to tie or not to tie

[brandonite]

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This is a completely insignificant thread, for those of you who are wondering...

Basically, I can't stand wearing a tie - not my style, and I just don't like the feel. Have any of the guys here gone to an interview without a tie? Just a jacket and dress shirt? I've got a couple interviews coming up, and I've never really thought about this question before... LOL

 

[kutastha]

Wear a tie.

 

[katiep]

In my opinion, definitely wear a tie. Medical schools are still very conservative, and I think they want to see somebody who knows how to act appropriately.

Plus, almost every physician I've seen in a hospital or private office has worn a tie. So you should get used to it!

Unless you just don't care. But then, don't go to the interview.

(Actually, I had the same conversation with a friend who had an interview in the banking sector. He refused to wear one, but I admonished him to do so for the same reasons as above. He still didn't wear the tie, got the job, and has been there for almost ten years. So perhaps you should ignore this whole post!)

 

[Original]

please definitely wear a tie. we need you at Duke in the fall man! :wink:

 

[THE instiGATOR]

Only 1 person out of many at my interviews had the balls to go without a tie. I couldn't stop looking at him and saying, "What the...!?!?!"

Wear the tie.

 

[lady in red]

WEAR A TIE!!!!!!!!!!
not wearing a tie for a guy is like for a girl to show up in a mini-dress, in other words--those old doctors esp. at Duke are conservative as hell, so you need to conform! 🙂

 

[Legend]

Wear it !!

That's not even a Canadian style ! 😀

 

[brandonite]

All right, all right... 😀 I was forced to wear one for a scholarship interview last fall, but other than that, I've been able to avoid them for years now... But I'll bring the suit out of the back of the closet.

Grumble, grumble.

You'd think that med schools would be a little more open minded, wouldn't you?

Actually, I think the only suit I have is a very dark green one - should I go out and buy a black suit??

 

[Jalby]

I didn't wear one to my Tulane interview, and I interviewed with the dean of admissions. he told me to WEAR A TIE. I baught two the next day.

 

[locitamd]

Hey Brandonite,

You know we've all been in this together for a long time now, so please know that we're looking out for you. In this situation, you really must, must wear a tie. This isn't like the guy who asked whether or not to wear glasses to the interview. If you're nervous that you won't be comfortable the day of the interview, practice wearing a tie around your apartment for a few days, just to ease into it (so that you're not fidgeting with it throughout the whole day). Others have said that Duke is conservative, and I think they might be understating it.

Now, regarding your green suit. If it is very dark, then it might work - and you'll make a good impression by not going with the standard navy or pinstripe. If however, it is a lighter green, or it's more than a few years old, then it might be worth the investment to go out and buy yourself a new, sharp one. I'm not one with money to burn, but if you think about the cost with respect to how much you'll eventually borrow to go to Duke, the cost of a new suit is nothing in comparison - and as I said before, it'll be an investment in your future.

Besides, when you get dressed the morning of the interview, either in your green suit and tie, or a new suit, you'll feel really sharp - and therefore really confident. It'll come through in your interview and it'll all be worth it.

Oh, and one other thing. Make sure you've got a pair of shoes that match that spiffy outfit. They don't have to be new, but make sure they're not worn out.

We're all routing for you - knock 'em dead.

 

[Original]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by brandonite:
•
Actually, I think the only suit I have is a very dark green one - should I go out and buy a black suit??•••••Green is fine. I wore an olive green suit to all my interviews except for WashU. I got to St Louis and discovered that I had tossed my black suit into my bag along with a green shirt. I ended up looking like a Nigerian version of Austin Powers. But heck! I guess they were digging my style anyhow. Yeah baby! Yeah; groovy!
<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[PMPMD]

Everyone at the 5 interviews I went to had dark blue, dark grey, or black suits. I have a dark blue suit, and I was in the minority compared to those in grey and black. If you feel comfortable in green, then go for it, it's your call. They might appreciate a little originality. The only problem I could see is if you had a really conservative interviewer. However, as long as you dress professionally, I don't think it would matter too much.

 

[WaitingImpatiently]

At one of my interviews, there was a guy that wore a navy sportcoat/blazer and khakis. He did wear a tie, but overall, he looked REALLY preppy. Does that fly during interviews?

 

[El Jefe]

I've see that mismatched sportscoat/slacks look at all of my interviews, usually on Stanford students 🙂 .

 

[WaitingImpatiently]

Jefe--

The guy I mentioned was from Stanford! LOL!

 

[brandonite]

Thanks for the help, everybody.

I'll maybe slip over to the mall and see what I can find for a black suit... I really want my interview at Duke to go well, and if that means not standing out in a crowd, I suppose I can handle that... 😀 Maybe I can pick one up on sale. And I suppose, if I'm going to be a doctor, having a couple of suits is probably going to be pretty useful.

 

[souljah1]

I haven't seen any of the sport blazer guys yet! Maybe b/c I didn't interview at Stanford. All of my interviews proved to me that the fellahs usually wear black/navy blue/charcoal grey and sometimes a lighter grey. I haven't seen an olive green/dark green suit on an interview yet. That could fly. While I think it is very important that you wear a tie, I think it is less important when it comes to what color your suit it (yes, of course there are some absolute no nos).

If your greeen suit is worn our or doesn't fit, go get a new one. Macy's and Lord and Taylor's both have excellent deals on some really nice suits. I bought a DKNY black wool suit for a really good price. At first I didn't want to spend any money on a suit, but I am glad I did. I feel really good on my interviews. Wish you the best of luck.

 

[omores]

You know, I asked my advisory dean about the interview "dress code", since he does many of the student interviews here at Duke. He said that he found the whole suit-and-tie, dress-like-a-banker thing silly. Interviewees are the only people wandering around the med center in suits, and they look so conspicuous and uncomfortable...

That said, it's still what everybody does, and tielessness will end up looking even more conspicuous in the context of an interview. But although you definitely want to look as professional as possible, that doesn't necessarily mean looking as traditional as possible.

Best-dressed interviewee I've seen wore a suit, shirt and tie that were all in varying shades of sage green (dark suit, light shirt, medium tie.) He looked completely professional and classy, but stood out from the other interviewees. And that's what the whole application process is about, isn't it?

 

[Kadyra]

I can't stand looking exactly like everyone else, but I don't like standing out too much. There is a very fine line to walk there. I wore a dark, dark brown suit (jacket and skirt combo) that looks black unless you're standing next to someone in a black suit. I love it, and I got a couple compliments on it from female interviewers. So brandonite, if you like fitting in but not being a clone, I'd go with the green suit. The guys I remember from my interviews all had something unique about what they were wearing. Of course, my impression is not what's important, but this might also be the case when adcoms are trying to recall you later.

There was a guy at an interview I went on who was wearing a light blue Gap shirt and khakis. I could not help but stare at him among all the guys in their black and navy suits. It turns out, he was someone's guest. If he had been there to interview, I can't imagine how uncomfortable he must have been.

 

[u2sara]

Brandonite-
I'm not applying (my boyfriend is) but I can tell you that you can find a great suit at the Men's Warehouse store (I'd definitely say go with blue or dark grey pinstripe). My mom just bought my brother one there and they alter it in two days. Plus, just for a bit of useful information-- don't get a double breasted suit, you can't unbutton it and it looks weird when you sit down with all the buttons on your jacket buttoned up.

IF you are going to make the investment in a nice suit make sure that you HAVE to get the pants altered-- because that way you know it's going to be the right fit for you. If the jacket is a little long in the cuff or whatever, people aren't going to notice as much as a pair of highwater pants, you know??

Finally, one last thing, Brooks Brothers has a GREAT and HUGE selection of ties. Most are conservative, yes, but you can pick something a little more daring there that won't weird out the dukies. I'd suggest staying as far away from SKY BLUE ties as possible (let's just say I have a lot of inside information about Duke :wink: ).

Good Luck! 😀

 

[edmadison]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by brandonite:
•Thanks for the help, everybody.

I'll maybe slip over to the mall and see what I can find for a black suit... I really want my interview at Duke to go well, and if that means not standing out in a crowd, I suppose I can handle that... 😀 Maybe I can pick one up on sale. And I suppose, if I'm going to be a doctor, having a couple of suits is probably going to be pretty useful.•••••Dont buy a black suit, then you will be limited in wearing it again (E.g. its considered in very poor taste to wear a black suit to an afternoon wedding). Get a nice dark grey or navy blue suit. Give JoS Banks a try, their suits a great and not too expensive.

Ed

 

[kutastha]

These threads always amaze me at the na?vete about dressing professionally. As the post above this one states, a black suit is usually only reserved for funerals and maybe weddings. It's a little too much. A dark grey suit will do wonders - and for god's sake don't wear a green suit. You're applying for a professional position that will require you dress appropriately. This is not the time to make a statement or dress in what makes you feel most comfortable. You can hang out in your T-shirt and boxers when you get home, but when presenting yourself as a professional, you need to look like one. The clothes should be invisible to your interviewer. If anything you should try to look your best - it creates a wonderful first impression.

 

[none]

Perhaps you could wear a nice matching bow-tie? I've certainly had interviewers with them and it might make you stand-out.

 

[Diogenes]

The bow-tie poster is messing with you.

Look, you DON'T have to wear black or navy suits. But do dress professionally. An olive green suit is okay. A lime green suit is not okay. You could wear a black, navy, or grey suit. You could also wear a navy sport coat with tan slacks, despite the "preppy" remarks made above. Just dress respetfully and neatly. Don't draw too much attention to your clothes, but this does not mean you have to dress EXACTLY like everyone else.

But you DO have to wear a tie. Get used to it.

 

[oldman]

The basic idea is to wear boring colors. You want them to remember what you say and not what you wear (though it might stick in their minds more if you are wearing Austin Powers style clothing)

 

[warpath]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Original:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by brandonite:
•
Actually, I think the only suit I have is a very dark green one - should I go out and buy a black suit??•••••Green is fine. I wore an olive green suit to all my interviews except for WashU. I got to St Louis and discovered that I had tossed my black suit into my bag along with a green shirt. I ended up looking like a Nigerian version of Austin Powers. But heck! I guess they were digging my style anyhow. Yeah baby! Yeah; groovy!
<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> •••••Original man, you crack me up. I'm just imagining what a Nigerian version of Austin Powers will look like <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[warpath]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by katiep:
•
Plus, almost every physician I've seen in a hospital or private office has worn a tie. So you should get used to it!
•••••On the contrary, most physicians I've seen don't wear ties. They wear business casual (and I'm talking very casual. Then again, most physicians I know are in orthopedics, emergency, or sports medicine feild. And don't forget residents. Most of the ones I've seen don't wear ties. 🙂

 

[wolferman]

You could always wear a clip-on tie if you're concerned about the constricting feeling around your neck. Just make sure you get one that doesn't LOOK like a clip-on. You don't want the adcom thinking you wore it because you weren't able to wear a regular one. 😛

 

[Diogenes]

unfortunately, you just need to get over it and wear a tie, even if you don't like it. If you REALLY feel constricted by wearing a tie, maybe you ought to be wearing a shirt with a slightly larger neck size.

 

[lamyers1]

Although I'm originally from the North, I have to say that while I do not know how the schools are up there, I must disagree, do not ever, ever wear khakis and a blazer to a Southern school.

 

[altaskier]

Dude, wear a tie. It won't kill ya.

 

[racergirl]

Anyone else notice the double-standard? Despite rumors to the contrary, us girls can wear skirts or pants. We have to look professional, but we have a lot of options. But guys, yeah, you gotta wear a tie still. The olive suit is fine though, as long as it's pretty dark olive. Just make sure it fits you well--I say a lot of ill-fitting numbers on the interview trail this year!

You just have to dress "respectfully", showing that this interview means a lot to you and you dressed accordingly. Don't get whipped up into a frenzy or anything. I know it sounds impossible, but you CAN be comfortable in a suit. If the one you have (the olive one) is uncomfortable, it probably just doesn't fit right. Spring for a new one that fits.

Yes you have to wear a suit (pretty much), but above all you must be comfortable--squirming and tugging all day sucks...

 

[brandonite]

Well, I've gotten the idea... 😀

I'll definitely wear the suit. I'll see if I can find something that's not too expensive this weekend. If not, I'll wear the green one. I'm sure the green one would be fine, I just don't really like it, and I probably should own more than one suit. And thanks for the tip about avoiding black suits - I wasn't really aware of that.

Thanks to all those who've suggested places to buy suits... I do have a pile of casual dress clothes from J. Crew and places like that, but suits are not something your typical physics student needs on a regular basis... 😀

Anyway, thanks again!

 

[lady in red]

Hey--i know you have blonde hair, so wear grey! Either that or navy blue, but no black! Also, you probably know it--get a brief case or a leather folder to keep your hands busy. I don't know about green, I haven't seen a guy wear anything but those 3 'magical colors' at interviews. I'd say, better to be safe...