Interview outfit questions

[pithy84]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have several questions about MD school interview outfits for male applicants (like me) in the US:

1. Is it true that most guys wear black suits? Literally black, and not dark navy or dark charcoal gray? This has been stated in several threads, and it seems very strange. Black suits are strongly associated with funerals. I have been to many career fairs and witnessed many job interviews - dark navy suits are far more common in job interviews. Dark charcoal gray comes in second.

2. Can I wear a bow tie? Should I wear a bow tie? I wear a bow tie to work almost every day. I have normal short hair, zero facial hair, and I plan for the rest of the outfit to be fairly conservative.

3. If I wear a normal necktie, can I use an Atlantic knot to tie it? This knot looks unusual, I actually prefer it because it is easier to get the length right and get the dimple looking great. I wish the knot looked normal.

4. Can I wear a dark navy suit jacket and very classy cotton chinos of a different color (probably medium gray or tan)? This is technically not a suit, because the jacket and pants do not match. I would do this because it seems impossible for me to get suit pants that fit right and look good, even after tailoring.

 

[DrJaySomeday]

Yes
No
No
No.

 

[TxC]

Please don't wear a black suit.

This is the thread to read.

 

[ithd]

Black seems to be the minority from what I've seen (for guys)

 

[Osteoth]

1. I wore charcoal grey and navy blue suits during my interviews and was fine.

2. You could wear a bow tie, but if you should is a matter of preference. Depending on where you are in the country it might be looked at favorably or less so. Be conservative with the tie, no reason not to.

3. People will think you don't know how to tie a knot, guaranteed. Why are you giving yourself more things to worry about? Black, navy, charcoal suit, conservative tie with a traditional knot.

4. No, wear a matching suit.

 

[drdoorittre]

Black seems to be the minority from what I've seen (for guys)

Disagree, at least at my schools I'd say at least 75% of guys I have seen at interviews have been wearing black. I would definitely say it's better to wear a gray suit though, but I am sure that the color of your suit has zero bearing on your acceptance chances. Just for the love of god do not wear a bow tie. Or different colored suit and pants.

 

[baxt1412]

Yes
No
No
No.

agreed.

the color of your suit really doesn't matter as long as it is black, darker grey, or navy blue. beyond that and you are potentially going to turn off some people. I would say no on the bow tie because it could be seen as a negative/trying too hard for attention in my mind. ABSOLUTELY not on that knot. I'm with Osteoth on that one... people will think you don't know how to tie your tie. this is not the time for fashion statements, dude. dress conservatively. make your interview stick out, not your clothing. (I'm not saying wear the exact same thing everyone else is wearing, but you're not on the cover of Vogue)

 

[Catalystik]

I have several questions about MD school interview outfits for male applicants (like me) in the US:

1. Is it true that most guys wear black suits? Literally black, and not dark navy or dark charcoal gray? This has been stated in several threads, and it seems very strange. Black suits are strongly associated with funerals. I have been to many career fairs and witnessed many job interviews - dark navy suits are far more common in job interviews. Dark charcoal gray comes in second.

2. Can I wear a bow tie? Should I wear a bow tie? I wear a bow tie to work almost every day. I have normal short hair, zero facial hair, and I plan for the rest of the outfit to be fairly conservative.

3. If I wear a normal necktie, can I use an Atlantic knot to tie it? This knot looks unusual, I actually prefer it because it is easier to get the length right and get the dimple looking great. I wish the knot looked normal.

4. Can I wear a dark navy suit jacket and very classy cotton chinos of a different color (probably medium gray or tan)? This is technically not a suit, because the jacket and pants do not match. I would do this because it seems impossible for me to get suit pants that fit right and look good, even after tailoring.

In the midwest, black suits still predominate. I'd love to see more dark blue or gray suits.

I've never had an applicant wear a bowtie or string tie, but it wouldn't bother me to see one. IMO, everyone in the medical profession should get away from traditional ties as they are fomites.

I've also never seen any male interviewee wear mismatched items. It's probably best to stay conservative in this area.

 

[pithy84]

I am a bit surprised that so many applicants actually wear black suits.

On the other three questions, I am not surprised at all.

Suit pants are so baggy, I can't stand it. My two interview suits (dark gray and dark navy, wool, classic) are nominally slim fit, and the pants are narrower than most suit pants, but they are still so baggy. I don't understand fashion.

So I guess I get to pick my tie, and that's it. I can jump through hoops, I am all set.

 

[baxt1412]

I am a bit surprised that so many applicants actually wear black suits.

On the other three questions, I am not surprised at all.

Suit pants are so baggy, I can't stand it. My two interview suits (dark gray and dark navy, wool, classic) are nominally slim fit, and the pants are narrower than most suit pants, but they are still so baggy. I don't understand fashion.

So I guess I get to pick my tie, and that's it. I can jump through hoops, I am all set.

if your pants are baggy, get them tailored. is that really that hard of an idea to grasp?

 

[Goro]

1) Yes

2. You can and I wouldn't care. I've had interviewees in bowties.


3. No one will care...quit fussing.
4. Stick a crowbar in your wallet and find a good tailor. This is a med school interview, for Pete's sake. Get into character.