Women's Interview Attire #4

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imp_44 said:
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Are these loafers acceptable? They're my every day work shoe. I'd give them a good lick and shine, but they're definitely broken in. I hate heels and it's obvious that I don't know how to walk in them. I have the grace of a small elephant in heels. In these shoes, I walk confidently.
F36f4bo
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Pumps, even with a tiny heel, are a better choice.
 
InterviewFreakingout said:
I've got an annoying nail-biting habit. I know it's disgusting and it makes my nails look terrible. It goes along with several other compulsive grooming habits I have such as picking scabs, blackheads, and the like. I can't help myself, even when it's embarrassing and inappropriate. It gets worse when I am nervous (such as an interview situation). I've tried extensively to stop the habit, but have had no success.
--
Alternatively, does anyone have any less obnoxious compulsion management strategies to share? I've mostly just accepted it as part of who I am at this point, but maybe I should give quitting one last shot.
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That horrible tasting anti-nail biting stuff is sufficiently horrible-tasting for a couple people I know to kick the habit. Also, keeping your nails trimmed as short as possible to remove the option of biting at them. And a friend of mine finds that wearing a little makeup helps her not pick at her skin as much bc it feels different--but it may aggravate others YMMV. And it sounds trite, but therapy (specifically CBT) can help most people stop obsessive or compulsive behaviors if they're bothersome. (This is not medical advice, and I am not a mental health professional--just personal experience.)
 
I went to 3 different malls on 3 separate occasions and couldn’t find a plain (non white) boatneck shell that fit me for under $50. This was the closest I could get
 
Hass_Love_Fitness said:
To give you an idea of a dress outfit, I wore the following to my last interview. Both dress and blazer were made of same material:

Theory Edition II Shift Dress | 15% off 1st app order use code: 15FORYOU

Good Wool Clean Blazer
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That's the key - the suit jacket and dress must be the same material and must match. Wool gaberdine is the traditional fabric for interview suits but other fabric are ok - But! Not scuba or knit or jersey. You can find these at lots of price points - Theory is high end - but others are found at Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms, Brooks Brothers and other places.

This blog Corporette here is mainly directed at lawyers and I-bankers (though she does have regular readers who are women doctors) but her guide to interview suits is useful for medical school interviews too. Quote - "If you are interviewing for a conservative job (law, investment banking, consulting, etc.), the whole point is that the interviewer is interested in your brain — not your fashion sense. Your resume and your words should speak louder than your clothes, and to that end, the entire goal of the interview outfit should be to make sure that it doesn’t distract the interviewer. Show personality through your words, not your clothes." Good advice. Her guide shows low, mid and high end brands.
 
precisiongraphic said:
That's the key - the suit jacket and dress must be the same material and must match. Wool gaberdine is the traditional fabric for interview suits but other fabric are ok - But! Not scuba or knit or jersey. You can find these at lots of price points - Theory is high end - but others are found at Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms, Brooks Brothers and other places.

This blog Corporette here is mainly directed at lawyers and I-bankers (though she does have regular readers who are women doctors) but her guide to interview suits is useful for medical school interviews too. Quote - "If you are interviewing for a conservative job (law, investment banking, consulting, etc.), the whole point is that the interviewer is interested in your brain — not your fashion sense. Your resume and your words should speak louder than your clothes, and to that end, the entire goal of the interview outfit should be to make sure that it doesn’t distract the interviewer. Show personality through your words, not your clothes." Good advice. Her guide shows low, mid and high end brands.
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Excellent site! Ladies, check out the "Workwear Hall of Fame" in particular for a great selection of sleeveless blouses. The pleat neck and inverted pleat options are particularly good to prevent button-gaping and work well with jacket lapels.
 
Does anybody have advice on what type of coat/jacket to wear over a suit in 50-60 degree and rainy weather?
 
ChickRick16 said:
Does anybody have advice on what type of coat/jacket to wear over a suit in 50-60 degree and rainy weather?
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I'd wear a raincoat, trench or what our grandmothers called "car coat". If you don't have any of those, just wear what you have. I wouldn't worry about it looking weird. When you arrive at the building, take it off and carry it over your arm. Ask at reception to see if they can hang it while you are there and then get it if you need it on a tour. I doubt an adcom will care what yo wear over your suit or judge you if the coat is too casual and they may not even see you.
 
DokterMom said:
Excellent site! Ladies, check out the "Workwear Hall of Fame" in particular for a great selection of sleeveless blouses. The pleat neck and inverted pleat options are particularly good to prevent button-gaping and work well with jacket lapels.
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I just found a unexpected source for machine washable 🙂 short sleeve blouses: Lands' End Business apparel.
Check it out Work Blouses | Company Shirts for Women
 
wysdoc said:
I just found a unexpected source for machine washable 🙂 short sleeve blouses: Lands' End Business apparel.
Check it out Work Blouses | Company Shirts for Women
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Well done! Ladies - Take note! Appropriate, affordable, available. I'm going to especially recommend the short-sleeved blouses. More professional than sleeveless; more comfortable than long sleeve. They're also great because the blouse armpits prevent you from perspiring onto your suit lining which will help your suit last and stay looking (and smelling) good without over-heating you.
:bow::clap::soexcited:
 
I was able to unearth my suit jacket (black, Calvin Klein) but for the life of me cannot find the bottoms. Would it be okay to find some other black Calvin Klein pants and see if they match up to my blazer? Would it be better to buy a new suit? I'm not sure if brands tend to use the same coloring season after season.
 
teenyfish said:
I was able to unearth my suit jacket (black, Calvin Klein) but for the life of me cannot find the bottoms. Would it be okay to find some other black Calvin Klein pants and see if they match up to my blazer? Would it be better to buy a new suit? I'm not sure if brands tend to use the same coloring season after season.
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If you can bring the jacket with you to a brick and mortar store, you should be able to check if the material of the pants they are currently selling matches. If it's a fairly standard suit you may have success - I was able to buy new pants (different brand, but similar situation) that matched a suit jacket I had bought about two years earlier.
 
Hi! I could really use your expert opinion on this blouse @Crayola227 @DokterMom @gyngyn @Winged Scapula . The suit is navy and still has to be tailored. Would this blouse be appropriate for interviews? Do you think it is too shiny or too bright of a blue?
Thank you for your help; I really appreciate it.
 

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appropriatepeanut said:
Hi! I could really use your expert opinion on this blouse @Crayola227 @DokterMom @gyngyn @Winged Scapula . The suit is navy and still has to be tailored. Would this blouse be appropriate for interviews? Do you think it is too shiny or too bright of a blue?
Thank you for your help; I really appreciate it.
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It's not too bright. I don't see shiny in this photo. The texture of the suit should mimic worsted wool (if it isn't worsted wool!)
The blouse: a lighter shade gives more contrast. Matte is better than satiny.
 
The color I think is quite nice. It is a bit shiny, but I don't think that's a huge deal. Mostly I'm pleased with the neckline, and it isn't too short, I don't worry you'll show any belly if you reach up to fiddle with your hair or something.
 
I think I said in my MMI interview advice thread that it's good to wear SOMETHING that distinguishes you in some small way, and I think this color does that without being too much.
 
teenyfish said:
I was able to unearth my suit jacket (black, Calvin Klein) but for the life of me cannot find the bottoms. Would it be okay to find some other black Calvin Klein pants and see if they match up to my blazer? Would it be better to buy a new suit? I'm not sure if brands tend to use the same coloring season after season.
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If the fabric is an EXACT match, that would work. But don't count on it happening. Leave yourself enough time for a backup plan.

appropriatepeanut said:
Hi! I could really use your expert opinion on this blouse @Crayola227 @DokterMom @gyngyn @Winged Scapula . The suit is navy and still has to be tailored. Would this blouse be appropriate for interviews? Do you think it is too shiny or too bright of a blue?
Thank you for your help; I really appreciate it.
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I'm seeing a lot of shine -- If the blouse is silk, then it's probably OK, but if it's a polyester satin, then I wouldn't do it.
The color is very nice though -- lively but not too bright.

Check out the Lands End page in post #1126 for a nice selection of interview blouses.
 
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DokterMom said:
If the fabric is an EXACT match, that would work. But don't count on it happening. Leaver yourself enough time for a backup plan.



I'm seeing a lot of shine -- If the blouse is silk, then it's probably OK, but if it's a polyester satin, then I wouldn't do it.
The color is very nice though -- lively but not too bright.

Check out the Lands End page in post #1126 for a nice selection of interview blouses.
Click to expand...
I agree with this wholeheartedly.

If money is an issue and this is the blouse you have, while I agree it's a big shiny, I love the color and the appropriate fit (neckline, hemline, not too form fitting).
 
DokterMom said:
If the fabric is an EXACT match, that would work. But don't count on it happening. Leave yourself enough time for a backup plan.
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Thank you! I ended up buy a new suit today that I'm really happy with. I'd rather be safe!
 
Also a thought ladies, I'll share that I'm a 32DD, and I measure the success of what I'm wearing in the professional world by how often I catch people looking at my chest - the goal is zero. I want to be taken seriously and not looked at like a sex object at work. I'm not demonizing and saying people who look are doing so consciously. I do not want to deal with that in that sphere, if I want that sort of attention I have all the rest of my life away from the hospital.

For me that means I wear quite a few oxford shirts with a matching camisole for inevitable gapping. I have to wear push up bras for support, so nipples poking through isn't an issue, but it might be something the rest of you need to think about. I always test shirts by bending over and looking in the mirror, as well. A well fitting camisole can help here as well. I didn't catch onto this with scrub tops for years for some reason and I should have, especially since I have to wear pretty big tops.

This is why I harp on neckline, cleavage, hemline, gapping, spaghetti straps/bra showing, etc etc.

I proudly say that anyone that has seen me at work, and then sees me in street clothes, are always like "I had no idea!"

You can be feminine and attractive without being sexual. I wear bright colors that flatter me, I wear my hair down with a nice necklace and matching earrings so it's not like I look like a man. I don't do makeup at work usually, but when I do it's neutral colors.
 
teenyfish said:
Thank you! I ended up buy a new suit today that I'm really happy with. I'd rather be safe!
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I wore the same suit for like 24 residency interviews. Even if you don't get a lot of med school interviews, if you get accepted you can actually get A TON of mileage out of that suit depending on the fit and your weight 3 years later.
 
acciobutterbeer said:
Is this material appropriate? (Matching jacket and pants)

Seasonless Stretch Two Button Perfect Blazer | Ann Taylor
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Besides harping about dressing conservatively, I'm not an expert. It could be this woman's frail rack-like frame, but the cut looks sloppy to me. I think the legs are cut too short but again, that could be the model. Not sure about that much polyester, but what do I know? I think the recommendation is more for wool.

And Jesus, $169 for that blazer? I dunno.
 
Crayola227 said:
Besides harping about dressing conservatively, I'm not an expert. It could be this woman's frail rack-like frame, but the cut looks sloppy to me. I think the legs are cut too short but again, that could be the model. Not sure about that much polyester, but what do I know? I think the recommendation is more for wool.

And Jesus, $169 for that blazer? I dunno.
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I got pants that aren’t ankle pants, I think they have a couple of different cuts. I didn’t pay full price!! I got it while it was on sale but now I’m worried that it isn’t good material
 
DokterMom said:
If the fabric is an EXACT match, that would work. But don't count on it happening. Leave yourself enough time for a backup plan.



I'm seeing a lot of shine -- If the blouse is silk, then it's probably OK, but if it's a polyester satin, then I wouldn't do it.
The color is very nice though -- lively but not too bright.

Check out the Lands End page in post #1126 for a nice selection of interview blouses.
Click to expand...
Hi @DokterMom the blouse is silk, but the shine kind of depends on the angle of the light. I will see if I could find this color in a more matte version. I am having a hard time finding jewel toned blouses that are matte. I will look at Lands End. Thank you so much for the suggestion!
 
appropriatepeanut said:
Hi @DokterMom the blouse is silk, but the shine kind of depends on the angle of the light. I will see if I could find this color in a more matte version. I am having a hard time finding jewel toned blouses that are matte. I will look at Lands End. Thank you so much for the suggestion!
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Did you take the pic with the flash on? As DoKMom says, if it's silk it's probably fine. I love the color.
 
acciobutterbeer said:
I got pants that aren’t ankle pants, I think they have a couple of different cuts. I didn’t pay full price!! I got it while it was on sale but now I’m worried that it isn’t good material
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So do the trousers and jacket match perfectly? I will say that I can tell when they don't when I interview applicants and it drives me a touch nuts. I remind myself that these students are probably broke, but still. There is a lot of actual medical practice that is image projection/control despite all adversity, so managing to look like a well-dressed if not-designer plastic surgeon, if a bit on the young side, on a day that will be one of the most important in your entire planned career, just speaks better to that than a mismatched suit.

It's not to hate on the broke. However, matching, decent shoes, and cuffs that aren't too long, are all attainable. I've hemmed my own trousers when I didn't have too much to take up. Otherwise I was able to get it done for less $30 for the whole suit. Donate plasma.
 
Crayola227 said:
I agree with this wholeheartedly.

If money is an issue and this is the blouse you have, while I agree it's a big shiny, I love the color and the appropriate fit (neckline, hemline, not too form fitting).
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Thank you so much for the help @Crayola227! The blouse is silk but the shine of it depends on the light; I took this picture in front of a window, but I have noticed that in above lighting it is much more subdued. I was trying to follow your very helpful MMI interview advice on wearing a blouse of a distinctive color to interviews. I will look for something this color without the shine if I can find it. If I can't, do you think it best that I find another blouse all together? Thank you again for your help.
 
appropriatepeanut said:
Thank you so much for the help @Crayola227! The blouse is silk but the shine of it depends on the light; I took this picture in front of a window, but I have noticed that in above lighting it is much more subdued. I was trying to follow your very helpful MMI interview advice on wearing a blouse of a distinctive color to interviews. I will look for something this color without the shine if I can find it. If I can't, do you think it best that I find another blouse all together? Thank you again for your help.
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If you don't find something you like better, I think this is fine, personally, as you say it's not as shiny in person. Less shiny would be better. Hard to say as photos are different than in person.

Glad that advice helped and you're wearing something distinctive. I see this color plenty, not to say it's overdone and you won't stand out in a good way. Just that it isn't unusual or inappropriate and it'll have the desired effect.

If you can return this for another similar blouse, sure. If you're stuck having spent the money on this one, I don't think you need to buy another unless you want to keep this one for later in your career (you can wear it in med school) and you have the cash.

Personally this is my favorite style of blouse for interviews. I talk about the oxford but it is less feminine and it is bulky, if my figure was different I would wear this other style. I think this style of blouse is pretty, feminine, and generally sits well on someone. Only thing to watch for how is sheer and what you wear under it.

Also that these blouses tend to be sleeveless and not spaghetti strapped, and usually sleeveless cut in a modest way. This leads to less stuffiness in the suit, and depending on the circumstances you can take off your coat jacket while you eat lunch and not be too revealing. (and air out a little!) Not supposed to wear sleeveless at work in the hospital and it's not what you want interview day, but an informal lunch it's OK not to want to get food on your jacket (not that you want it on your blouse either... but jacket sleeves are a bitch, and one time the spot I got on my shirt was covered by the jacket).

So overall I think these blouses are a win. Sometimes you can find them with little cap sleeves which I think are even better if you take the jacket off.

In all cases you could have sweat. I learned the hard way not to wear any deoderant or antiperspirant (this sounds crazy I know) but I'm not an exceptionally smelly person even if I will get wet with sweat. The problem is that I find nothing keeps you totally dry, and when I used any underarm product it totally ruined the pit area dye. It's easier to get pure sweat with no chemicals out and leave the color intact. So I accept the sweat and save my clothes.

Sorry for that ramble.
 
I think somewhere I have a list of total interview day preparedness items.

I keep a tide pen, napkins, and a mini bottle of water. Spot control anywhere anytime. Sometimes the napkins you get are a joke. It's fine to pull out a nice big one for lunch. It's good to be able to wipe down your pits and forehead and not rely on toilet paper in the bathroom. You could consider a nice hanky.

Sorta goes into what I said about wiping down those palms too.

OTOH, with silk, you may want to button up that jacket all the way depending on how it's cut, to protect your blouse during lunch. Some people are done for the day after lunch and some aren't, so it depends on how much you'll be screwed by a spot.

On the residency interview trail, I did 15 interviews in 3 weeks (do that math... one every day) so the need to keep things clean day to day lunch to lunch, was real.
 
Crayola227 said:
If you don't find something you like better, I think this is fine, personally, as you say it's not as shiny in person. Less shiny would be better. Hard to say as photos are different than in person.

Glad that advice helped and you're wearing something distinctive. I see this color plenty, not to say it's overdone and you won't stand out in a good way. Just that it isn't unusual or inappropriate and it'll have the desired effect.

If you can return this for another similar blouse, sure. If you're stuck having spent the money on this one, I don't think you need to buy another unless you want to keep this one for later in your career (you can wear it in med school) and you have the cash.

Personally this is my favorite style of blouse for interviews. I talk about the oxford but it is less feminine and it is bulky, if my figure was different I would wear this other style. I think this style of blouse is pretty, feminine, and generally sits well on someone. Only thing to watch for how is sheer and what you wear under it.

Also that these blouses tend to be sleeveless and not spaghetti strapped, and usually sleeveless cut in a modest way. This leads to less stuffiness in the suit, and depending on the circumstances you can take off your coat jacket while you eat lunch and not be too revealing. (and air out a little!) Not supposed to wear sleeveless at work in the hospital and it's not what you want interview day, but an informal lunch it's OK not to want to get food on your jacket (not that you want it on your blouse either... but jacket sleeves are a bitch, and one time the spot I got on my shirt was covered by the jacket).

So overall I think these blouses are a win. Sometimes you can find them with little cap sleeves which I think are even better if you take the jacket off.

In all cases you could have sweat. I learned the hard way not to wear any deoderant or antiperspirant (this sounds crazy I know) but I'm not an exceptionally smelly person even if I will get wet with sweat. The problem is that I find nothing keeps you totally dry, and when I used any underarm product it totally ruined the pit area dye. It's easier to get pure sweat with no chemicals out and leave the color intact. So I accept the sweat and save my clothes.

Sorry for that ramble.
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Thank you so much for all this advice this is really helpful!! This is a sleeveless blouse, so just to clarify I should not take off my jacket during lunch on my interview day?
 
appropriatepeanut said:
Thank you so much for all this advice this is really helpful!! This is a sleeveless blouse, so just to clarify I should not take off my jacket during lunch on my interview day?
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It's OK if it's sleeveless but NOT spaghetti straps, if you get what I mean. There's more than one way to be without sleeves. One shows your bra (or lack of one 😱) and is not at all classy, the other is OK.

In general you want to keep it on, but there would be times it would be appropriate to take off your jacket. If you sit down to eat, for example. If you have tons of time you're killing in a conference room without any admissions people, just you and students, and you're sweating. The need to keep your cool both figuratively and literally is real. So a compromise there is fine. I wouldn't want to be struggling to put it back on before heading into an interview, and I wouldn't want to go on the tour without it.

The general vibe of the situation and the group, too.

In general I wasn't looking for excuses/circumstances to lose it, but sometimes I had to take those openings.
 
You're supposed to button the top button and that's it. Whenever you sit down, you're supposed to unbutton the coat, and when you stand rebutton it (not to where you're not shaking hands, wasting time, standing there, like you can leave the room and redo it.)

Plenty of people don't mess with all this, in that case I say err on the side of buttoned over unbuttoned to keep things simple. I find the buttoned look much more serious in a good way than unbuttoned.

I had to do something funny with a pin to make my coat look all right (gapping, sigh), so I didn't mess with unbuttoning it.

Plus as I said being busty, it was so impossible to keep my shirt tucked and not ridiculous so buttoned was better.
 
acciobutterbeer said:
I got pants that aren’t ankle pants, I think they have a couple of different cuts. I didn’t pay full price!! I got it while it was on sale but now I’m worried that it isn’t good material
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I have this exact suit in the one-button blazer, and it has been completely fine. The material doesn't look cheap at all. I'm very petite, so the cut was perfect for me. I think you're fine!!
 
LadyGlen said:
I have this exact suit in the one-button blazer, and it has been completely fine. The material doesn't look cheap at all. I'm very petite, so the cut was perfect for me. I think you're fine!!
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Thank you! It definitely seems like it fits better in person!
 
What is the dress code for dinner with the current students? Because of complicated reasons I won’t be travelling from home to one of my interviews so I don’t have many clothes available to me besides my interview suit.
I also don’t have a coat proper, but a CK jacket. Should I buy a coat?
 
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