I'm realizing I'm going to have to buy a new outfit for this.

So am I reading correctly that I don't need to wear an actual suit? Most of what I've read on the threads here seems to imply that a suit is the way to go.
I'm not really comfortable in a suit though so I'm trying to figure out whether I need to suck it up and wear one or not.
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I personally am of the opinion that a suit is absolutely preferable, but whenever we start this discussion there are people who share that they got in wearing slacks/blouse, etc. So you certainly don't need to, but having a suit that fits well is a good wardrobe staple (and I say that as someone who's outfit of choice is jeans/tshirt/hoodie). I used mine for job interviews, too, so not like you'll never use it again.
 
Alright, well I guess that's helpful.

I guess what I'll probably do is attempt to find a suit that feels decent and looks good on me but if I can't do that then I'm not going to push it. I guess. I don't know. This is stressful. But thank you.
 
rockatiel said:
Call me cocky or call me confident (which I am neither) but I bit the bullet and splurged on a pantsuit back in October. Thoughts?
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Are you looking for validation?

Or are you saying, well you have this in your wardrobe, and you're wondering if this is fine or should you go with something else if you had the option?
 
rockatiel said:
Yep. Just wanted to know if it was fine
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I think it looks reallyyyy good on you! But I'm scared that it's too contrasting/alternative in terms of professional pant suits for a vet school interview. I wouldn't want to stick out that much within the group. Maybe I'm wrong, so hopefully someone else can give you a better opinion!
 
hazelmoo said:
I think it looks reallyyyy good on you! But I'm scared that it's too contrasting/alternative in terms of professional pant suits for a vet school interview. I wouldn't want to stick out that much within the group. Maybe I'm wrong, so hopefully someone else can give you a better opinion!
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No, I definitely value that opinion. I'm very nervous and the last thing I want to do is stick out negatively. Posted a picture because I wasn't sure how to describe the outfit! Thanks for being honest with me, I really do appreciate it.
 
rockatiel said:
No, I definitely value that opinion. I'm very nervous and the last thing I want to do is stick out negatively. Posted a picture because I wasn't sure how to describe the outfit! Thanks for being honest with me, I really do appreciate it.
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I honestly think it could go either way.. They could say "what is she wearing, why did she wear something so different". However, they could also say "wow, this person is really unique and isn't afraid to take a risk". I do think it would be a risk though and I am not a gambler so I personally wouldn't do it. I do really like it though!

There's a thread somewhere on the med school forum about interviews. There are people on there that are the actual interviewers and tell their stories about what they want and what they don't want. Some of them are really funny and have some really good stories. There was one doctor who interviewed a guy who had a really good application, and they were looking forward to interviewing him. He wore a suit and looked really spiffy, until they noticed that he was wearing red converse that stuck out like a sore thumb. Apparently, this kid was trying to show his uniqueness and stand out in a good way, but it ended up leaving a really bad taste in their mouth and they were not a fan, because converse are not professional. Maybe for an interview at Apple or google, but not med/vet school!

I hope other people chime in so we can see what they think!
 
rockatiel said:
Yep. Just wanted to know if it was fine
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Will it get you rejected or set a negative opinion of you, likely not.

But does it exude a sense of professionalism, IMO no. And I think that is important for an interview for a professional program. I personally don't think this is the time/place to express your individuality or flair. I really think the more traditionally polished you look, the better. Partly because you'll be doubting yourself throughout the process, and I would feel very self conscious if I felt like I was taking any chances at all in my attire on my interview. I'd hate to even worry about what I'm wearing when I have so many other things to worry about. If you get accepted, it certainly won't ever be because of what you're wearing. But if you don't, I personally wouldn't ever want to wonder if my attire had anything to do with it (it won't be what gets me rejected, but I would wonder if it may have at all played any role in the adcom's subjective eval of me).

Others will likely disagree, and you may too, and that's totally fine. But you were asking for opinions.

TRH said it best, there isn't a rigid set of criteria for what you need to wear, and people get in with all sorts of unconventional looks/fashion. But that's not something I would advise.
 
How do people feel about brown for a suit color? I'm probably going to end up with some shade of gray, but I don't do a lot of clothes shopping so I'm going to have a little fun with it. 🙂
 
TotesMahGoats said:
How do people feel about brown for a suit color? I'm probably going to end up with some shade of gray, but I don't do a lot of clothes shopping so I'm going to have a little fun with it. 🙂
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I hate brown.

But it probably won't matter to an interview committee. Brown's a neutral, nothing wrong with it.
 
TotesMahGoats said:
How do people feel about brown for a suit color? I'm probably going to end up with some shade of gray, but I don't do a lot of clothes shopping so I'm going to have a little fun with it. 🙂
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My rule of thumb is if you have to ask, avoid it. Vet school interview isn't the time to exercise your chance to have fun with your attire.
 
Minnerbelle said:
My rule of thumb is if you have to ask, avoid it. Vet school interview isn't the time to exercise your chance to have fun with your attire.
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Haha, maybe for normal people, this works, but I have no fashion-sense whatsoever.

I'm having a really tough time trying to find suits that fit me. I'm short so even in the smallest sizes I can look like a child wearing her mother's clothes, but I'm kind of curvy for my size so sometimes the pants that do fit, are too tight to look professional. Going up a size just makes them look ill-fitting. Sigh. I tried the Loft, the limited, express, and banana republic so far. Any ideas?
 
TotesMahGoats said:
Haha, maybe for normal people, this works, but I have no fashion-sense whatsoever.

I'm having a really tough time trying to find suits that fit me. I'm short so even in the smallest sizes I can look like a child wearing her mother's clothes, but I'm kind of curvy for my size so sometimes the pants that do fit, are too tight to look professional. Going up a size just makes them look ill-fitting. Sigh. I tried the Loft, the limited, express, and banana republic so far. Any ideas?
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Yes, a tailor. Buy a nice suit that fits your body, and have it tailored to you. If I went with a pantsuit, I would have had to do it (If I go by my waist size, the leg is super baggy. If I go by the fit on my legs, I can't even button the pants!). I just went with a dress haha.
 
TotesMahGoats said:
Haha, maybe for normal people, this works, but I have no fashion-sense whatsoever.

I'm having a really tough time trying to find suits that fit me. I'm short so even in the smallest sizes I can look like a child wearing her mother's clothes, but I'm kind of curvy for my size so sometimes the pants that do fit, are too tight to look professional. Going up a size just makes them look ill-fitting. Sigh. I tried the Loft, the limited, express, and banana republic so far. Any ideas?
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You may have to get a suit that fits fairly well and then get it tailored.
 
TotesMahGoats said:
Haha, maybe for normal people, this works, but I have no fashion-sense whatsoever.

I'm having a really tough time trying to find suits that fit me. I'm short so even in the smallest sizes I can look like a child wearing her mother's clothes, but I'm kind of curvy for my size so sometimes the pants that do fit, are too tight to look professional. Going up a size just makes them look ill-fitting. Sigh. I tried the Loft, the limited, express, and banana republic so far. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

I was in a similar situation and had to have my suite tailored. I bought the suit from New York and Co. (love it!) and then took it to a local tailor. Fits beautifully now!
 
TotesMahGoats said:
Haha, maybe for normal people, this works, but I have no fashion-sense whatsoever.

I'm having a really tough time trying to find suits that fit me. I'm short so even in the smallest sizes I can look like a child wearing her mother's clothes, but I'm kind of curvy for my size so sometimes the pants that do fit, are too tight to look professional. Going up a size just makes them look ill-fitting. Sigh. I tried the Loft, the limited, express, and banana republic so far. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Then all the more reason for you not to 'have fun with it.' Though honestly, brown's totally fine. Just fewer choices for what shirts you can wear to match it.

I'm super short, and my siblings would love to send me on 'What Not to Wear'. That being said, when it comes to professional wear, it's not hard to look sharp if you go with the basics. The more fashion sense you have, the more you can get away with trying a number of things and look good.

Try Ann Taylor. They have a good selection of professional wear, and the bigger stores tend to have a decent petites section. They make it really easy for you to put together a spiffy looking professional outfit. Here's their catalogue for suits.
http://www.anntaylor.com/suits/cat550044#page3

I go in with the expectation that I'll have to have it tailor'd, but I can usually find stuff there and not need to. I invested in a pant suit outfit that fit me best for my college interviews 12 years ago. Wore it for all my college interviews, job interviews after college, conferences, AND vet school interviews. It was a really good spend.
 
Minnerbelle said:
Then all the more reason for you not to 'have fun with it.' Though honestly, brown's totally fine. Just fewer choices for what shirts you can wear to match it.

I'm super short, and my siblings would love to send me on 'What Not to Wear'. That being said, when it comes to professional wear, it's not hard to look sharp if you go with the basics. The more fashion sense you have, the more you can get away with trying a number of things and look good.

Try Ann Taylor. They have a good selection of professional wear, and the bigger stores tend to have a decent petites section. They make it really easy for you to put together a spiffy looking professional outfit. Here's their catalogue for suits.
http://www.anntaylor.com/suits/cat550044#page3

I go in with the expectation that I'll have to have it tailor'd, but I can usually find stuff there and not need to. I invested in a pant suit outfit that fit me best for my college interviews 12 years ago. Wore it for all my college interviews, job interviews after college, conferences, AND vet school interviews. It was a really good spend.
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Good point. At our ages, it's not a bad idea to have a quality interview outfit. Assuming it fits, you can wear it for years. 'Interview clothing' doesn't really change that much over time in regards to trends.
 
pinkpuppy9 said:
Good point. At our ages, it's not a bad idea to have a quality interview outfit. Assuming it fits, you can wear it for years. 'Interview clothing' doesn't really change that much over time in regards to trends.
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Haha... Yeah I can't fit it anymore. Vet school turned me into a completely different figure. Good thing is most vet employers prefer associates interviewing who are professional looking, but NOT in a full suit.
 
Minnerbelle said:
Haha... Yeah I can't fit it anymore. Vet school turned me into a completely different figure. Good thing is most vet employers prefer associates interviewing who are professional looking, but NOT in a full suit.
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Vet school is maintaining me at a figure I'd like to change, haha. Stress eating...
 
Are fitted pants okay? They are suit pants but they are fitted around my legs.

Also I'm having trouble with what blouses are acceptable. I know nothing low cut, but does it need to be crew neck or as long as there is no cleavage is it okay?
 
Also, blazers have to be closed or is left open okay?
 
And last question for now, does everything have to be tucked in?
 
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