Interview Shoes (Women!)

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I like those! I have another related question though. I love fashion and happen to own a pair of very expensive pair of heels that I love. To most people they're just black heels, not flashy or anything. However, the fashion-minded interviewer might be able to tell what brand they are. Would I be judged as high maintenance or financially irresponsible? The thing is that I actually inherited them from someone and didn't pay for them. I feel lucky when I wear them because of the person they came from (I know I sound crazy.). This isn't the exact pair but it's a similar idea:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main...7&P_name=Jimmy+Choo&N=306418098&bmUID=k5d4bb3

I wear heels a lot so walking in them/being comfortable isn't an issue.
 
dootdoodooo said:
I like those! I have another related question though. I love fashion and happen to own a pair of very expensive pair of heels that I love. To most people they're just black heels, not flashy or anything. However, the fashion-minded interviewer might be able to tell what brand they are. Would I be judged as high maintenance or financially irresponsible? The thing is that I actually inherited them from someone and didn't pay for them. I feel lucky when I wear them because of the person they came from (I know I sound crazy.). This isn't the exact pair but it's a similar idea:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main...7&P_name=Jimmy+Choo&N=306418098&bmUID=k5d4bb3

I wear heels a lot so walking in them/being comfortable isn't an issue.
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Are you applying to Derm, PRS or Rad Onc? If not, nobody who interviews you is going to be able to identify a pair of Jimmy Choos without looking at the label. Now, if they were Louboutins (with the red sole) it might be a different story.

The bigger question is whether somebody will see you wearing a pair of 6" heels and just assume that you paid for med school by "dancing".
 
Hey now, they're 3 inches max. Would it be any different than if a guy was wearing a Rolex? Or if a woman had a massive engagement ring? Do people judge you for these things? I guess it could be a negative or positive depending on the interviewer and the field.
 
dootdoodooo said:
Hey now, they're 3 inches max. Would it be any different than if a guy was wearing a Rolex? Or if a woman had a massive engagement ring? Do people judge you for these things? I guess it could be a negative or positive depending on the interviewer and the field.
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You can (and absolutely should) rage against the inherent sexism in medicine. But that's not going to make it go away this interview season.

And yes, I judge people on their ostentation regardless of how it manifests.

Rolex? Douche.
Massive engagement ring? Engaged to a douche.
Etc, etc, etc.
 
dootdoodooo said:
I like those! I have another related question though. I love fashion and happen to own a pair of very expensive pair of heels that I love. To most people they're just black heels, not flashy or anything. However, the fashion-minded interviewer might be able to tell what brand they are. Would I be judged as high maintenance or financially irresponsible? The thing is that I actually inherited them from someone and didn't pay for them. I feel lucky when I wear them because of the person they came from (I know I sound crazy.). This isn't the exact pair but it's a similar idea:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main...7&P_name=Jimmy+Choo&N=306418098&bmUID=k5d4bb3

I wear heels a lot so walking in them/being comfortable isn't an issue.
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I think that's totally fine! If anyone could tell and were judgey, it's probably not the best environment anyways. They're not unprofessional, and they're not loud. I agree to avoid Loubie's though.
 
Rebs28 said:
Since we're talking shoes... do you think it's alright to bring a light grey leather tote with a dark grey suit and grey shoes? Or should I go with a black tote? I can't seem to find a nice dark grey one.

BTW, anyone looking for grey pumps, I found these:

http://us.shop.ecco.com/ECCO-Payson...tml?dwvar_357213_color=01159#cgid=women-dress
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I love light gray totes. Wear a colored shirt maybe. Michael Kors has a few darker gray totes: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-jet-set-small-travel-tote/3569323?origin=category
 
DrPathodifficle said:
all these shoes and bags are expensive and making me feel even more poor 🙁
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Aw..not meant to. If it's any consolation, I'm very poor. My booze money goes to shoes 🙂 This is really meant for people to swap ideas since it's hard to find comfortable, affordable and professional shoes.

Also, does anyone know if a jacket and dress (rather than a skirt/shirt option) is acceptable? Not sure if this counts as a "suit"
 
bowlofmushypeas said:
I love light gray totes. Wear a colored shirt maybe. Michael Kors has a few darker gray totes: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-jet-set-small-travel-tote/3569323?origin=category
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Thank you for the reply! Great minds think alike: My tote is basically this tote, but slightly lighter and the outlet store version.

Regarding your question, I think that a dress with jacket should be fine for interviews, still perfectly professional, as long as the jacket can button and resembles a suit coat.

I have another question: I received a confirmation e-mail that stated the attire for the interview was "business casual." What do I do? Show up in a suit, but be able to take off the coat if others are dressed more casually?
 
Rebs28 said:
Thank you for the reply! Great minds think alike: My tote is basically this tote, but slightly lighter and the outlet store version.

Regarding your question, I think that a dress with jacket should be fine for interviews, still perfectly professional, as long as the jacket can button and resembles a suit coat.

I have another question: I received a confirmation e-mail that stated the attire for the interview was "business casual." What do I do? Show up in a suit, but be able to take off the coat if others are dressed more casually?
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I'm thinking something along the lines of a classy cocktail dress or something you'd wear to a work event. Compared to the big day: no jacket required, somewhat shorter dress/skirt would be acceptable, funner patterns, etc. And comfortable, of course.
 
Cocktail dresses are not business casual. Neither are business suits.

Business casual for women is a pair of trousers with a blouse or lightweight sweater/twin set or a knee length skirt with similar top. A dress is fine but not a cocktail dress (which by definition is dressy party wear and NOT something you would wear to work unless it was an office Holiday party [ and even then , in some cases, a cocktail dress would still be questionable.] ).
 
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bowlofmushypeas said:
I mean http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-cocktail-dresses

I don't mean sequined strapless miniskirts. I mean sheath dresses, etc
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I understand.

However, a cursory review of that link shows that even the sheath dresses are satin, silk or other evening wear, not business casual. The jersey ones will be too body conscious.

A sheath dress made of tropical weight wool or cotton might be appropriate but these are not generally considered "cocktail" dresses nor are they considered business casual. A sheath dress is generally what one wears as typical business wear; business casual is a step down - hence the recommendation for trousers with a twin set, or a cotton blouse.

Some of the dresses in this link are more appropriate (many are not) but still border too dressy for a business casual event.

You may wear what you wish but my advice comes from a faculty viewpoint and years of doing these things. Given that surgery tends to be more formal, I would expect that in most other fields if you showed up in a cocktail dress or even a nice sheath dress for what is labeled as a business casual event it would not be appropriate.
 
Ladies - please relax and breathe. Light grey bag with dark grey outfit - yes. Any color bag with a grey outfit is a yes since grey is a neutral. Expensive shoes? Well, OK if they're comfortable but I personally wouldn't want to risk snapping off a heel on uneven sidewalks (I bought some cheap basic pumps and tossed them at the last hotel on the trail). Jackets, dresses, etc - please! Wear something clean, pressed, and rated PG. I don't want to see through or down your blouse. If it's warm outside why would you wear a suit jacket when a pressed blouse and slacks/skirt is perfectly fine. Business casual means no suits. No fussy or sexy dresses. No crazy high heels. Just something simple like slacks and a blouse or sweater. And please remember to keep your jewelry simple as well. Loads of bangles clicking together distract and annoy.

In other words - we are NOT interviewing your clothes. I don't care how savvy a shopper you are and am not going to ask where you bought those shoes (if I even notice them). I want to meet the real you and not someone you created for interview season. Trying too hard to "dress to impress" just makes me wonder who you really are. If you show up wearing clean clothes and simple make-up, smiling your best smile and look me in the eye while shaking my hand then you're going to do fine. Really!
 
gutonc said:
And yes, I judge people on their ostentation regardless of how it manifests.

Rolex? Douche.
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Really? People cannot be wearing them just because they like the engineering brilliance? Or because it was passed on to him by his granddad and he just really likes wearing them? What would be your opinion of someone wearing a Patek Philippe or a JLC to the interview then?
 
Fenster said:
Really? People cannot be wearing them just because they like the engineering brilliance? Or because it was passed on to him by his granddad and he just really likes wearing them? What would be your opinion of someone wearing a Patek Philippe or a JLC to the interview then?
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Youre looking at this all wrong.

The reason you might choose to wear an expensive watch or pair of shoes etc. is not important: no one is going to take the time to think you must appreciate fine watch making skills or ask if it was a hand-me-down from a beloved relative.

Instead you run the risk of looking like a show off or someone who doesn't understand his audience. The average academic physician is not likely to be able to afford such finery and to see it on a student only serves to highlight that.
 
That certainly makes sense, but I would still take a little offense knowing that having fine tastes would actually count against the applicant.

Also, a Rolex watch costs only a few thousand dollars. Considering an academic physician would make an average of over hundred thousand dollars a year, and the fact that mechanical watches last a lifetime, it is quite likely for one to afford it.

Anyway, I guess this is enough digression for one thread.
 
Does anyone know if it's acceptable to bring more comfortable flats to change into during tours? My heels are reasonably comfortable, but I'll likely be going on twice weekly interviews so it'd be great if I didn't have to wear them so often
 
hmm... i don't know about most places, but I did have one interview site advise me to pack comfortable shoes for the tour part of the interview... I would imagine if it's a nice pair of flats it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but that's just my opinion
 
bowlofmushypeas said:
Does anyone know if it's acceptable to bring more comfortable flats to change into during tours? My heels are reasonably comfortable, but I'll likely be going on twice weekly interviews so it'd be great if I didn't have to wear them so often
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That's not a problem at all.

Fenster said:
That certainly makes sense, but I would still take a little offense knowing that having fine tastes would actually count against the applicant.

Also, a Rolex watch costs only a few thousand dollars. Considering an academic physician would make an average of over hundred thousand dollars a year, and the fact that mechanical watches last a lifetime, it is quite likely for one to afford it.

Anyway, I guess this is enough digression for one thread.
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It's not so much that having "fine tastes" count against you. It just creates a bad impression.

A med student that can afford a $1000 watch either comes across as a spoiled rich kid, or as someone who is in medicine for the money/lifestyle. And people who are in it for money/lifestyle are generally not the most dependable, hard working residents. Is it a fair stereotype? Not really. But just play the game for a few months and leave your expensive watch and shoes at home.

Also, as a pro-tip, saying that a watch costs "only a few thousand dollars" is unlikely to win you any fans on the interview trail, either. 😛
 
dootdoodooo said:
Hey now, they're 3 inches max. Would it be any different than if a guy was wearing a Rolex? Or if a woman had a massive engagement ring? Do people judge you for these things? I guess it could be a negative or positive depending on the interviewer and the field.
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uhhhh, yeah, they DO...right or wrong, flashing expensive or ostentatious accessories will get you judgement, good or bad...
 
Fenster said:
That certainly makes sense, but I would still take a little offense knowing that having fine tastes would actually count against the applicant.

Also, a Rolex watch costs only a few thousand dollars. Considering an academic physician would make an average of over hundred thousand dollars a year, and the fact that mechanical watches last a lifetime, it is quite likely for one to afford it.

Anyway, I guess this is enough digression for one thread.
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a timex cost 50 bucks and works just as well...

point being is that its fine and dandy you own those things, but there is a time and a place for those things...the residency interview is not the time or the place for flashy things.

and you being offended means you don't rank the place...they forming a poor opinion of you (correct or not) means they may not rank YOU...IMHO the latter can have more impact than the former...
 
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rokshana said:
a timex cost 50 bucks and works just as well...

point being is that its fine and dandy you own those things, but there is a time and a place for those things...the residency interview is not the time or the place for flashy things.

and you being offending means you don't rank the place...they forming a poor opinion of your (correct or not) means they may not rank YOU...IMHO the latter can have more impact than the former...
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Exactly.

You and smq123 have raised excellent points. People *do* judge, fairly or unfairly, on these things.

My concern as faculty would be that a candidate who comes in wearing inappropriate attire is that they do not understand a " time and place". Just as I would be concerned about the impression that a resident with ill fitting dirty attire would present to patients, co-workers and colleagues, an applicant who wears a several thousand dollar watch and a bespoke suit gives the message that they will not fit in well with indigent patients.
 
rokshana said:
point being is that its fine and dandy you own those things, but there is a time and a place for those things...the residency interview is not the time or the place for flashy things.
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Exactly. Your gonna go on what, 10-ish interviews? You have 355 OTHER days out of the year to wear your nice Rolex. Would it kill you to leave it at home for your interviews? Why is it SO important that you wear your expensive watches? FYI this is coming from a person who also owns expensive designer shoes and jewelry. I totally understand the desire to buy and wear designer goods, so I know where you are coming from. But residency interviews are NOT fashion runways. You wearing a Rolex will not convince anyone that you are a better doctor than some other applicant. Being humble and down to earth, however, will.

It took me a long time to accept this. I've had people say mean things behind my back just because I've merely *mentioned* buying something expensive. I've been called a snob, or "just another rich kid" before, and it hurts. Believe me, that is NOT the way you want people to see you, especially when you really AREN'T a pretentious snob on the inside. It really taught me that I need to watch what I say and maybe not dress so flashy all the time. It sucks that you get judged for things like that, but that's just how things are.
 
bowlofmushypeas said:
So I'm thinking one of the perks to interview season is new shoes! Considering how much walking we'll be doing, shout out your suggestions on comfortable pumps!

I've worn my Air Talis to death on rounds so am considering another pair for interview season: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cole-haan-air-tali-wedge-pump/3172319?origin=category
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i just ordered some air talis based on this and the awesome reviews! they come in tomorrow....yay for new shoes!!! 😀
 
I think those are fine if you're wearing pants, but might be out of place with a skirt/dress. What about wedges? They're a sensible alternative

Esprit00 said:
What kind of shoes should one wear if interviewing on a snowy day? I was thinking that maybe flat booties in this style might work. Opinions? http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/kenneth...m_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_6_B is that okay or should I absolutely go the route of flats/heels? I don't want to have to buy two pairs of shoes.
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Esprit00 said:
What kind of shoes should one wear if interviewing on a snowy day? I was thinking that maybe flat booties in this style might work. Opinions? http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/kenneth...m_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_6_B is that okay or should I absolutely go the route of flats/heels? I don't want to have to buy two pairs of shoes.
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I would wear sneakers, and bring my dress shoes, and then change when I got to the interview site. Even those booties will easily get ruined/stained if walking around snow and ice, so when you actually show up for your interview, they won't look so good. No one will think poorly of you for changing shoes in the bathroom a few minutes before the interview day gets started.
 
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