Ladies, Tell me your Interview Do'

BU Medical Sciences
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
my two cents (if anyone is still interviewing or even reading this thread):

RULE #1: a) NOTHING TRENDY, b)NOTHING DISTRACTING, c) NOTHING SEXY

HAIR: if you got a lotta hair, you best put it back or it will be in your mouth (rule 1, part b). other than that, do what you thinks looks best, for real. for down do's...have a straight part. for up do's...who said you had to wear a bun? no wacky accessories - i suggest a thin tortoise or black headband, the clear elastic ponytail holders, and/or bobby pins. i have short hair and hate wearing it down, so i did it half up and tucked under with bobby pins. oh...and just a little trick i learned back in my past life as a dancer...if you are dying to wear a bun and you don't got the length or bulk, go to a craft store and get matching doll hair and bobby pin that around your mini-bun. i guess that was an aside. oh, and not too much goo. in my own opinion, even an afro is ok, if that says something about you, but not if it's too big and no afro picks.

MAKEUP: see rule #1. if you don't wear makeup, don't wear it. unless you got a big zit on your nose that will distract. otherwise you'll have blinky problems and get raccoon eyes. if you wear makeup everyday, go for it. i suggest matte browns or grays for eyeshadow. eyeliner's cool as long as you don't let things get too out of hand (too thick, extending beyond the eye, or colorful). as for lipstick, no sparkles, no goth lips.

ACCESSORIES: black suit? easy: get a black purse, black shoes. any other color? get a shade of brown, or match. not too big -- you gotta carry it around. i have a navy suit & shoes and a brown bag. and i had a leather folder thingie.

anyhow...hope that's of some help to someone.
Members don't see this ad.
 
Someone PMed me last week about what to wear for an interview, so I decided to bump up this thread since the search function is back. It has interview clothes on page 2. I love this thread. :)

Foxy
 
So I just bought a suit for my job interview on Friday and since it was expensive, this is gonna be the one I will use for interviews too. Really cute black pants suit (boring I know but I love it!)
Anyway, did you girls wear shells underneath your suits or collared shirts? Does it depend on the season? I feel so old with a collared shirt but then again it looks classy...
 
Members don't see this ad :)
i saw both at my interviews, and i remember talking to one girl who said she was wearing a turtleneck underneath because of cold weather. i'd stick with whatever you think looks best...i personally had a navy blue skirt suit and a collared light blue silk shirt underneath. but i will note that if you are going on several interviews and think you might not have a chance to take the suit to a dry cleaner in between once or twice...well the shell might be better since my damn collar attracted every bit of soil or sweat possible, and it's sticking right out there, so there's no hiding it!
 
I love the collared shirt under suit look, but beware, I find the shirt always rides and ends up squished around my neck. So try it out first and wear the whole ensemble around your house for an hour or so while walking around, taking notes, nodding your head enthusiastically :wink: , etc. I ended up wearing a thin, V-neck silk sweater under my suit. It was comfy and stayed put.

Another hair suggestion: if you have wavy-ish hair and don't want to straighten it, try a large-barrel curling iron. It straightens and curls at the same time! Weeee!
 
ok here are my 2 cents...
I always wore my hair down, kinda mid length...too thin to wear up....although at times I seemed to be the only woman to do this....I did see a couple of women with hair pulled back so tight it looked like their eyes were going to pop out boy did they look uncomfortable. I noticed overall most women were wearing their hair up or back as long off their faces I think as it looks neat and not hanging in your face you are fine. Also spend the money and get it cut on a regular basis...it almost always looks healthier!

suits, honestly, spend the money and get one you love, because if you look good, you feel good, you present yourself well. I started at outlet stores but nothing fit right and tailoring is expe
sive (can run you as much as a $100, particularly if you need a jacket taken in) The cost or brand of a suit doesn't matter if it fits well and looks good. (and obviously the opposite is true too) I also think that you should consider where you are interviewing....ivies and east coast tend to be more conservative, which generally means skirt suit (Yeah this annoyed me because I prefer pants suits, but I had to suck it up and wear a skirt suit...the interview you want to stand out for positive reasons not making a fashion statement and in retrospec I interviewed with many conservative males...and not many trendy females....so although I whined for a while it was the right thing to do)

makeup....I honestly think it does look better particularly during those paste white months of nov-feb and if you do have an acne breakout it is better to know how to apply it...however, I recommend if you don't generally wear it (like myself) head on over to a counter at a mall and get some advice buy maybe one thing but get the colors written down or even better put them on a sheet of paper (literally) and head on over to a drug store and get the cheaper version...then practice makes perfect and get your friends to comment it took me about two weeks to finally get rid of my foundation line....again, you look good you feel good

Good luck all! Remember to go in with a smile, energy and enthusiasim...it is amazing how far that will go!
 
I did the black thing for my interviews, short black skirt (above the knee), black tights and low heeled pumps, black jacket. So for a little flair, I wore a bright satin shirt with french cuffs and kind of a flashy brooch.
 
wait a minute
A pantsuit is considered "non-conservative"?
Oh my god! We are interviewing to be doctors and we are expected to wear skirts?? Ok I need to calm down because I am getting upset...
I just think pant suits look better and I feel more comfortable and professional in them. I really dont want to bow down to the conservative male expectation.
Do you think that would hurt me in interviews? I mean i feel so much better in a pant suit - clean lines, no worrying about crossing legs and showing leg, etc
Let me know what you all think ... I am going in a few hours to buy the suit and send it for alteration. That reminds me, I agree with the poster who said it is worth it to splurge on a more expensive suit because usually those stores will do alterations for free.
B
 
I bought a really nice pant suit and I plan on wearing it to every single interview. It's comfortable, it looks really nice, and it fits me well. Skirt suits don't flatter me-- I look silly in short skirts and I just don't like long skirts. I figured that I would do better in an interview if I was comfortable and not worrying about my skirt riding up-- conservatives be damned. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

i'm set with clothing, but i need suggestions for hair. I have really curly, shoulder length hair (think felicity). i like the half-up half-down thing, but after awhile that style looks like a teepee on my head, especially when it's humid. any suggestions?
 
I think that the most important thing is that you look professional and feel comfortable. A black pant suit will be fine, especially if you dress it up a little with nice blouse/shell. I wore a dark grey conservative skirt suit (skirt hit just below the knee). It has silk accents around the sleeves, neck and front closure. Which really dressed it up. But, I also wear suits to work everyday, so I went for a dressier skirt suit. I had compliments from multiple female interviewers on what a beautiful suit it was...I liked the fact that I looked conservative, but had my own style.

My favorite suit makers are Jones of NY and Kasper (sp?)...a little pricey, but when there is a good sale you can get them at afforadable prices. Look at major sales at large department stores. I have gotten some amazing deals...ex. my interview suit was originally 299.00 and I paid 45.00. You just have to be patient and keep looking.

If you are interviewing during winter months you definitely will appreciate having the extra coverage of pants...Also, if you are going with a skirt make sure that it is not too short, especially when you sit down. There is nothing worse then attempting to pull your skirt down and speak to an interviewer at the same time. I saw a few girls who spent the whole time that we were sitted pulling them down. Yuck.

As for hair I have longish, curly hair. I wore it pulled back in a french twist. Most girls wear it up and I would suggest it if you have any tendency to play with your hair.

Just remember that you are trying to look professional.

Also, picking the right shoes are VERY important. Remember you will be walking on long tours through all kinds of weather in them. Make sure that they are comfortable...invest in a good pair. I personally could not have done it without my aerosole heels (remember not too high, you may have to walk in ice with them).

Good luck and remember to just relax.
 
First of all, I think trout is a GUY, so ignore his post. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> He was just trying to be funny. (right? now I'm worried)

Second of all, pants are considered non-conservative, but it doesn't matter because half of the women I saw wore pants suits. So just look professional and you'll be fine.

By the way, I don't think skirts above the knee are appropriate, but that's just my opinion. :p

And I never heard of a shell :confused:
 
I wore pants to my east coast interviews and it wasn't a problem. I had originally bought a skirt suit becuase I like them better, only to realize later that it was going to be 30 degrees and snowing on the east coast when I interviewed. I didn't want to freeze, so pants suit it was!

As long as you look professional (not a manly pants suit, not too short of a skirt suit) don't worry about one option versus the other. Get what look good and feel comfortable to you.

Foxy - a shell is a sleeveless top, like what you would wear under a cardigan (think twin-set sweaters.)

I wore a collared shirt for one interview, and the stupid thing kept moving around and getting bunched up - making the collar look all wierd where it stuck out of my jacket, so I opted for a shell for other interviews (it stayed in place.)
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Jessica:
•
Foxy - a shell is a sleeveless top, like what you would wear under a cardigan (think twin-set sweaters.)
•••••ok, I thought so. I wore a white shell under a navy skirt suit. :)
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Oh - and about the hair, most ladies I saw with longer hair had thier hair up (ponytails/buns) or half up.

Those with shoulder-length or shorter seemed to opt for low ponytails or just down.

If you can leave you hair alone and it is cut in a nice style, I don't think there is anything wrong with leaving it down. If your hair looks neat when it is down, and that is how you feel most comfortable, then go for it.

If you are worried about your hair looking messy or unkept, then you might be more comfortable pulling it back or putting it up.

The most important thing is to be comfortable with however you choose to wear it, and that it looks clean and styled.
 
I have long blonde hair, which is parted in the middle, and I wear it down every day and never do a thing with it. This is how I wore it to my interviews, and it was completely fine.
I have to say that collared shirts look very professional and very classy -- I had a black suit from Limited and then I bought two collared shirts (lavendar and sky blue) which I alternated between. I also had an aquamarine necklace on a white gold chain that I wore, and one ring, and stud earrings (and I took my tongue ring out).
From what I observed, and it definitely wasn't true in all cases (just a generalization)--the girls that wore their hair all up, especially in a bun, looked more rigid and uptight than the girls that wore their hair down. It kinda gave off that cold, dettached businesswoman look, not the friendly compassionate doctor look. Just do whatever you normally do, be comfortable, and this will show through to adcoms way more than any hairstyle.
 
I think skirts above the knee are okay in some circumstances. I wore one, but I also wore black tights with it, so I think it was appropriate. And I'm talking 2 inches above the knee, that's all.
 
So it's okay to wear shells underneath suits? That's good to know. Aren't collared shirts more professional though? If guys have to wear collared shirts and ties with their suits, why are girls allowed to get away with just shells? Very curious... :)
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Lavndrrose:
•If guys have to wear collared shirts and ties with their suits, why are girls allowed to get away with just shells? Very curious... :) •••••last i checked guys don't have to wear high heels and pantyhose... :p
 
Jewely - did you by any chance interview at WashU and Hopkins (sorry, not to name drop)? There was a girl at both those interviews who had perfect Kirsty Hume (before she cut it) blond hair and I thought she was awesome for wearing it down. So... if that was you ... you're awesome!! :cool:
 
Nope, wasn't lucky enough to get interviews at either of those schools!
 
I have a problem... I am a pretty petite Asian female that can't seem to find any suits that fit right. All the suits that I have tried on are all big, even size 0's. Most of the suits that I have tried on make me look like I am playing dress up with my mother's clothes. Any suggestions on where I can find suits that fit better? :rolleyes:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Soda pop:
•I have a problem... I am a pretty petite Asian female that can't seem to find any suits that fit right. All the suits that I have tried on are all big, even size 0's. Most of the suits that I have tried on make me look like I am playing dress up with my mother's clothes. Any suggestions on where I can find suits that fit better? :rolleyes: •••••I had the same problem as you. I normally wear a size 0 and those suits were huge on me. The only thing I could do was get one and have it taken in everywhere. The alterations ended up costing me $150, but it looks great on me. That's probably going to be your only option. Good luck!
 
KyGrlDr2B
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> $150 for alterations?? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
 
hey foxy,
why don't you get a short wig. that would solve the hair problem and make a long lasting impression on the interviewers. always willing to help,
me
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by Soda pop:
•KyGrlDr2B
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> $150 for alterations?? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> •••••Yes! :( I had the skirt taken in and hemmed (zipper had to be removed then put back in because it was on the side), jacket sleeves hemmed, jacket sides taken in. It was ******ed. I felt like such an idiot. But it looks like I bought it that way so I'm pleased.
 
Soda Pop: Try ann taylor or talbots. They have petite sizes and usually have short-style jackets. They are a little pricey (~$300 for a complete suit) but if you start looking now, maybe you can find one on sale.
 
Also J Crew has a large petite line - basically every suit they have also comes in petite. Check out the store AND the catalog because they have different things. The Wool Gabardine one in the catalog looks super cute!
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by hellokitty:
•Soda Pop: Try ann taylor or talbots. They have petite sizes and usually have short-style jackets. They are a little pricey (~$300 for a complete suit) but if you start looking now, maybe you can find one on sale.•••••I bought my suit at Ann Taylor petites. It looks and feels very nice and the price was $150 so with alterations I ended up paying $300.
 
Thanks for all the info. As soon as I am finished with my finals, I am going to go shopping! :D
 
bump

here's to the new interview season! cheers! :D
 
I usually wear my hair up with one of those toothy clips... or half-up/half-down with a metal/wood barrett. :)
 
bVmp!

l3T chA05 Re1gN!
 
I have very thin, bone-straight, just past the shoulder-length blonde hair. I opted to go the low ponytail route with a low side part and some side swept bangs. My hair looked very professional without getting to secretary about it.

:p
 
I have shoulder length hair (curly but i straighten it for occasions). Anyhow the week before my first interview I went ahead and paid the extra money to go to one of those trendy-expensive salons in town (I usually opt for cheaper cuts at JCPenny haha). She died my hair chocolate brown with cinnamon-lookin highlights and gave me side-swept bangs. I just left it down and curled the ends in like the old jennifer aniston from FRIENDS look. Not that that part matters, but the bangs were new and professional looking to me that I think it boosted my confidence x1000 right before that interview. And funny enough, that was the only school that gave me an acceptance rather than a waitlist or rejection!!

So my advice is to try somethin new that you think will give you the extra confidence to act professional.

OH at another interview, I got lost in the streets of boston during heavy rain. Somehow even though i HAD an umbrella - my hair looked frizzy and completely unstyled by the time i got there...maybe THAT's what bumped me from acceptance to waitlist! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
I have long hair. Normally I wear my hair in ponytail and I don't wear make-up. I am 20 years old and look a little bit younger than that. So, on my interview day, I wore make up to look older and wore my hair down because that would make me look older or atleast 20 years old.
 
Someone earlier in the thread had frizzy, curly long hair and asked about a hair iron. I have the same type of hair and use a Chi, and I've been very pleased with it. I don't have to do it every day, either. I can straighten it and wear it for 3-4 days before I need to style it again. (My hair tends to be dry, so washing it every day isn't an option for me anyway.) I use a smoothing spray while I'm using the iron, because it protects the hair from heat.
.
.
Why not have professional straightening?
1) Most of the time I love my hair the way it is...using the right products to control the frizz, of course, but otherwise leaving those lovely curls. Can't do that once it's permanently straightened.

2) Straightening is expensive!

3) Has to be repeated as new hair grows in.
.
.
I'm not to interviews yet, but I've had other professional job interviews - pants suits and light makeup. I tend to wear my hair down because I'm more comfortable that way and I don't play with it. Two rules with curly hair:
1) Have several styles ready to go the morning of the interview. Your hair will decide what it wants to do, and all you can do is go with the flow.
2) Never, ever touch your hair once it's dry!! (Sort of like never, ever feed the gremlins after midnight with the same scary results if you don't listen. :eek: )
 
I have very long, red hair. I think it's a feature that makes me stand out. So for my interviews, I wore it down. (The color is rather striking against a black or dark green blazer). My hair is also very curly/wavy naturally, but I usually blow-dry it straight. For extra measure, I flat-ironed it with a ceramic iron the morning before my interviews.

If you have long hair and a unique color, I would totally recommend wearing it down. Also, the flat-ironing made it more manageable, and it stayed put (i.e. was not falling in my eyes or in my face). But you have to resist the temptation to constantly run your hands through it, or push it behind your ears, etc. Just let it lie. I also brought a brush with me in my interview bag (a definite "must-have" for those of us with long hair!), so that I could do a touch-up throughout the day as needed. And if it rains...if you are frizz-prone, you may develop problems later on in the day.

But, overall, it was a relatively low-maintenance style. If you wash your hair the night before, put in your straightening product (I swear by Tigi's Bed Head Control Freak serum) and sleep with it in a clip, when you wake up the next morning it'll be partially damp. This totally cuts your drying time by more than half. It took 5-10 mins to dry, and the flat-ironing only took another 5-10...and my hair is down to my mid-back (and it's pretty thick and coarse). You can do it yourself, and I swear it looks like you went to a salon.
 
Doctora Foxy said:
I have long hair and I hate to wear it back in a ponytail, and it's too thin for a bun. How do you chicas wear your hair on interviews?

I found this headband-flexible-comb-thing and if I push it all the way back, my hair's out of my face and down in the back (it's past my shoulders, recently cut, so doesn't look straggly or anything). I like this look better than plastering my hair back into a pony. Is this ok? Someone in the chatroom said it would look too spring breaky like those braids people get.

opiniones, por favor

and how do you wear YOUR hair??? :)

Another question: makeup. I love this stuff and wear eyeliner everyday. I haven't on interviews, and I think I look tired without it. Would it be ok to wear a little?

I want to make a good first impression!
Click to expand...

I have long hair and I always wear it down, which is how I wore it for my interview. And I love makeup too and wore just as much for my interview as I do every day. I think there is no reason you can't be pretty and be a doctor, and since I wore nice, expensive shoes and a nice, expensive suit I figured I looked nice enough even with my long hair and makeup. We are not interviewing to become librarians
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

Z
How do I answer "tell me about yourself?"
Replies
17
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
X
Please someone tell me this is a nonissue
Replies
6
Views
718
Goro
Goro
It’s Over!!!
Interview tells
Replies
17
Views
3K
Reanox24
Reanox24
N
  • Poll
Help me choose! Curious what everyone can tell me about these institutions!
Replies
3
Views
619
DrStephenStrange
DrStephenStrange
DiavoloAlighieri
Older pre-meds (3rd/4th years): What would you tell your 1st/2nd year self?
Replies
16
Views
936
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Top