What to wear for interviews:Girls

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Maybe this is a frivolous thread, but I want to look professional, but not so much that I feel uncomfortable. idk whether to wear heals or flats or pants/skirt...any ideas??
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I bought a suit. I suppose it's definitely personal preference but I just felt like that was the most professional look you can get.. and I will also be wearing heels with it, but if you can't walk in heels well.. I would wear flats cuz you don't want to be worrying about that haha 🙂 hope that helps
 
Make sure you go with dark colors nothing bright..but i know what you mean about looking to professional that you feel uncomfortable..
Personally Im guna wear flats for sure and defiantly not a dress/skirt cause that would be out of my comfort zone.
 
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hoops123 said:
Make sure you go with dark colors nothing bright..but i know what you mean about looking to professional that you feel uncomfortable..
Personally Im guna wear flats for sure and defiantly not a dress/skirt cause that would be out of my comfort zone.
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yeah I don't feel as comfy in a skirt. i was gonna get a nice pair of slacks and a blazer, and maybe a nice blouse. I have black pumps (closed toe) so i might wear those!
 
Most definitely wear a suit of neutral colors. If you wear a skirt, wear hose. If you wear heels, make sure they are modest.
 
Of course this is a matter of personal preference, but it is also a matter of professionalism and custom. It's always better to be overdressed than under. I bought three pieces from express that mix and match (a black blazer, pants, and a pencil skirt) that I wear together, but I have NEVER worn the pants to an interview. Call me old school, but I believe that skirts are more professional on women. Don't get me wrong, I wear pants to work 3 or 4 days a week but for an interview, it's classic as long as it isn't too short. This will be my first round of applying for schools that require interviews, but i have worn the EXACT SAME OUTFIT for two professiona optometry technician jobs and have gotten them both. I wore the blazer, pencil skirt (which hits me just above m knee) and a top underneath with a pop of color and modest jewelry. Now is not the time to be flashy. Also, I browsed the MD boards, and another thing that is underrated is PANTYHOSE. It can look very inappropriate if you cross your legs politely and your skirt slides up. Wear pantyhose. Yes they suck. Its an hour of your life that may determine the rest of it. Suck it up. It will be worth it.
 
optohopeful123 said:
custom? seriously? where are you from? the dark ages?
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You can joke all you want, but the above poster is dead on. Don't think you are going to be interviewed by younger people. While that is the case at some schools, most of interviewers are "from the dark ages" and have some serious ideas about what is appropriate.
 
nicmc said:
You can joke all you want, but the above poster is dead on. Don't think you are going to be interviewed by younger people. While that is the case at some schools, most of interviewers are "from the dark ages" and have some serious ideas about what is appropriate.
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so black slacks/blouse/pumps are inapprorpriate?
 
I never indicated that slacks were inappropriate in any way. Avoid cleavage obviously in all cases. I just think that the blazer adds the extra effort. Women's business dress isnt as clearly defined as mens and its obviously difficult. If a guy showed up without a jacket on he would be instantly judged, and if he showed up open collar shown the door. We have more freedom in a sense but also more ways to get ourselves in trouble. A far as shoes go, I'm not 100% sure whether I'll wear flats or pumps. I'm short (5'2) but comfortable with my size and also comfortable in heels, so I'll decide later but I tend to lean towards square closed toe pumps.
 
Blondiechick919 said:
I never indicated that slacks were inappropriate in any way. Avoid cleavage obviously in all cases. I just think that the blazer adds the extra effort. Women's business dress isnt as clearly defined as mens and its obviously difficult. If a guy showed up without a jacket on he would be instantly judged, and if he showed up open collar shown the door. We have more freedom in a sense but also more ways to get ourselves in trouble. A far as shoes go, I'm not 100% sure whether I'll wear flats or pumps. I'm short (5'2) but comfortable with my size and also comfortable in heels, so I'll decide later but I tend to lean towards square closed toe pumps.
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yes in fact you did imply that slacks were not to be worn to an interview due to custom
 
Ughhhh...nitpick my exact wording if you must but what I meant is that while both are acceptable I generally prefer the skirt suit to a pantsuit on women.
 
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hoops123 said:
Is a shirt like this under a blazer Ok? or is that not appropriate for an optometry interview??
and are you supposed to Button up the blazer??
I just don't want to wear a button up collard shirt under the blazer.

http://bellacene.blogspot.com/2010/06/job-interview-outfit-head-to-toe-for.html



And by the way, this is not me.. just something random I came across on google.. lol..
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I don't think that's inappropriate in any way, but it definitely has a element of trendy that some old 75 year old man may not understand. My favorite color is hot pink and I have a long sleeve, professional button down shirt in that color. (I'm wearing it now) but I don't think it will translate well for an interview since these people have never met me an d don't know my personality. I am going to wear a cobalt blue top probably for some color, but it's still a classic button down. Some of the mods/adcom people who are posting say that too many people perpetuate the penguin suit and color is a nice change. I'm blonde and hate white since it washes me out, so this was nice to hear.
 
Blondiechick919 said:
I don't think that's inappropriate in any way, but it definitely has a element of trendy that some old 75 year old man may not understand. My favorite color is hot pink and I have a long sleeve, professional button down shirt in that color. (I'm wearing it now) but I don't think it will translate well for an interview since these people have never met me an d don't know my personality. I am going to wear a cobalt blue top probably for some color, but it's still a classic button down. Some of the mods/adcom people who are posting say that too many people perpetuate the penguin suit and color is a nice change. I'm blonde and hate white since it washes me out, so this was nice to hear.
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where did you girls shop for your suits?
 
I get 90% of my interview/professional clothes at express. I have a credit card there and although they are a little more expensive than kohls or penneys, I believe you get what you pay for. The suits I have ffrrom there I have had for years and not even a fabric pucker. For the blazer, skirt, and a button down top (they have a great selection of colors btw) you will probably drop 200.00 or so. I had mine tailored since the smallest size was still too big so that added a little bit but it was totally worth it. Their stuff hardly wrinkles too so it's easy to put in a suitcase or travel bag.
 
Blondiechick919 said:
I get 90% of my interview/professional clothes at express. I have a credit card there and although they are a little more expensive than kohls or penneys, I believe you get what you pay for. The suits I have ffrrom there I have had for years and not even a fabric pucker. For the blazer, skirt, and a button down top (they have a great selection of colors btw) you will probably drop 200.00 or so. I had mine tailored since the smallest size was still too big so that added a little bit but it was totally worth it. Their stuff hardly wrinkles too so it's easy to put in a suitcase or travel bag.
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i was thinkign of New york and co, bebe, or banana republic?
 
What is everyone planning on doing with your hair? Mine is really thick and mid back length, I dont know whether to curl it or straighten it.
 
What do you think is the best style? Half up and half down or all down? I am still not sure what would be the best.
 
ugh i have no idea. My hair is that annoying wavy that can't pick a side. If I straighten, I always have a little wavy piece on the back of my head I can't see. If I curl I get frizz but with a half a can of hairspray I can control it. I'm just afraid that curls seem "less professional" and "more sex kitten".

For your question 1HopefulOD, I personally look awful with my hair half up. I hated having to do it for cheerleading unless the top is mega teased, and I don't think it really applies here. So mine is staying down.
 
1HopefulOD said:
What do you think is the best style? Half up and half down or all down? I am still not sure what would be the best.
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I was going to do all down because if its half up have down I tend to pull at my ahri and it all comes undone! just be clean and neat for your interview
 
Thanks ladies! I was leaning toward all down but wanted another opinion.
 
Blondiechick919 said:
Of course this is a matter of personal preference, but it is also a matter of professionalism and custom. It's always better to be overdressed than under. I bought three pieces from express that mix and match (a black blazer, pants, and a pencil skirt) that I wear together, but I have NEVER worn the pants to an interview. Call me old school, but I believe that skirts are more professional on women. Don't get me wrong, I wear pants to work 3 or 4 days a week but for an interview, it's classic as long as it isn't too short. This will be my first round of applying for schools that require interviews, but i have worn the EXACT SAME OUTFIT for two professiona optometry technician jobs and have gotten them both. I wore the blazer, pencil skirt (which hits me just above m knee) and a top underneath with a pop of color and modest jewelry. Now is not the time to be flashy. Also, I browsed the MD boards, and another thing that is underrated is PANTYHOSE. It can look very inappropriate if you cross your legs politely and your skirt slides up. Wear pantyhose. Yes they suck. Its an hour of your life that may determine the rest of it. Suck it up. It will be worth it.
Click to expand...

I agree, a suit is the way to go, BUT I would stay away from Express if you can. I personally had no choice because I am tiny and their suits are cut for smaller girls, but if you read the tags (at least on the suits I saw), they are made of polyester and rayon and are priced as if they are made of something better. Yuck. My advice is to go to Banana Republic-- you can get LINED, WOOL suits for about the same price, and if you sign up for their e-mail list, you'll get coupon codes for 40% off all the time.
 
1HopefulOD said:
What do you think is the best style? Half up and half down or all down? I am still not sure what would be the best.
Click to expand...

The best adice I've gotten on hair is to wear your hair in the way that is most comfortable for you and allows you to spend the day not worrying about how your hair looks. For me, that is down or slicked back into a low ponytail, but for some people it might be in a bun, in a high ponytail, etc. You don't want to spend the interview fidgeting with wisps of hair or ducking into the bathroom every thirty minutes to see if your hair is frizzy, has fallen out of its ponytail, etc.
 
optohopeful123 said:
Maybe this is a frivolous thread, but I want to look professional, but not so much that I feel uncomfortable. idk whether to wear heals or flats or pants/skirt...any ideas??
Click to expand...

Ladies, does anyone know if it's appropriate to bring jeans and flats to change into right after my interview? Can I plan on leaving a small bag with these items in the office and then ducking into a bathroom to change before I leave?
 
shannon804 said:
Ladies, does anyone know if it's appropriate to bring jeans and flats to change into right after my interview? Can I plan on leaving a small bag with these items in the office and then ducking into a bathroom to change before I leave?
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I do not feel that that is entirely appropriate. Stop ANYWHERE else even a Mcdonalds to change but I would avoid changing at the interview site. Leave them with a great professional impression!
 
shannon804 said:
I agree, a suit is the way to go, BUT I would stay away from Express if you can. I personally had no choice because I am tiny and their suits are cut for smaller girls, but if you read the tags (at least on the suits I saw), they are made of polyester and rayon and are priced as if they are made of something better. Yuck. My advice is to go to Banana Republic-- you can get LINED, WOOL suits for about the same price, and if you sign up for their e-mail list, you'll get coupon codes for 40% off all the time.
Click to expand...

I have some tops from BR but I didn't like the fit of their suits. I'm either a 0 or 00 so it's very hard for me to find suits and I still have to have them tailored. I don't mind whether the material is wool or not my stuff has lasted me forever. I'm not really concerned with the material as I am with the fit, and they have been a godsend for me 🙂
 
opto89 said:
I do not feel that that is entirely appropriate. Stop ANYWHERE else even a Mcdonalds to change but I would avoid changing at the interview site. Leave them with a great professional impression!
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To go along with that, will the schools provide somewhere to keep small luggage while we're interviewing/touring the school?
 
NAE429 said:
To go along with that, will the schools provide somewhere to keep small luggage while we're interviewing/touring the school?
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I would contact the school about that. At my interview nobody brought any luggage with them, but I am sure that they would work with you on that since most hotels make you check out by 11.
 
opto89 said:
I would contact the school about that. At my interview nobody brought any luggage with them, but I am sure that they would work with you on that since most hotels make you check out by 11.
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at pco, they have a little luggage area. you can ask them.
 
hoops123 said:
Is a shirt like this under a blazer Ok? or is that not appropriate for an optometry interview??
and are you supposed to Button up the blazer??
I just don't want to wear a button up collard shirt under the blazer.

http://bellacene.blogspot.com/2010/06/job-interview-outfit-head-to-toe-for.html



And by the way, this is not me.. just something random I came across on google.. lol..
Click to expand...

I wore almost this exact outfit to my interview and was accepted. All the girls that interviewed with me were in similar outfits, just different shirts really. I wore flats because I knew we would be taken on a tour. Really glad I did because I was probably standing and walking around for a straight hour or more and my feet don't handle that too well!
 
LaOculista said:
I wore almost this exact outfit to my interview and was accepted. All the girls that interviewed with me were in similar outfits, just different shirts really. I wore flats because I knew we would be taken on a tour. Really glad I did because I was probably standing and walking around for a straight hour or more and my feet don't handle that too well!
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What do you guys think about wearing heels for the interview and then having flip-flops or sneakers in my bag to change into for the tour?
 
janedoe88 said:
What do you guys think about wearing heels for the interview and then having flip-flops or sneakers in my bag to change into for the tour?
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Professional flats, yes. Sneakers/flip flops, NO. I love my flip flops like no other but I wouldn't dare wear them to an interview. I personally wore my pumps all day to both, but 10+years of pointe shoes make stilettos feel comfortable. You never know if the tour guide will consult with an adcom and you always want to leave a good impression.
 
janedoe88 said:
What do you guys think about wearing heels for the interview and then having flip-flops or sneakers in my bag to change into for the tour?
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I considered doing this for several days, but in the end decided I didn't want to worry about changing. All schools do things differently, but when I went to UHCO we did the tour before the interviews which I didn't know until after I arrived. We were with important people the entire time so I don't think flip flops would be a good idea in any case. In my opinion, I still think it would be better not to have to worry about having the chance to change shoes! No one will remember whether you wore heels or flats, unless of course you fall down because of them or something!
 
LaOculista said:
I considered doing this for several days, but in the end decided I didn't want to worry about changing. All schools do things differently, but when I went to UHCO we did the tour before the interviews which I didn't know until after I arrived. We were with important people the entire time so I don't think flip flops would be a good idea in any case. In my opinion, I still think it would be better not to have to worry about having the chance to change shoes! No one will remember whether you wore heels or flats, unless of course you fall down because of them or something!
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I highly doubt they consult with the tour guide...and I doubt the tour guide would be like OMG SHE WORE FLIP-FLOP REJECT HER lol
 
janedoe88 said:
I highly doubt they consult with the tour guide...and I doubt the tour guide would be like OMG SHE WORE FLIP-FLOP REJECT HER lol
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A few schools have a student interview you and sit with the admissions committee. I always err on the side of caution.
 
I just had my interview with PCO last week and would also say stay dressed up. It would be appropriate to change heels for nice flats for the tour but keep your professional attire on the whole way through. You may meet some of your professors or admission committee in the lunch area or in a class room…
 
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