Interview: Suit vs. Sport Coat/Dress Pants

[cdndds]

Hey, I have a quick question about interview attire:

For guys, is a suit mandatory? Or would a classy sport coat and slacks suffice? How important do you think this is? Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[znny19]

suits a must.

 

[KittySquared]

It's gotta be a suit man. No arguments.

 

[wo5678]

A suit is a must. I saw so many people during my interview not looking completely professional. Some even sloppy I have to say. If it was an interviewer, i would've ended the interview before it start just by the way some of these people were dressed. Young people nowadays, they don't have enough respect for the interview to do research about what is appropriate.

 

[drill-and-fill]

A suit is a must. I saw so many people during my interview not looking completely professional. Some even sloppy I have to say. If it was an interviewer, i would've ended the interview before it start just by the way some of these people were dressed. Young people nowadays, they don't have enough respect for the interview to do research about what is appropriate.

People like that make you stand out more at interviews 😎

 

[wo5678]

People like that make you stand out more at interviews 😎

it is true. I guess I should be grateful for these people. lol.

When I look at people and how they have prepared for their interview, it makes me think about they would prepare to see their first patient. Even if you are just starting out, you must do your homework and present yourself with professionalism. Every time you see a patient is an interview, you are being judged. This is one of the most important interviews in your career. If they can't be up to standards, then how are they going to be up to standards in the real world.

If I ever become an interviewer one day, i would tell a student if they are dressed inappropriately right from the start.

 

[cdndds]

Hmm guess people feel pretty strongly! I had a couple friends who interviewed at med school and said several applicants were wearing nice navy blazers/grey slack combos

 

[jeffity]

I would never suggest anything besides a suit, but here's a funny tale. A friend of mine wore light-colored slacks and a blazer. We scheduled a couple of interviews on the same dates so we walked into the interviews together. Everyone noticed, of course. The silent reactions from some pre-dents was funny. Sort of a look of disgust and "how dare he" like he just committed the worst of sins.

 

[wo5678]

Hmm guess people feel pretty strongly! I had a couple friends who interviewed at med school and said several applicants were wearing nice navy blazers/grey slack combos

just because you can sneeze into a patient's open mouth and apologize like crazy, there is a slim chance that they might forgive you. It doesn't mean you should do it.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I don't know why you would even risk wearing a sport coat... there is simply no argument when you consider risk vs reward.

If you look up every single interview attire thread on this site... they will all recommend wearing suit.

Best Thread:
http://studentdoctor.net/2010/09/interview-advice-what-to-wear-what-to-wear/

Other Classics:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=552578
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=731757
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=842733

 

[Member 8586]

I don't know why you would even risk wearing a sport coat... there is simply no argument when you consider risk vs reward.

If you look up every single interview attire thread on this site... they will all recommend wearing suit.

Best Thread:
http://studentdoctor.net/2010/09/interview-advice-what-to-wear-what-to-wear/

Other Classics:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=552578
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=731757
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=842733

just read that article and noticed it didnt mention brown suits for the interview... anyone have any objections to a dark brown suit?

 

[jeffity]

just read that article and noticed it didnt mention brown suits for the interview... anyone have any objections to a dark brown suit?

I'm fine with it. But people get all sorts of silly with those sorts of details around these parts.

 

[jrub]

Hey i was wondering if most people wear only solid coloured suits or is a subtle pinstripe appropriate as well

 

[theringmaster1]

I honestly don't know if the interviewers really look at what we're wearing (unless we come in jeans and a t-shirt). From the interviews I've had, all the guys wore black or gray suits with ties. They all looked really professional and nice. The ladies tended to be more laid back. I saw a couple wearing dresses and sweater combo, and a blazer and slacks combo. Almost all of them also had their hair down, too, which I was surprised about. I thought tying your hair back was a must if you have long hair but I guess it isn't?

Does anyone really know if the adcoms give/detract points for what you wear?

 

[UltimateHombre]

Hey i was wondering if most people wear only solid coloured suits or is a subtle pinstripe appropriate as well

Subtle pinstripes shouldn't be a problem. Avoid very heavy gold or silver pinstripes.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Does anyone really know if the adcoms give/detract points for what you wear?

I doubt direct points are awarded, but it is all about first impressions and setting the tone for the interview. That is why everyone says keep it "conservative". Suits should be black, grey, or navy. Shirts should be a soft tone with no intense color schemes.

The reason they suggest that is because these color patterns have been proven and tested throughout time to be professional. Outside of these themes, you never know what kind of image you will portray to your interviewer and school. Maybe you look sharp in a brown suit or a red shirt, but if the interviewer doesn't like it for whatever reason... you are shooting yourself in the foot unnecessarily.

 

[chill45]

I honestly don't think it matters if you wear a suit or sports coat, as long as it is a nice sports coat. As long as it looks professional it should be fine. Nobody is going to reject you from dental school because you wore a navy sports coat to the interview.

 

[aznboi89x]

an Adcom @ Houston told me to wear something different than the traditional white shirt and black tie since they hate staring at the same damn thing lol. At all my interviews I decided to go with a light purple dress shirt with purple patterned tie. I was surprised on how correct he was when EVERY interview I went to was the traditional white shirt with Blue, gold, red, or black tie.

this is what I wore to my interviews:

I hope they like my outfit and was easy on their eyes.

 

[UltimateHombre]

this is what I wore to my interviews:

I hope they like my outfit and was easy on their eyes.

Totally professional, sharp, and different!! 👍👍👍

 

[jeffity]

an Adcom @ Houston told me to wear something different than the traditional white shirt and black tie since they hate staring at the same damn thing lol. At all my interviews I decided to go with a light purple dress shirt with purple patterned tie. I was surprised on how correct he was when EVERY interview I went to was the traditional white shirt with Blue, gold, red, or black tie.

this is what I wore to my interviews:

I hope they like my outfit and was easy on their eyes.

Very nice. Who's the lass in the background? A little color is good and I've heard the same sort of "everyone wears boring black" thing. As long as you're not bringing out the hipster Euro trash gear, spice it up a little....it really does stand out and not in a bad way.

 

[aznboi89x]

I think she was part of UNE's history but not really sure, maybe just for looks? I was @ the UNE College of Dental Medicine. Its their lobby area where food was being served lol.

no more Yale College of Dental Medicine? LMAO

How do you know if its gonna be called CODM instead of SODM, SOD, or COD?

 

[jeffity]

I think she was part of UNE's history but not really sure, maybe just for looks? I was @ the UNE College of Dental Medicine. Its their lobby area where food was being served lol.

no more Yale College of Dental Medicine? LMAO

How do you know if its gonna be called CODM instead of SODM, SOD, or COD?

Who knows what kind of new convention of naming they'll come up with. They're already pioneering the new DDM degree. Maybe they'll call it Bluefield College Academy of Teeth and Stuff (BCATS). I'm sure whatever they come up with, it will take the weird name award away from LECOM.

 

[aznboi89x]

who knows what kind of new convention of naming they'll come up with. They're already pioneering the new ddm degree. Maybe they'll call it bluefield college academy of teeth and stuff (bcats). I'm sure whatever they come up with, it will take the weird name award away from lecom.

lol lecom

 

[Member902507]

Who knows what kind of new convention of naming they'll come up with. They're already pioneering the new DDM degree. Maybe they'll call it Bluefield College Academy of Teeth and Stuff (BCATS). I'm sure whatever they come up with, it will take the weird name award away from LECOM.

^

 

[toastybread]

.

 

[Member 8586]

I'm fine with it. But people get all sorts of silly with those sorts of details around these parts.

The brown suit is the way to go. Seriously. If you're going to interview at a school and ppl there are SDNers, they're gonna be wearing grey or navy or pinstripes. Brown is harder to find but still classy.

yea im probably going with a brown/taupe with subtle pinstripes... i really wanna wear a tan suit w/ brown wingtips but thats probabaly pushing my luck lol

 

[jeffity]

yea im probably going with a brown/taupe with subtle pinstripes... i really wanna wear a tan suit w/ brown wingtips but thats probabaly pushing my luck lol

I say as long as you're comfortable (won't feel weird standing out a little), keep your audience in mind with level of conservatism (might be an older individual), and place more emphasis on performance than attire, don't feel compelled to follow the dark-only guideline.

 

[toastybread]

yea im probably going with a brown/taupe with subtle pinstripes... i really wanna wear a tan suit w/ brown wingtips but thats probabaly pushing my luck lol

I still wouldn't go with a tan suit. It's fall, it's not really in season anymore unless its tweed

 

[Stacker]

Only very confident people can pull off pinstripe or light grey suits like the one Tom Cruise wore in Collateral. If you're overweight, they look worser.
Be safe and go with navy or charcoal (never black). Grey can work if you can pull it off. If you have the money go to Brooks Brothers. If not, go to Men's Warehouse, Macy's, or Joseph Banks.
Look at the premedical and resident forums and see how neurotic people can get with suit attire threads.

 

[peterngu]

an Adcom @ Houston told me to wear something different than the traditional white shirt and black tie since they hate staring at the same damn thing lol. At all my interviews I decided to go with a light purple dress shirt with purple patterned tie. I was surprised on how correct he was when EVERY interview I went to was the traditional white shirt with Blue, gold, red, or black tie.

this is what I wore to my interviews:

I hope they like my outfit and was easy on their eyes.

I'm a huge fan of the tie and shirt combo.

 

[aznboi89x]

I'm a huge fan of the tie and shirt combo.

glad to see ppl liking it

 

[j31]

does anyone know if lecom accepted student from UK?

 

[aznboi89x]

does anyone know if lecom accepted student from UK?

you are posting in the wrong thread my friend

 

[321931]

Suit all the way. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves, rather than trying to make a fashion statement.

I don't know whether a different "style" can help you, but I can guarantee that it COULD hurt you.

On the other hand, I can guarantee that a grey/black/navy suit will NOT hurt you.

 

[ChapelHillT]

Suit all the way. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves, rather than trying to make a fashion statement.

I don't know whether a different "style" can help you, but I can guarantee that it COULD hurt you.

On the other hand, I can guarantee that a grey/black/navy suit will NOT hurt you.

+1 to all this. A professional interview is not the place to make a fashion statement--it may be fun to try to stand out with your attire, but it won't get you a spot, and may end up back firing. And please, please do not wear a sport coat.

It seems silly that everyone (myself included) is so hardlined on this, but its just part of the game. You may not know specifically what questions are coming, or the type of personality of the guy/gal interviewing you--those things are out of your control. But your choice of attire is something that is under your control, so do yourself a favor and don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even walk in the door by wearing something too casual/flashy.

 

[aznboi89x]

did you guys think my attire is too flashy?

 

[jeffity]

did you guys think my attire is too flashy?

No. The fit is good. It doesn't look like you're trying too hard to stand out with it. I've heard enough comments about drabness in attire/color that I encourage what you have going on there. Not over the top and hipster. Basically, you're in the running for homecoming king.

 

[Seahawk]

The safest is:

Dark grey suit, black belt, black cap toe oxfords, white point collar shirt, blue/gold/red tie.

 

[321931]

+1 to all this. A professional interview is not the place to make a fashion statement--it may be fun to try to stand out with your attire, but it won't get you a spot, and may end up back firing. And please, please do not wear a sport coat.

It seems silly that everyone (myself included) is so hardlined on this, but its just part of the game. You may not know specifically what questions are coming, or the type of personality of the guy/gal interviewing you--those things are out of your control. But your choice of attire is something that is under your control, so do yourself a favor and don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even walk in the door by wearing something too casual/flashy.

My school employs students to do a student interview on top of a faculty interview, and well my class is diverse...

With a diverse class comes varying opinions. Some are old-school fashioned and feel as though flashy outfits are inappropriate and show immaturity/lack of respect; and some feel as though they are well "unique different."

I'm not part of the interview board, but when I do see interviewees coming into school...theres always one or two that try hard to be different and well, the other interview students, old fashioned current students, and me just roll our eyes. Silly.

You can't go wrong with old grey/black/navy. period.

 

[finchy86]

I was surprised to see a guy sporting a sweater in a recent interview. He was a nice guy, just thought it was strange. I don't recall if he had a tie underneath or not.

 

[KittySquared]

aznboi that's sharp. Love the color combination

This is what I wore. I put on black stockings the day of the interview.

 

[aznboi89x]

hots hots ^^

 

[kevinrho]

What do you think about me wearing this to the interview? j/p

 

[Swifty181]

I'm a huge fan of french cuffs myself. I was entertaining the idea of wearing a white shirt with french cuffs and a black suit, a bit 007-ish. Do you think thats too much? Will it seem like I'm trying to hard? 😕

This is very simmilar to what I got planned so far.

 

[KittySquared]

I'm a huge fan of french cuffs myself. I was entertaining the idea of wearing a white shirt with french cuffs and a black suit, a bit 007-ish. Do you think thats too much? Will it seem like I'm trying to hard? 😕

This is very simmilar to what I got planned so far.

Such a minute detail - I doubt they will care. I always thought French cuffs seem a bit uncomfortable at the wrist.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I'm a huge fan of french cuffs myself. I was entertaining the idea of wearing a white shirt with french cuffs and a black suit, a bit 007-ish. Do you think thats too much? Will it seem like I'm trying to hard? 😕

French cuffs are sick and i have few myself. They are more comfortable on my wrist personally.

However, i will not be wearing them. Unless you are an investment banker or own a night club, they are simply not mainstream enough. Vast majority of people our age do not wear french cuffs and they do come up as flashy depending on the crowd.

However, as it was said above, it is such a small detail, i don't think anyone would care.

But again, i am really big on first impressions... if i can see anyone attaching a negative connotation to anything i am wearing, i won't wear it. Be it style, color, etc.

Thus i am wearing a dark grey suit with subtle grey pinstripes, a light blue shirt (barrel cuffs), dark blue tie, charcoal socks, and black square toe shoes. Just different enough to get me noticed, but mainstream enough to look conservative and professional. Also, I am adding a nice watch as a kicker.

 

[KittySquared]

if i can see anyone attaching a negative connotation to anything i am wearing, i won't wear it. Be it style, color, etc.

Right. I stand out enough as is during interview (mainly due to my deeper and assertive voice for a woman.) I prefer dressing conservatively definitely.

 

[Swifty181]

Right, I do have a large variety of shirts in all styles and colors. Initially I was thinking about having a very similar combo as yours UltimateHombre, but lately I've been fixated with french cuffs. They do look much better and in my opinion are just as comfortable as barrel cuffs. I still have a few weeks to decide but as of right now I'm leaning towards a black suit, with black shoes and sox, a white shirt and blue tie. And watches are a definite plus. You can't possibly wear a nice suit with no watch, I have a small collection of nice watches, I'll find one that goes well with my outfit.

 

[Member 8586]

opinions on a 3pc suit? overkill?

 

[jeffity]

opinions on a 3pc suit? overkill?

I saw a fellow sporting one the other day. It definitely caught my attention. But I'm not an old dude interviewing people. Go for it if you want. Technical analysis may follow.