What to wear to interview?!

[steviey2493]

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Hey guys, I have searched on here about what to wear to interviews, and I came across a thread on another medical forum on what to wear.

What did you wear going into an optometry interview, as a male applicant?

Shirt and tie with nice slacks?

The other thread had a bunch of people wearing a suit to theirs, is that overboard?

Comments appreciated, thanks!

 

[Commando303]

Hey guys, I have searched on here about what to wear to interviews, and I came across a thread on another medical forum on what to wear.

What did you wear going into an optometry interview, as a male applicant?

Shirt and tie with nice slacks?

The other thread had a bunch of people wearing a suit to theirs, is that overboard?

Comments appreciated, thanks!

I probably am an under-dresser, so rather than comment on my own attire decisions, I'd suggest you go with what makes you comfortable physically and mentally for such a situation. If you like the suit get-up, you certainly won't be the only person present for interviewing, in the garb. If you'd rather ditch such formality, and opt for slacks and a shirt-with-tie (ties...: 🙁), that also would not make you stand out in any obscene fashion.

 

[Bubbatello]

Wear a suit, end of story. That's not overboard, it's expected. Just don't wear something too flashy (ie. a white or bright colored suit). Stick to the basics: black, dark blue, or grey suit, nice conservative patterned tie (again, not too flashy), white, cream, or blue shirt, and black or brown shoes. I don't think what you wear is the most important part of the interview, but since they only get to meet with you for around 30 mins, it certainly doesn't hurt to look professional. Hope that helps a bit!

 

[steviey2493]

How's this? I have a black suit with grey pinstripes (nice calvin klein) with a white shirt and a deep maroon tie?

 

[sjv]

How's this? I have a black suit with grey pinstripes (nice calvin klein) with a white shirt and a deep maroon tie?

That is fine, suit and tie is standard interview attire.

 

[reesespieces]

I probably am an under-dresser, so rather than comment on my own attire decisions, I'd suggest you go with what makes you comfortable physically and mentally for such a situation. If you like the suit get-up, you certainly won't be the only person present for interviewing, in the garb. If you'd rather ditch such formality, and opt for slacks and a shirt-with-tie (ties...: 🙁), that also would not make you stand out in any obscene fashion.

This is not very good advice. Going with slacks and a shirt and tie will make you stand out, but in a very bad way. With men and interviews, standard attire is a suit, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It is established tradition. You don't get a choice.

Second, the rule for pinstripes is that it should look solid from across the room. Otherwise, it's technically not formal enough.

Third, in all technicality (for men only), black is a big no-no. You should have either a navy or charcoal suit. Black is overly formal. While they won't reject you for wearing black, it's really not the best option (in corporate, you'd get a lot more fuss for wearing black).

In terms of shoes, you'll need a nice pair of black leather shoes. Cap-toe is best. They should be well polished.

Lastly, your tie is fine.

 

[EyEnStein 07]

During my interview, I was the only male lol. I wore a black suit with light stripes. I dont think theres anything wrong with wearing a black suit. I think the point is to look professional, so yes, a shirt+tie with slacks is not a good idea.

From someone who spent 3 whole days worried about what to wear, I think the best advice I can give you is to not spend so much time on it. Wear something safe that looks professional and elegant. What will ultimately matter more is how you present yourself. If you only have a black suit then wear your black suit. I think many feel that wearing navy or gray is more appropriate, but i dont think it really matters. During my interview, many employees at the optometry school (director, financial aid officer, career development officer) that were male were wearing black suits. That's just my experience though. The outfit you have picked out sounds good. Best of luck during your interview =)

 

[steviey2493]

Appreciate the responses everyone. My pin stripes are very thing, not the thick grey stripes. You can tell its an expensive suit so I'm definitely going to stick with it. Thanks for the good luck wishes!

 

[Blondiechick919]

Wear a suit, end of story. That's not overboard, it's expected. Just don't wear something too flashy (ie. a white or bright colored suit). Stick to the basics: black, dark blue, or grey suit, nice conservative patterned tie (again, not too flashy), white, cream, or blue shirt, and black or brown shoes. I don't think what you wear is the most important part of the interview, but since they only get to meet with you for around 30 mins, it certainly doesn't hurt to look professional. Hope that helps a bit!

This.

If you don't wear a suit, you look like an ass. End of story. Same goes for girls, but not as much. I wore a skirt suit with a blazer. And you better get over the "I hate wearing ties" thing if you plan on doing any type of professional job. It comes with the territory.

Some people will say black suits are too formal, but I disagree. I think a penguin suit (black suit, white shirt, black tie) is. Black suits with a different color shirt/tie combo lessen the formality so it's still appropriate but don't make you look like you're going to a funeral.

 

[oo0Archangel0oo]

I think it depends on where you are interviewing...but the majority of people (men and women) wear suits. The day I interviewed, the day was very sunny and hot, so many people took out their outer jackets and they still looked professional (because of the tie and dress shirt and pants they were wearing). I don't know if a full on suit is absolutely 100 percent necessary because you can still give the impression of a well groomed, well put together person without a full stuffy suit, however I think that it depends on location and what the weather is like on that particular day that you are interviewing.

 

[steviey2493]

Ill be in Philadelphia in mid november, so a suit "suits" the weather!

 

[reesespieces]

Ill be in Philadelphia in mid november, so a suit "suits" the weather!

Depending on how cold it is, you may want to wear a peacoat as well. I'm not sure what PCO's interview is like, but a peacoat is the best way to keep a suit looking professional when you need to add an extra layer.

 

[reesespieces]

I think it depends on where you are interviewing...but the majority of people (men and women) wear suits. The day I interviewed, the day was very sunny and hot, so many people took out their outer jackets and they still looked professional (because of the tie and dress shirt and pants they were wearing). I don't know if a full on suit is absolutely 100 percent necessary because you can still give the impression of a well groomed, well put together person without a full stuffy suit, however I think that it depends on location and what the weather is like on that particular day that you are interviewing.

Taking off the jacket once you are there is fine, but arriving in a full suit is still necessary. Interview suits are an established tradition and if you break from that, they may think you are not serious about the interview.