What Not to Wear/Take to an Interview

[efex101]

Okay I thought this would be fun. It has to be SEEN by you at one of your interviews and it looks crappy:

1. Ladies not quilted multicolored bags with a suit
2. Gents do not mix and match your suit top with another suit pants that is not even closely related to the suit coat.
3. Ladies/Gents please try to wear a suit it looks much more professional and it does not have to be boring or black or blue.
4. Looked groomed.

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[mattorama]

Originally posted by efex101
Okay I thought this would be fun. It has to be SEEN by you at one of your interviews and it looks crappy:

1. Ladies not quilted multicolored bags with a suit
2. Gents do not mix and match your suit top with another suit pants that is not even closely related to the suit coat.
3. Ladies/Gents please try to wear a suit it looks much more professional and it does not have to be boring or black or blue.
4. Looked groomed.

Whoops, I guess I broke rule number 2. I wore a dark sports jacket (not quite solid dark gray...had lighter threads woven in...hard to describe) with a black shirt, black pants, and a dark tie. It looked v. sharp though and I think I was the only guy there who wasn't wearing an all black suit with a white or dark blue shirt (boooorring....). I swear, I have never seen so many people all dressed the same. You can have style and still be "professional" (a BS word in my opinion...) without looking like everyone else! Both of my interviewers were even wearing something of similar taste to mine. Heck, one didn't even have a tie (but looked very sharp)! Must not have been too bad of an idea on my part.

 

[matthew45]

Black or blue suits with traditional colored shirts will never be "boring." When you are trying to look professional, the word "boring" does not even apply. I personally would not want more than a tiny fraction of the impression I make on AdComms to be sartorial.

 

[uclacrewdude]

Take extra copies of your AMCAS application too. Sometimes on open interviews they might not have seen your actual app yet ... besides, reviewing it prior to interview on the plane will help you keep your answers consistent and remind you of your strong points and your weak points.

 

[uclacrewdude]

Also, bring a good, friendly attitude, for multiple reasons:
*keeps you loose and prevents you from worrying about your *interview until its time to take it
*get advice about interviews at other schools
*separates you from other interviewees who don't have the person-person skills to make a good doctor anyway, and the interviewers may see this ... and extend this to the admissions office staff as well
*some people are just plain interesting

 

[TexasRose]

Don't wear

1- a sour expression on your face that makes you look like you sucked on a lemon before walking in the room!

2-the short skirt and killer heels that say "will ____ for acceptance"

3-Guys, a suit that is obviously too big. Makes you look like a kid wearing his daddy's clothes!

 

[Tezzie]

Originally posted by mattorama
Whoops, I guess I broke rule number 2. I wore a dark sports jacket (not quite solid dark gray...had lighter threads woven in...hard to describe) with a black shirt, black pants, and a dark tie. It looked v. sharp though and I think I was the only guy there who wasn't wearing an all black suit with a white or dark blue shirt (boooorring....).

I think that the all black thing on guys looks horrible unless you are having late dinner in Manhattan. During the day time (still fall, nice sun and weather) try to avoid wearing black shirt/black pants.

 

[DOtobe]

Two things not to do:

1. Wear jeans

2. Bring your mommy and daddy with you

(I saw both of these things when some prospective students were interviewing at LECOM last year )

 

[mattorama]

Originally posted by Tezzie
I think that the all black thing on guys looks horrible unless you are having late dinner in Manhattan. During the day time (still fall, nice sun and weather) try to avoid wearing black shirt/black pants.

I was actually initially a little hesitant about things even though I thought it looked good (I already had the jacekt and pants and needed a dress shirt...I had worn it with other shirts for less formal affairs), but everyone at the suit store I went to agreed that it looked sharp and was appropriate for a med school interview. The jacket is light enough in color to keep things from being too dark. I still say it is better then the standard black suit/dark blue shirt. Hopefully I find out October 15th if my interviwers liked it or not!

 

[efex101]

Keep your cell phones OFF, someone's cell phone started ringing during an interview session and then about two other folks had to reach into their bag to also turn their cell phones off duh. Make sure it is off in the first place sometimes I do wonder....

 

[Robz]

Originally posted by efex101
Keep your cell phones OFF, someone's cell phone started ringing during an interview session and then about two other folks had to reach into their bag to also turn their cell phones off duh. Make sure it is off in the first place sometimes I do wonder....

Maybe its just me. But I think an interview is the ONE time that you can do without your cell phone. Leave it in the car or in your luggage. The most imporant people in your life know your unavailable for that day and if there is an emergency they know where you are and/or then go grab your cell phone.

 

[efex101]

Yeah no kidding....

 

[matthew45]

At my most recent interview I saw the following things to avoid...

1. Guy in a great suit, good tie, well groomed. But he was wearing brown leather heeless slip on shoes, like to wear with jeans and a similarly casual belt (one of those two pronged things). It looked terrible.
2. Guy in a shirt, tie, and KHAKIs! Not khaki colored wool dress trousers, khakis. I actually felt sorry for him, since all the other people there (including the girls) were in professional attire.

 

[missbonnie]

Sorta related, but this is something that I do before anything "important" where I need to be at my best. I always talk to someone on (phone) before an interview and the like -- it's what I call a "clearing" call. Basically, you tell the other person all your concerns about yourself and the interview -- it's a way to clear your mind. Writing it out is also helpful if u can't speak to someone that you know. Then, have that person tell you that you're great and that you'll rock the house!

bonnie

 

[exmike]

DONT show up late. I can't believe that at each interview I went to, someone showed up late. There just isn't any excuse.

 

[OrthoFixation]

Originally posted by DOtobe
Two things not to do:

1. Wear jeans

2. Bring your mommy and daddy with you

(I saw both of these things when some prospective students were interviewing at LECOM last year )

I saw a twenty something young lady at the MCAT who had her Daddy their to oversee her. I was wondering who really wanted to go to med school, her or her father! It wasn't like he saw her to the room in the test center. He was hanging out until the test started. I wonder if he will sit in on her classes if she is accepted? Maybe the culture or ethnicity had something to do with it (no offense intended) since they were obviously foreign.

 

[XCanadianRagwee]

don't bring condoms

 

[quideam]

Originally posted by XCanadianRagwee
don't bring condoms

damn, NO protection?

 

[curious cat]

Originally posted by mattorama
I was actually initially a little hesitant about things even though I thought it looked good (I already had the jacekt and pants and needed a dress shirt...I had worn it with other shirts for less formal affairs), but everyone at the suit store I went to agreed that it looked sharp and was appropriate for a med school interview. The jacket is light enough in color to keep things from being too dark. I still say it is better then the standard black suit/dark blue shirt. Hopefully I find out October 15th if my interviwers liked it or not!

That's great, listen to the guys at the suit store on what is okay for a med school interview. Here's some advice: nix the black shirt, and wear a suit; not a sports coat with dressed pants. Interviewers can wear whatever they want, they are not trying to impress you. Interviewees need to wear a suit.

Doctors are very conservative. There is a certain dress code that they expect. If you go outside of that, some may not mind it, but many will question your judgment. Look impressive, clean, and neat but conservative. This is not the time to look pimpin'. The only memorable outfits are the negative ones. If nobody remembers what you wore, then you did your job. You want to be remembered for your application and interview, not for your black shirt.

This doesn't mean that how you dress doesn't count. Don't wear a crappy, non fitting suit, a cheapo shirt, or a lousy tie. Dress to impress, but within the conservative rules. It just shows good judgment.

 

[Fin-Nor]

ill drink to that... cheers!

Originally posted by curious cat
That's great, listen to the guys at the suit store on what is okay for a med school interview. Here's some advice: nix the black shirt, and wear a suit; not a sports coat with dressed pants. Interviewers can wear whatever they want, they are not trying to impress you. Interviewees need to wear a suit.

Doctors are very conservative. There is a certain dress code that they expect. If you go outside of that, some may not mind it, but many will question your judgment. Look impressive, clean, and neat but conservative. This is not the time to look pimpin'. The only memorable outfits are the negative ones. If nobody remembers what you wore, then you did your job. You want to be remembered for your application and interview, not for your black shirt.

This doesn't mean that how you dress doesn't count. Don't wear a crappy, non fitting suit, a cheapo shirt, or a lousy tie. Dress to impress, but within the conservative rules. It just shows good judgment.

 

[PrincetonRocks]

I think it's cute to bring your father to an interview. In fact, my dad escorted my oldest sister through some of her medical school interviews awhile back... I think the both of them had a good track record. They had a 4/4 track record in california when they went to together...she didn't get into UCLA because he was on call that day.

 

[OrthoFixation]

Originally posted by PrincetonRocks
I think it's cute to bring your father to an interview. In fact, my dad escorted my oldest sister through some of her medical school interviews awhile back... I think the both of them had a good track record. They had a 4/4 track record in california when they went to together...she didn't get into UCLA because he was on call that day.

I think it shows lack of independence. We are supposed to be adults here. Maybe these folks can stand on their own two feet at some point. Maybe right now, if their smothering parents would let them try.

She didn't get into UCLA b/c her daddy doc was on call? He must have really impressed all the other interviewers! No crutches for me please. I will succeed or fail on my own. If her daddy doc wants to be part of the decision process, then she should bring all the school materials home for him to review, maybe even tape the presentations, NOT ACCOMPANY HER.

Sorry for the threadjacking and venting.

 

[Tezzie]

Uhm my father is a physician also but i would kill him if he dared to ask to come to my interviews

Firstly, he knows a lot of people in the NYC area (and yes that includes members of the adcoms). I want to make into schools on MY own merit. Not on my fathers acomplishments. Plus it wouldn't be fair to other applicants.

I think that if you want to get into med school you need to have a certain level of maturity. That requires being able to face situations on your own.

People who bring their parents with them are either immature or spoiled brats. Or maybe both.

In Vandy i saw a guy with his dad with him. His dad talked more than he did. It was pathetic.

 

[lisa13579]

On a different note... I don't think that a portfolio is neccessary. I brought one to my first interview and didn't even use it. In fact I left it in the meeting room the entire day cause I didn't want to carry it. So I didn't bring one to my second interview. Maybe some of you feel more comfortable carrying one, but I thought it just was a pain.

 

[efex101]

Well at all the interviews I have gone so far (9) the schools gave out a ton of information some were in packets, some were actual books (Yale) and a packet, etc. So bringing a portfolio or some type of nice purse/briefcase big enough to put a file in will be helpful. At my interview yesterday someone had his cell phone on shish I really do not get what is so hard about turning it off or leaving it in your luggage/car/home. It looked awful everyone including the student hosts were just like duh

 

[cmudan]

OK, so my first interview is this week and I'm making sure I have everything. I would really like some advice. Thanks.

Black suit
Light blue shirt
tie with 3/4 x 3/4 inch square pattern(blue, black, white)
black socks
semi shiny shoes
black belt
watch
glasses
forms to turn in to school
tissue for my sweat hands (placed in pocket)
copy of application

Questionable: I bought an overcoat...is this really necessary? Its black and has belt etc...I looks kind of gaudy. My dad pushed me to buy it.

Do I need a carrying device such as a briefcase? I think I would feel like a poser/nerd if I was carrying one (especially if it turns out that i didn't need it). Is one really necessary? What if I just bring a nice folder??

During the interview, do guys tend to take off their suit coats or just unbutton them?

Am I forgetting anything?

 

[jlee9531]

depends where are you going...

if you arent going to be that cold.... dont bring the overcoat.

you dont need a briefcase. you really dont have much use for it. you can bring like one of those small folder things if you want but its not too hard to carry around the packet of info they give you. but yeah just bring the folder haha.

if the air is on i leave my suit on....
if not i like to take my jacket off if i know im gonna be there in that room listening to intro and financial aid for a couple of hours.

hope your worries are all dispelled....

 

[MeowMix]

Originally posted by cmudan
OK, so my first interview is this week and I'm making sure I have everything. I would really like some advice. Thanks.

Black suit
Light blue shirt
tie with 3/4 x 3/4 inch square pattern(blue, black, white)
black socks
semi shiny shoes
black belt
watch
glasses
forms to turn in to school
tissue for my sweat hands (placed in pocket)
copy of application

Questionable: I bought an overcoat...is this really necessary? Its black and has belt etc...I looks kind of gaudy. My dad pushed me to buy it.

Do I need a carrying device such as a briefcase? I think I would feel like a poser/nerd if I was carrying one (especially if it turns out that i didn't need it). Is one really necessary? What if I just bring a nice folder??

During the interview, do guys tend to take off their suit coats or just unbutton them?

Am I forgetting anything?

add 2 breath mints, and 1 toothpick to clean food out of teeth after lunch.

 

[Kashue]

Originally posted by PrincetonRocks
I think it's cute to bring your father to an interview. In fact, my dad escorted my oldest sister through some of her medical school interviews awhile back... I think the both of them had a good track record. They had a 4/4 track record in california when they went to together...she didn't get into UCLA because he was on call that day.

Bwahahahahahahahhahahaha.

200th post.

 

[asama527]

I think it's cute to bring your father to an interview. In fact, my dad escorted my oldest sister through some of her medical school interviews awhile back... I think the both of them had a good track record. They had a 4/4 track record in california when they went to together...she didn't get into UCLA because he was on call that day.

Sounds like I should start dragging people along too.

 

[RedHeadKiddo]

An absolute postive DON'T for girls: Fish net stockings. I seriously saw a girl wearing these along with a pair of shoes that looked like moon boots.

You only embarrass yourself when you do this. All I could think was eeks!

 

[asama527]

Conservative is probably best. After all, you wouldn't want your clothing to detract from your sparkling personality now would you?

 

[genome25]

should us ladies be better off with a pant suit or skirt? i was curious what most chose for their interviews.

 

[MeowMix]

either one is fine; if it's <-20, pants are better, if >80, skirt!

 

[ndi_amaka]

I saw a girl at my last interiew wearing a red suit......

 

[asama527]

I vote pink bunny slipper and a purple poncho.

 

[No Egrets]

tips for women:

1. make sure your suit sleeves are the right length. you might think you can get away with having them be too long, but it doesn't work when you need to shake the interviewer's hand but have to pull up your sleeve first. any tailor can fix this problem very easily. you will feel better.

2. do not wear socks that are lighter than your pants. to be safe, stick with black.

3. if you wear a skirt, wear pantyhose.

4. do not wear open-toe shoes. even if they are "fancy." just don't.

5. avoid the chunky clunky shoes. for my sake at least.

6. makeup should be just about halfway between "nothing at all" and "formal."

7. cleavage is our friend, but not during the interview.

8. ideally, the shirt sleeves should peek out of the suit sleeves by about 1/4 inch (applies to men as well).

9. pants or skirt--doesn't matter.

10. avoid suit luggage wrinkle syndrome--hang your suit in the bathroom while you shower to steam it flat.

hope this helps.

 

[ehd327]

Originally posted by PrincetonRocks
I think it's cute to bring your father to an interview. In fact, my dad escorted my oldest sister through some of her medical school interviews awhile back... I think the both of them had a good track record. They had a 4/4 track record in california when they went to together...she didn't get into UCLA because he was on call that day.

Good one PR, I think you have truely captured the essence of the word "clown." However, you do keep us SDNers entertained, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my colon.

Back to the issue:

1.) Taking breath mints = good advice--don't ruin your chances of of a great interview with a dry mouth and rank breath.
2.) I'd have to disagree with some people on the issue of the traditional black/blue suit. I went with something more modern and with more color (not too crazy though). I think avioding the typical bland suit would make you a bit more memorable.

 

[asama527]

Originally posted by ehd327


Back to the issue:

1.) Taking breath mints = good advice--don't ruin your chances of of a great interview with a dry mouth and rank breath.
2.) I'd have to disagree with some people on the issue of the traditional black/blue suit. I went with something more modern and with more color (not too crazy though). I think avioding the typical bland suit would make you a bit more memorable.

I definitely agree on the breathmints but as for avoiding the "traditional," don't you think that wearing something more modern would make you memorable for the wrong reasons? Just something that crossed my mind.

 

[ehd327]

Here's my rationale:

The attire is just another factor that can make you stand out from the rest of the bunch--something that we all have been trying to do ever since we started filling out the AMCAS app. Obviously you want to stay within the norms, but why not go for something a little more dynamic on the outside to suggest a more dynamic person on the inside. I'm 99.99% positive that your type of attire will not be the most influential factor in your acceptance to med school (all extreme cases aside). However, in my opinion, the attire is an important factor when making a first impression. Imagine this: for the past month, you (the reviewer) have met 14 interviewees with black suits, the 15th however, greets you wearing a suit that is modern yet very profesional. It catches your eye, right? Hence, the proceeding interview is more memorable, and not for the wrong reason.

 

[asama527]

Originally posted by ehd327
Here's my rationale:

The attire is just another factor that can make you stand out from the rest of the bunch--something that we all have been trying to do ever since we started filling out the AMCAS app. Obviously you want to stay within the norms, but why not go for something a little more dynamic on the outside to suggest a more dynamic person on the inside.

Yeah, I think catch the drift.

 

[BioMedResearch]

My favorite. On one interview an applicant had his headset on during the orientation/introduction talk being given by the director of admissions. When asked if he would like to step outside he explained that he would just leave it on mute and that the dir. could continue. The dir.'s face was less than favorable.

What not to wear.... your cellphone's earpiece!

 

[umass rower]

Hunter green.

Let the fun begin again!

 

[lotanna]

Originally posted by cmudan
OK, so my first interview is this week and I'm making sure I have everything. I would really like some advice. Thanks.

Black suit
Light blue shirt
tie with 3/4 x 3/4 inch square pattern(blue, black, white)
black socks
semi shiny shoes
black belt
watch
glasses
forms to turn in to school
tissue for my sweat hands (placed in pocket)
copy of application

Questionable: I bought an overcoat...is this really necessary? Its black and has belt etc...I looks kind of gaudy. My dad pushed me to buy it.

Do I need a carrying device such as a briefcase? I think I would feel like a poser/nerd if I was carrying one (especially if it turns out that i didn't need it). Is one really necessary? What if I just bring a nice folder??

During the interview, do guys tend to take off their suit coats or just unbutton them?

Am I forgetting anything?

Well since I just had an interview last week at the schl u'll be interviewing in, I'll say
1 guy didnt have a suit, and 2 had grey suits so I wouldnt worry much about it.
Most of the guys took off their coats, the schl'sinterview day is pretty informal, noone had a briefcase, I just had like a folder and a copy of people did likewise.
An overcoat isnt really necessary and if it cost u quite a bit to get it, then I'd say return it Well depends on what u consider cold, its like in the 30s, and if you have a suit you might feel kinda warm.
Dont 4get to fill out the stuff they sent and your 2 by 2 picture, myself and some others just cut out a facial picture into 2 by 2.
If you have any questions let me know, but dont worry!!

 

[RedHeadKiddo]

Don't forget at PEN! I did and felt like a ***** when I had to ask my neighbor if I could borrow it to write down the all important FASFA information.

 

[LaurieB]

Going back to an earlier post, I have to agree on not being late. I was late for an interview because I took the stupidist route possible and ended up in traffic. I felt like such a jerk and wished I had just left much more time to account for such things. That all being said, if you are late, CALL. I called about 15 minutes before I was supposed to be there to tell them that I didn't think I would get there in time and they seemed to be very understanding. The jury is still out as to whether it affects their decision.

Good luck!

 

[spaz]

i was wondering how long should skirts be? my skirt ends just above my knee.

also, i know black suits can be kinda boring but i guess i stick to black cuz it matches with everything. what color shoes would you wear with a light gray suit?

would a leather messenger bag be appropriate or should i stick with a purse and portfolio?

and last, but not least, i'm from socal and very used to the warm weather down here. if i wear a long wool coat to interviews in the northeast (knock on wood) will it be a pain to carry around when i'm inside?

thanks~

 

[genome25]

i think the skirt looks best if not too short...mine was around the knee. i think black shoes are best with any suit. and don't worry about carrying a coat over the suit...you can probably leave it in the waiting room or office before the actual interview. we didn't go out much, so i only needed the suit to get to the school.
hope that helps

 

[lilstina]

Originally posted by spaz
i was wondering how long should skirts be? my skirt ends just above my knee.

also, i know black suits can be kinda boring but i guess i stick to black cuz it matches with everything. what color shoes would you wear with a light gray suit?

would a leather messenger bag be appropriate or should i stick with a purse and portfolio?

and last, but not least, i'm from socal and very used to the warm weather down here. if i wear a long wool coat to interviews in the northeast (knock on wood) will it be a pain to carry around when i'm inside?

thanks~

I brought my long wool coat to one of my interviews and regretted it the whole day. I only wore it for about two minutes getting from the parking lot to the general meeting place and then I had to carry it the whole day on all the tours, etc. With having to carry my purse, my portfolio, the folder they gave us, the course catalog, etc... and my coat, my arm was sore the next day, seriously.

But then again, if you're going to be outside a lot, you might want to have it... especially if you're wearing a skirt and not pants. We were indoors the whole time since the whole medical center was connected underground pretty much.

 

[drlexygoat]

Ladies,
You all have some play here with suits, so have no fear. I've done the traditional black suit with a bright red shell and it went over fine. Played it safe there.

At another interview I wore a beige/creme pantsuit from Ann Taylor and I had numerous comments on it the whole day! Even the interviewers said it looked nice. As long as your attire isn't too flashy or "trendy" you're fine.

On a funny note... a guy at my interview got caught playing games on his phone during the financial aid talk. He was asked to leave. Def. don't do this!