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Over 30? Over 40? And planning your interview attire to med school. Here are my friendly tips. This is my totally unofficial opinion of what will present the best image. Of course I have interviewed many job applicants, so I feel like I know a little something.
- Look Your Age NOT Your Era! Trendy clothes from today or your hey-day are definite no-nos. Conservative, tasteful, yet up to date is the look of the day. Also, understated sophistication is much better than flash, glitz and trendy looks. And please men, no grandpa pants. Women, don't show up looking like a kindergarten teacher.
- Tone Down the 'Body Talk'. Big boobs? Nice cleavage? Built pecs? Kicking curves? Luscious muscles? Keep it your secret. Wear clothes to minimize your bumps or brawn. ( side note: I know men in the business world who will NOT hire a sexy girl specifically because they don't want problems with their wives.)
- Camouflage the Rolls. Not looking so svelte these days? Ideally you will get in shape so that you will come across as strong, healthy and capable of enduring an intense residency, instead of old, tiring and not so healthy. Also try to choose clothes that flatter your body with smooth lines and draping fabric. Tailored suits are great for making a not so hot physique look a little more dashing.
- Say No To Skirts/Dresses. I know that some people believe that women look more formal in a skirt suite. I disagree. I feel that women are better off wearing a pant suit. Why? Minimize panty hose issues... easier to wear sensible shoes that look good with your clothes... look stronger and less girly.... no worries about crotch shots.... no worries about baring too much leg.....
- Go Fragrance Free. The only scent you should be wearing is deodorant. Otherwise you run the risk of offending someone. Personally I dislike all perfume and cologne, and I'm sure that others feel that way to. Some folks are allergic as well.
- Get a Manicure (YES, guys too). No need to pay for a manicure. You can do it yourself. Trim and file nails. Clean under nail. Paint with clear polish. That's it. Do not wear bright red, candy apple green or any other color that might be seen as tacky, juvenile, weird or obnoxious. Oh, and please, no nail art or nail jewelry! Also big long dragon nails are a bad idea. Finally DO NOT try to spiff yourself up with cheap press on nails.
- Put Your Best Foot Forward. Shoes should be clean, polished, free of any scuffs/tears, and of course comfortable. Ladies, I know some folks love the new 4 inch skinny heels, but they will look frivolous as heck at an interview. Wear 'sensible' shoes from a decent maker. No cheap plastic Target or Payless shoes. Don't borrow Grandma's orthodics either.
- Remove Piercings. Remove all piercings except one pair of earrings (ladies only). Earrings should be small and tasteful - pearls, diamond studs, small gold/silver hoops. Please no dangling earrings or mambo bead type things. And definitely NO GAUGES! I live in Native lands where all the girls wear beautiful Navajo or Hopi costumes at high school graduation. I think if one has jewelry from their culture and the wants to show cultural pride, there is nothing wrong with doing so at an interview in a tasteful and subdued manner.
- Other Jewelery. Keep jewelery to a minimum. Showing up with rings on every hand and 3 pounds of bracelets is ill advised. Stick to a pair of earrings, one or two rings and maybe a necklace. Avoid potentially offensive jewelry such as skulls, drug related jewelry or religious symbols. I wear a beautifully hand crafted Zuni cross, but I will not wear it on interview day as I do not want to risk offending someone of another faith.
- Hair Today. It goes without saying that your hair should be clean and well groomed. I also think it should be soft and natural - don't get carried away with hairspray or gel. According to beauty experts, soft, straight hair makes a woman look younger than wavy or curly hair.I have long brown hair. My husband always advises me to wear it back at interviews so that I look more 'serious'. Also I don't think it's a good idea to show up in some extreme haircut, like for example the severe inverted bob, the lopsided bob, the mohawk, shaved patterns in head, 'big' hair, overly died or streaked hair, odd hair colors, etc. If you are still sporting a mullet, bilevel, 70s feathers or any other oudated due, it's time to update! Also, ladies, it's a bad idea to get a haircut the day before your interview. Give yourself at least a week to get used to a new haircut before going to an important interview. I don't think this is an issue for guys.
- Make Down not Up. I think a good look is a light dusting of powder, a little highlight on the cheekbone, very light bronze dusting for 'blush', groomed brows, neutral lip color, black/brown mascara on upper lashes only. The look of the day is fresh and healthy...period. No other look will work. Avoid foundation, heavy face powder, dark eyeliner, and dark or colorful eyeshadow. According to experts foundation, lower lid eyeliner, lower lid mascara and strong lip color age a woman.
- Tattoos. If at all possible make your tattoos disappear by covering them with clothing. This is not the time to be 'cool' or show how artsy you are.
- Wear it Well. Clothes that wear well are best. That means clothes that tend not to wrinkle or stain. That means no white, and no easily wrinkled cottons. Also don't wear anything too tight. You might regret it toward the end of the day when your belly starts to swell from gas or nerves.
- Comfy, Natural Eyes. If you normally wear glasses, wear them. This is not the day to try your new contact lenses. If you don't normally wear glasses, don't wear your glasses today just 'cause you are trying to look smart. Oh, and please do not wear colored contacts. No matter how good you think they look, to many people they are strange and silly looking.
- Comfy Undies. Comfortable, loose fitting, cotton undies. No banana hammocks, butt huggers that cut circulation, crotch climbers that invade the motherland, or synthetic fabrics that encourage crotch sweat.
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