Proper inteview attire?

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Well I would assume business attire. Possibly Suit and tie
 
Polk said:
There are several threads, from 04-09, about this. But, these days, what do you intend on wearing to your interview?
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These days? Because apparently something from seven years ago in 2004 isn't going to fly today. It's not like those threads are from the 70s. Just wear nice clothes, something you would wear to a job interview. Guys = suit and tie. Girls = slacks and shirt.
 
You really think business attire has changed that much since 2004/2009? It's not like they were cavepeople back then.
 
I just wrote an article on this "Interview: Dressing for the Occasion". Here is a small excerpt.

"What do men generally wear to the interview?
The large majority of men are wearing suits to their interviews. It seems like occasionally you will see someone with a nice pair of slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie but if you want to look like you are at the top of your game then wear a suit. It doesn't really matter what color the suit is (within reasonable limits of course). If you want to make it easy on yourself find a dark navy blue, or black suite. Other colors such as different shades of brown, blue, charcoal, and greens are also acceptable."
 
what are you ladies wearing?
I've bought my suit but I don't know what to wear on the inside.
I have my first interview in 2 weeks. Please help 🙁
 
sumoberrylu said:
what are you ladies wearing?
I've bought my suit but I don't know what to wear on the inside.
I have my first interview in 2 weeks. Please help 🙁
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If it's a black suit, then anything button up shirt on the inside would work. White, light blue, etc.

Nice and simple:

u17785087.jpg
 
for a man, suit and tie and/or blazer jacket and tie. (anything less and your going to stand out ~ in a bad way).

However you can be creative and still look good.... Like you can wear some a vibrant (aka strange) color shirt as long as it matches the overall suit. In my Temple interview, we had this guy, bright green shirt (almost like a highlighter green) with a blazer jacket, he actually rocked that look.... wish I woulda thought of that.
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c[/YOUTUBE]

dress like a boss

btw, i've talked to multiple students at ucsf and uop (for those interested), they hate it when ppl where black. To them, everyone wears black, like they're going to a funeral lol. Those aren't my words btw. But yeah, wear something professional and not all black. my .02
 
I doubt a black suit is the kiss of death. Cartoon character ties, sneakers with a suit (I have seen it!!), and other such folly...that would be the kiss of death.
 
dantemac said:
I doubt a black suit is the kiss of death. Cartoon character ties, sneakers with a suit (I have seen it!!), and other such folly...that would be the kiss of death.
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Cartoon character ties? C'mon that's hilarious! How can you say no to the piano neck tie???
 
Yes, styles do changes a little over the year when referring to business attire, but for the most part the basic concept of dressing in business attire has not changed. So, when interviewing for a job or getting into dental school, threads from 2004 through 2009 will offer you the same advice as you would be given today.
 
a2ndragoon89 said:
[YOUTUBE]NisCkxU544c[/YOUTUBE]

dress like a boss

btw, i've talked to multiple students at ucsf and uop (for those interested), they hate it when ppl where black. To them, everyone wears black, like they're going to a funeral lol. Those aren't my words btw. But yeah, wear something professional and not all black. my .02
Click to expand...


One of the biggest public misconceptions is that black suits = formal interview attire...

Black suits are for funerals and black tie events.
 
dantemac said:
I doubt a black suit is the kiss of death. Cartoon character ties, sneakers with a suit (I have seen it!!), and other such folly...that would be the kiss of death.
Click to expand...

lol unique is not always good hahah. I normally wear like a dark purple color with a purple tie. my buddy wore black n yellow once and his interviewer's cell phone rang with "black n yellow" by khalifa lol. that was awesome. he got in of course 😎
 
JOoa0ky said:
One of the biggest public misconceptions is that black suits = formal interview attire...

Black suits are for funerals and black tie events.
Click to expand...

That's funny because at my last couple interviews, EVERYONE wore a black suit. Guess no one must have gotten in........

They're used to it by now. Everyone pretty much wears black unless you want to stand out. But standing out isn't always a good thing.

If you have a good personality, a black suit isn't going to make or break you.
 
AwesomeTeeth said:
That's funny because at my last couple interviews, EVERYONE wore a black suit. Guess no one must have gotten in........

They're used to it by now. Everyone pretty much wears black unless you want to stand out. But standing out isn't always a good thing.

If you have a good personality, a black suit isn't going to make or break you.
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I never said that you'll get rejected for it 😉 but to reiterate my point, one of the BIGGEST public misconceptions is that black suits = formal.

Outlandish colored suits are just way too tacky and should not be used for interviews...
 
a2ndragoon89 said:
lol unique is not always good hahah. I normally wear like a dark purple color with a purple tie. my buddy wore black n yellow once and his interviewer's cell phone rang with "black n yellow" by khalifa lol. that was awesome. he got in of course 😎
Click to expand...

lmao haha that is hilarious!
 
I realize its nearing the end of summer and SDN in lull period where everyone is waiting but honestly your choice of attire unless it is ridiculous like showing up dressed like a pimp or something along those line won't make or break you.

use basic common sense. sneakers, no. Dress shoes yes. It isn't a fashion contest and they won't be like OMG this guy/girl is wore those shoes with that? -10!

For guys if you're really bad, find a girl. I'm sure have a friend who's a girl who can help you out. Sister/cousin will do too. Drag them to the mall and ask them to help you out. Buy them lunch for helping you out. the girls that work @ the mall probably not a good idea as there is a possibility they get commission and will tell you anything. But if said girl is hot, come back next day after you getting help from some else and hit on her. 😀 Just keep the receipt and return things when she isn't working.

You can also use such an opportunity to work over the girl you bring if you want her. You are already at a mall, let her drag you from store to store, try asking her to model things for you.

There is no need to get a custom tailored suit unless you're really short or really tall that you can't buy off the rack have minor adjustments made. while I realize many of you have limited funds, it has to fit you. If you're a 40R, don't get a 42 on the account of it being cheaper.
 
herkulease said:
There is no need to get a custom tailored suit unless you're really short or really tall that you can't buy off the rack have minor adjustments made. while I realize many of you have limited funds, it has to fit you. If you're a 40R, don't get a 42 on the account of it being cheaper.
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No no no. Fit is everything. Even if you let the in-house tailor at Joseph Banks or Mens Warehouse make alterations, do it. Anyone can spot improper fit.
 
dantemac said:
No no no. Fit is everything. Even if you let the in-house tailor at Joseph Banks or Mens Warehouse make alterations, do it. Anyone can spot improper fit.
Click to expand...

I think you misread what I wrote. I agree it has to fit you. As i said if you're a 40R don't go for 42 on the account of it being cheaper.

I'm talking about completely custom tailored suits, where you pick out the fabric yourself that sort. Only the extreme cases like you're super short or super tall will you need to visit those shops.
 
herkulease said:
There is no need to get a custom tailored suit unless you're really short or really tall that you can't buy off the rack have minor adjustments made. while I realize many of you have limited funds, it has to fit you. If you're a 40R, don't get a 42 on the account of it being cheaper.
Click to expand...

This is good stuff here. Just be clean, conservative, and professional and use a little common sense when dressing for the interview. It's all about how you present yourself. If your confident and comfortable, no one is going to care that you're wearing a $79 100% polyester plain black suit. Pay a few bucks to have it tailored.

If you've never had the privilege of sporting a tie for 40+ hours a week, perhaps some dry runs around the house would do you well. A suit is hardly comfort-ware, but just a little familiarity with it all would be beneficial. I've been to some pre-dent functions at dental schools where nicer dress was required/expected and it's sometimes obvious when someone is just uncomfortable....like they've never had a necktie on in their life. You just want your brain focused on the interview that day...not wondering why the pockets are sewn shut on your suit. Try to loose the collar-tugging and coat-button-fidgeting before the big day goes down.
 
herkulease said:
I think you misread what I wrote. I agree it has to fit you. As i said if you're a 40R don't go for 42 on the account of it being cheaper.

I'm talking about completely custom tailored suits, where you pick out the fabric yourself that sort. Only the extreme cases like you're super short or super tall will you need to visit those shops.
Click to expand...

BUT, if you have a little time and really want a custom suit, there are some great tailors in Singapore who you can send your measurements to and get back a nicely tailored suit that you cannot tell isn't high end - even have the labels of big name designers. I had a couple done the last time I was in Singapore. I will get them again. You spend $200-300 for a suit that looks like it cost >$1,000. Just a thought for those who don't have a lot of money, but want the money look.
 
jeffity said:
This is good stuff here. Just be clean, conservative, and professional and use a little common sense when dressing for the interview. It's all about how you present yourself. If your confident and comfortable, no one is going to care that you're wearing a $79 100% polyester plain black suit. Pay a few bucks to have it tailored.

If you've never had the privilege of sporting a tie for 40+ hours a week, perhaps some dry runs around the house would do you well. A suit is hardly comfort-ware, but just a little familiarity with it all would be beneficial. I've been to some pre-dent functions at dental schools where nicer dress was required/expected and it's sometimes obvious when someone is just uncomfortable....like they've never had a necktie on in their life. You just want your brain focused on the interview that day...not wondering why the pockets are sewn shut on your suit. Try to loose the collar-tugging and coat-button-fidgeting before the big day goes down.
Click to expand...

haha I remember as I child I was like WTH, this thing only has an inside pocket. I thought they had sewn it shut so I can't sneak toys in.
 
NAVY DDS 2010 said:
BUT, if you have a little time and really want a custom suit, there are some great tailors in Singapore who you can send your measurements to and get back a nicely tailored suit that you cannot tell isn't high end - even have the labels of big name designers. I had a couple done the last time I was in Singapore. I will get them again. You spend $200-300 for a suit that looks like it cost >$1,000. Just a thought for those who don't have a lot of money, but want the money look.
Click to expand...

Oh I know exactly what you're talking about. I had some made when I was in hong kong a few years ago. But I figure most applicants don't have a few grand to spend and fly to Southeast Asia to have those things done.
 
ALSO, Be sure to iron your shirt! I don't know how many people I interviewed with that looked sloppy because they didn't iron their shirt and it looked like they stuffed their suit in their luggage. I didn't run into that many but their seemed to be a small handful.

In addition, there were more men who came to the interview with sloppy hair. Looks like they woke up 10 minutes before the interview (which I am sure some do 🙂). It was not them going for any type of "look" it just appeared to be lazy/didn't care.

You can leave a good impression without $500 suit if you just do some of the little things.👍
 
herkulease said:
Oh I know exactly what you're talking about. I had some made when I was in hong kong a few years ago. But I figure most applicants don't have a few grand to spend and fly to Southeast Asia to have those things done.
Click to expand...

You don't even need to fly there. You can e-mail them. I know a couple people who have e-mailed them to get new suits since we got ours during my last deployment. They good about working with foreigners. That is how they make their living.
 
I usually sport a little scruff but I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for an interview.

What are the thoughts on facial hair?
 
Double Bonded said:
I usually sport a little scruff but I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for an interview.

What are the thoughts on facial hair?
Click to expand...

Probably clean shaven would be best. But it depends on who it is and how you wear it. I feel that much older say late 40s early 50s individual can sport a well groomed beard and look fine. Younger people maybe not.

But definitely no on any Brian Wilson fear the beard

if you don't know who he is
s-OBAMA-BRIAN-WILSON-BEARD-large.jpg
 
I usually sport a bed head look in the morning. Should I comb my hair for the interview? 🙄
 
i go to ross :]. I'm not that rich to afford an expensive suit. just slacks, a tie, and a dress shirt, and a nice coat.
 
I never bought a suit for myself before. Do you mind sharing what are some good stores to find women suits? I surely want to try some on before buying.

Anything that I should look for or avoid when shopping for a suit? Thanks!
 
herkulease said:
I realize its nearing the end of summer and SDN in lull period where everyone is waiting but honestly your choice of attire unless it is ridiculous like showing up dressed like a pimp or something along those line won't make or break you.

use basic common sense. sneakers, no. Dress shoes yes. It isn't a fashion contest and they won't be like OMG this guy/girl is wore those shoes with that? -10!

For guys if you're really bad, find a girl. I'm sure have a friend who's a girl who can help you out. Sister/cousin will do too. Drag them to the mall and ask them to help you out. Buy them lunch for helping you out. the girls that work @ the mall probably not a good idea as there is a possibility they get commission and will tell you anything. But if said girl is hot, come back next day after you getting help from some else and hit on her. 😀 Just keep the receipt and return things when she isn't working.

You can also use such an opportunity to work over the girl you bring if you want her. You are already at a mall, let her drag you from store to store, try asking her to model things for you.

There is no need to get a custom tailored suit unless you're really short or really tall that you can't buy off the rack have minor adjustments made. while I realize many of you have limited funds, it has to fit you. If you're a 40R, don't get a 42 on the account of it being cheaper.
Click to expand...


For some damn reason I've found that women can dress themselves but are semi clueless when they need to dress their man. They can make you look 50% better but not 100% your best.

Also for haircutting... I typically find that gay guys give me better haircuts than women.
 
Philippines03j said:
ALSO, Be sure to iron your shirt! I don't know how many people I interviewed with that looked sloppy because they didn't iron their shirt and it looked like they stuffed their suit in their luggage. I didn't run into that many but their seemed to be a small handful.
Click to expand...

Sounds like something my boyfriend will do for his med school interviews. -_-

Anyone know about what limitations ladies have on undershirts? Does it have to have a collar? Does is have to be solid print?

🙂
 
seattlesun said:
I never bought a suit for myself before. Do you mind sharing what are some good stores to find women suits? I surely want to try some on before buying.

Anything that I should look for or avoid when shopping for a suit? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Banana Republic. They're everywhere so it shouldn't be too hard to find. Or Macy's works too. You could just copy a mannequin wearing a women's suit if you want. Just walk around a mall and look in the windows at women's suits.

OCDFlosser said:
Anyone know about what limitations ladies have on undershirts? Does it have to have a collar? Does is have to be solid print?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure no school has a limitation on what you can wear to an interview. They trust your judgment and how you should know its business attire. As long as your boobs aren't hanging out in a leopard print undershirt, I think anything you wear underneath is fine. Solids tend to be better then patterns but it's up to you. Collars are also more popular but you can honestly wear whatever you want as long as it looks like something you would wear to an office.
 
I'm wearing a suit... most likely a skirt suit even though I'm short... 🙂 but it's so hard to find comfortable shoes that match!! especially size 5 or 5.5 pumps!! 😡 😀
 
Last edited:
NguyenDDS said:
I'm wearing a suit... most likely a skirt suit even though I'm short... 🙂 but it's so hard to find comfortable shoes that match!! especially size 5 or 5.5 pumps!! 😡 😀
Click to expand...
i just got comfy shoes for the interview from ross store. small heel, black comfy dressy shoes. oh and they were size 5 1/2 🙂
 
JOoa0ky said:
Looks trendy.

In my opinion... I think cropped sleeves kind of make it less formal?

Its more acceptable for officewear rather than a formal interview. Then again its not GQ at dental schools... so who knows?
Click to expand...

I thought the same.. btw, look at the price tag! 😱
 
JOoa0ky said:
That's chump change man! Think about it.

Seattlesun will get 15 interviews... and if you divide the cost of the suit per interview... it'll be under 15$ per interview!
Click to expand...

I didn't buy anything yet, I was just window shopping for the moment. Dreamerndoer, how much did you pay for your suit?

JOoa0ky, thanks for the wishes for 15 interviews. Wishing you the same! :luck:
 
seattlesun said:
I didn't buy anything yet, I was just window shopping for the moment. Dreamerndoer, how much did you pay for your suit?

JOoa0ky, thanks for the wishes for 15 interviews. Wishing you the same! :luck:
Click to expand...

A little less than $100.. bought it on sale last year :laugh:
 
Invest in a nice suit, with tie and shoes. Never hurt to look sharp in an interview. Sale at Saks going on now anyway. Look like a winner, act like a winner.
 
As for dress shirts, does anyone have suggestion? I went to Macy's to look at them to try and find fitted/modern fit dress shirts because I'm pretty thin. A lot of the shirts are very baggy even though they are fitted. I found Van Heusen's shirt to fit nicely. I think the best fitted shirts are from Express even though they wrinkle terribly. Does anyone know if it's customary to tailor the sleeve length? It's a little long and I'm not sure how involved of a process it is to shorten the sleeves or how much. Thanks.
 
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