Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[daniellema13]

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So i went to get my hair cut recently and had a bit of a disaster...i was just going for a trim/clean up the layers, whatever, but for who knows what reason the girl just started cutting VERY short in the back...somehow she thought i wanted one of those short haircuts that are longer in the front and get real short in the back.😱 I dont know in what way "i just need a trim" implies this 😕😕, but whatever. Anyway, since i obviously noticed right away that the scissors were at the nape of my neck it is not so horrible as long as i wear my hair down...you cant see the very short part underneath. But now i dont know how to wear my hair for interviews...is it totally inappropriate to go with hair down? My hair is fairly long, past my shoulders anyway. It is nearly impossible to get up, and having it stay is a whole different issue. Even half up is challenge, and actually a little worse cause of how it lays. ahhh! Moral: if you have a regular hairdresser and he/she is out of town, WAIT UNTIL HE/SHE IS BACK at all costs.

opinions? 🙄

 

[diosa428]

So i went to get my hair cut recently and had a bit of a disaster...i was just going for a trim/clean up the layers, whatever, but for who knows what reason the girl just started cutting VERY short in the back...somehow she thought i wanted one of those short haircuts that are longer in the front and get real short in the back.😱 I dont know in what way "i just need a trim" implies this 😕😕, but whatever. Anyway, since i obviously noticed right away that the scissors were at the nape of my neck it is not so horrible as long as i wear my hair down...you cant see the very short part underneath. But now i dont know how to wear my hair for interviews...is it totally inappropriate to go with hair down? My hair is fairly long, past my shoulders anyway. It is nearly impossible to get up, and having it stay is a whole different issue. Even half up is challenge, and actually a little worse cause of how it lays. ahhh! Moral: if you have a regular hairdresser and he/she is out of town, WAIT UNTIL HE/SHE IS BACK at all costs.

opinions? 🙄

You can wear your hair down as long as it is neat and you're not playing with it during your interview. I recommend some gel/hairspray to keep it from getting crazy, esp if your tour goes outside, and bring a brush so you can comb it right before your interview. Other than that, you're fine.

 

[linguini]

So i went to get my hair cut recently and had a bit of a disaster...i was just going for a trim/clean up the layers, whatever, but for who knows what reason the girl just started cutting VERY short in the back...somehow she thought i wanted one of those short haircuts that are longer in the front and get real short in the back.😱 I dont know in what way "i just need a trim" implies this 😕😕, but whatever. Anyway, since i obviously noticed right away that the scissors were at the nape of my neck it is not so horrible as long as i wear my hair down...you cant see the very short part underneath. But now i dont know how to wear my hair for interviews...is it totally inappropriate to go with hair down? My hair is fairly long, past my shoulders anyway. It is nearly impossible to get up, and having it stay is a whole different issue. Even half up is challenge, and actually a little worse cause of how it lays. ahhh! Moral: if you have a regular hairdresser and he/she is out of town, WAIT UNTIL HE/SHE IS BACK at all costs.

opinions? 🙄

I just paid $70 bucks to get my hair cut just like that! Donated 11" to locks of love and will probably never grow my hair long again. My coworkers love it and say it makes me look older and more mature...that can't hurt for an interview right? I don't know how much of a difference there is in the length from front to back, but I would recommend it only being slightly longer in the front. You don't want to be that girl with posh spice's outrageous haircut.

I think it would be completely appropriate for an interview, as long as you put a little time into it (i.e. bed head is not professional-looking). I blow-dry it everyday with a big round brush and then flat iron it (only because my natural hair is a bit frizzy). You might like hairspray but I've found it looks smooth with nothing but shampoo+conditioner.

Don't fret! Embrace your short hair! 😉

 

[beachblonde]

You can wear your hair down as long as it is neat and you're not playing with it during your interview. I recommend some gel/hairspray to keep it from getting crazy, esp if your tour goes outside, and bring a brush so you can comb it right before your interview. Other than that, you're fine.

I second that.

I wear mine down most of the time when I'm dressed for work (whether it's an interview or the clinic or whatever) and as long as it's neat and not in my face I feel that it's totally appropriate.

But definitely wait for your typical stylist to be in town! Hair is never so critical it can't wait a week or two to be cut.

 

[daniellema13]

I just paid $70 bucks to get my hair cut just like that! Donated 11" to locks of love and will probably never grow my hair long again. My coworkers love it and say it makes me look older and more mature...that can't hurt for an interview right? I don't know how much of a difference there is in the length from front to back, but I would recommend it only being slightly longer in the front. You don't want to be that girl with posh spice's outrageous haircut.

I think it would be completely appropriate for an interview, as long as you put a little time into it (i.e. bed head is not professional-looking). I blow-dry it everyday with a big round brush and then flat iron it (only because my natural hair is a bit frizzy). You might like hairspray but I've found it looks smooth with nothing but shampoo+conditioner.

Don't fret! Embrace your short hair! 😉

But i didnt actually get this haircut (i have seen it look great on many people, i just cant picture for myself, and in any case i dont have the balls to do something so drastic (for me) before interview season🙄).

She started cutting real short, but i noticed right away and told her that's not what i wanted and so its only one section underneath that is short like that...it's not even noticeable as long as my hair is down. So, my hair in back (and front) is still long apart from that bit underneath.

 

[Druzie]

You can wear your hair down as long as it is neat and you're not playing with it during your interview. I recommend some gel/hairspray to keep it from getting crazy, esp if your tour goes outside, and bring a brush so you can comb it right before your interview. Other than that, you're fine.

👍

Maybe use a clip or headband to keep it away from your face, but other than that, nothing wrong with wearing it down.

 

[Fabricationary]

lol I've literally read this entire thread - very informative!

I'm with you ladies who haven't bought a suit yet (there are still some of us in this situation, right? right? ) Mainly it's because I don't want to fork out $300-$400+ bucks for the suit set, cami, complementary shoes, tote, etc. until I have at least one interview offer. I'm applying MD/PhD so I realize 1) this might take a while and 2) it might not happen at all 🙁. Also, I'm in the process of losing that last 5-10 lbs (at a rate of about 0.5-1 lb a week...I've unfortunately slacked off this summer w/ work and all those secondaries!) to get back to my ideal size so that when I go suit shopping, I'll be relatively happy w/ the fit.

I do have a question - for those of you who have gone or are going on multi-day interviews (such as MD/PhD interview weekends), what would you recommend wearing for non-interview days (i.e. touring the facilities or the city, going to networking luncheons, attending presentations)? I was thinking dressy pants (black, beige, gray) and a conservative dressy shirt or button-down top (black, white, or maybe a jewel tone) with flats or a small heel...anyone have any suggestions? I'm not typically a dress/skirt person, but would that kind of attire be appropriate, or just impractical/not the right look?

 

[LizzyM]

lol I've literally read this entire thread - very informative!

I'm with you ladies who haven't bought a suit yet (there are still some of us in this situation, right? right? ) Mainly it's because I don't want to fork out $300-$400+ bucks for the suit set, cami, complementary shoes, tote, etc. until I have at least one interview offer. I'm applying MD/PhD so I realize 1) this might take a while and 2) it might not happen at all 🙁. Also, I'm in the process of losing that last 5-10 lbs (at a rate of about 0.5-1 lb a week...I've unfortunately slacked off this summer w/ work and all those secondaries!) to get back to my ideal size so that when I go suit shopping, I'll be relatively happy w/ the fit.

I do have a question - for those of you who have gone or are going on multi-day interviews (such as MD/PhD interview weekends), what would you recommend wearing for non-interview days (i.e. touring the facilities or the city, going to networking luncheons, attending presentations)? I was thinking dressy pants (black, beige, gray) and a conservative dressy shirt or button-down top (black, white, or maybe a jewel tone) with flats or a small heel...anyone have any suggestions? I'm not typically a dress/skirt person, but would that kind of attire be appropriate, or just impractical/not the right look?

What you've suggested sounds quite appropriate. When I interview applicants for PhD programs, they generally wear nice slacks and pullover sweaters (most of our interviews of the doctoral candidates are in the dead of winter). I've never noticed their shoes. 😳

 

[Fabricationary]

Great, thank you for the advice, LizzyM 🙂!

 

[lol.psych]

I had my first interview today, this is what I wore. What do you think? Too dark? Too gloomy? I have another interview on Friday, so I want feedback so I can decide what to wear to it 😀

 

[ar2388]

good but t looks like you are not wearing a shirt under than suit jacket

 

[ChemGrad08]

I think I would have gone with a brighter (maybe pink or red) shirt under the suit. It could be the lighting in the room though.

 

[kac714]

Kudos to you for wearing something other than black. I think a lot of people assume that professional = black, when that's just silly. If you look terrible in black (it's not a flattering shade on everybody, trust me!), then don't wear it! I wore either a grey or brown pinstripe suits last year, and at every interview I had at least 3 or 4 people compliment me on my outfit. Often it was an interviewer or ADCOM member who said "ah, somebody not wearing black! you look so nice!" So black is not necessarily the only option, but if you feel comfortable in it, it's fine. Personally, it makes me look like death warmed over.

As for papers, I didn't bother to bring a portfolio last year. They give you a folder at each place anyways, so you can put papers in there. I think I'll bring on this go-round, but really only because I recently acquired a very nice one 🙂.

For bags: um, ok I don't really know how to post photos (oops 😳) but here's two links to ones I think are nice:
expensive side of the scale: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2980087/0~2376780~6009391~6013615~6017036?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6017036&P=1
not so expensive side:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/br...rod400018&parentId=cat70158&subcatId=cat70168

so you don't have to drop tons of cash; I think simple is better, in a neutral color and roomy enough to stuff lots of stuff in there.

i have the kate spade hobo like the one in the link that i'm using for interviews when wearing pinstripe suit, and a black coach tote for my black suit.

 

[Fabricationary]

I had my first interview today, this is what I wore. What do you think? Too dark? Too gloomy? I have another interview on Friday, so I want feedback so I can decide what to wear to it 😀

Very cute and flattering, imo. Like others were saying, a bright color cami would brighten the look up - pink, lime green, medium blue, saturated red, etc.

 

[lol.psych]

Very cute and flattering, imo. Like others were saying, a bright color cami would brighten the look up - pink, lime green, medium blue, saturated red, etc.

Thank you! (and thanks to everyone else who commented). I think that's probably a really good idea. Problem - my brighter shirts are long-sleeved and the interview was in Texas. I've been trying SO hard to find a shorter-sleeved collared shirt, but with no luck! I guess I'll look prettier in the winter 😛

 

[ronicajay]

Thank you! (and thanks to everyone else who commented). I think that's probably a really good idea. Problem - my brighter shirts are long-sleeved and the interview was in Texas. I've been trying SO hard to find a shorter-sleeved collared shirt, but with no luck! I guess I'll look prettier in the winter 😛

I just got a short sleeved raspberry top at Anne Taylor loft. You might try there?

 

[ar2388]

i ordered those insolia RSVP shoes on zappos! whoo! will let you guys know how comfy they are 🙂

 

[DoctorYanks]

Soo in terms of make up...i LOVE black eyeliner of course tastefully, but should I go brown instead and a neutral/brown eyeshadow? this is very nerve wracking already and I haven't even gone to my first interview yet..too bad it's a school that i'd LOVE to go to 🙁

 

[ar2388]

Soo in terms of make up...i LOVE black eyeliner of course tastefully, but should I go brown instead and a neutral/brown eyeshadow? this is very nerve wracking already and I haven't even gone to my first interview yet..too bad it's a school that i'd LOVE to go to 🙁

yeah brown would be the way to go. im pretty bad with eyeliner. im gonna go with a gold eyeshadow (color tends to work well with me), mascara, and either a light lipstick or lip gloss and end it with that probably.

 

[tabrazinski]

yeah brown would be the way to go. im pretty bad with eyeliner. im gonna go with a gold eyeshadow (color tends to work well with me), mascara, and either a light lipstick or lip gloss and end it with that probably.

i have really blue eyes, and so i always go with a navy eyeliner just on the top lids. less harsh than black, but makes my eyes pop better than brown.

 

[Dulcina]

hey guys! just got done wtih my shopping extravaganza (a good reward for all my essay writing) I got 2 suits-- a brownish greenish one from H&M, and a black one from Express. I really wanted the cute 2-button one from Anne Taylor, but its SO expensive.

Under the suits I have shiny-ish button up collared shirts.

For shoes i got naturalizers... SOOOO comfy!! and only $80 or so!

wheeeeeee.😀

 

[linguini]

Soo in terms of make up...i LOVE black eyeliner of course tastefully, but should I go brown instead and a neutral/brown eyeshadow? this is very nerve wracking already and I haven't even gone to my first interview yet..too bad it's a school that i'd LOVE to go to 🙁

Depends on your coloring. I have brown eyes/dark brown hair (I'm half-asian) and I always where either black eyeliner or dark purple eyeliner. I don't think it's harsh...as long as it's used in moderation and combined with a neutral-ish shadow. If you have light coloring I would definitely go with a brown eyeliner and mascara. Be careful about liner on the lower lashes as it can easily look like you are wearing too much makeup.

 

[ar2388]

just got these shoes in 7.5W.. they are so comfy! and so much prettier than in the photos. good buy 🙂 and such fast shipping!!
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7391842/color/72

 

[Fabricationary]

Aww, I can't wait to go shopping for interview outfits. Still waiting for an interview! 🙁

 

[tabrazinski]

do people who have already been on interviews know if the girls are mostly buttoning their suit jackets or is unbuttoned okay?

(it affects the type of shirt i will buy. don't want to get there and realize that i have to button my jacket and then have the whole rest of the day looking like i'm not wearing a shirt) 😉

 

[ar2388]

i will be buttoning... and i finally got my shoes and the VS shirts i ordered go really well with my suits i think:

i appreciate any thoughts...

 

[diosa428]

i will be buttoning... and i finally got my shoes and the VS shirts i ordered go really well with my suits i think:

i appreciate any thoughts...

I like the bottom suit better. The cut of the jacket seems more flattering and it looks better with the button up shirt. If you're going to wear the top suit, I'd recommend wearing a cami underneath instead of a button up because it cuts down so low and the shirt goes up so high that it looks kind of strange. Shoes are cute.

 

[tunafishsandwic]

Hey guys! So I bought a nice black suit yesterday, but now I can't find anything to wear under it. I only have a white long-sleeved collared shirt, but would that make me look too formal/like a waiter? I've been trying to find a nice cream-colored shirt, but I haven't had any luck! Does anyone have a link to a site where I could get something like that? Maybe I should just get a gray suit so I could wear my white shirt 🙂

 

[diosa428]

Hey guys! So I bought a nice black suit yesterday, but now I can't find anything to wear under it. I only have a white long-sleeved collared shirt, but would that make me look too formal/like a waiter? I've been trying to find a nice cream-colored shirt, but I haven't had any luck! Does anyone have a link to a site where I could get something like that? Maybe I should just get a gray suit so I could wear my white shirt 🙂

If you're going to have a black suit, I'd recommend getting a shirt that's a color rather than white or cream. Since collared shirts look different under different suits, it might be best to bring your suit jacket to a mall and then try on shirts under it. Try Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Express, and some of the department stores.

 

[ar2388]

victoriassecret.com
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSCLOBLOVIL&cgnbr=OSCLOBLOVIL&rfnbr=3946

 

[Adnama]

I had my first interview today, this is what I wore. What do you think? Too dark? Too gloomy? I have another interview on Friday, so I want feedback so I can decide what to wear to it 😀

Wow, that is such a cute suit... but PLEASE get a bright colored shirt !!!

 

[doomknight]

with a black shirt that has less cleavage obviously, and a belt...

 

[TheVerve]

same thing, i have a 'weird' peircing in my ear, i think it's called a 'conch peircing' but i forget. i can just cover it with my hair, right? or is that too risky?

im putting a bandaid on mine and covering it with my hair... even if my hair slips, they will just see the bandaid which hopefully will blend in with my skin and they wont even notice...

 

[ar2388]

those pants are so low...

 

[doomknight]

brownie points to whoever knows who that is 🙂

 

[mkitty09]

do you guys patent kitten heals would be okay??

 

[Jolie South]

do you guys patent kitten heals would be okay??

i think patent is acceptable. i wore some patent Steve Madden kitten heels last year and got lots of compliments.

 

[coffeebeanjenn]

im putting a bandaid on mine and covering it with my hair... even if my hair slips, they will just see the bandaid which hopefully will blend in with my skin and they wont even notice...

I have a helix piercing in my upper ear (small loop) that I got seven years ago. I don't plan on taking it out or covering it. It has never caused me any problems in my job, which is in a more conservative field than medicine.

 

[LizzyM]

with a black shirt that has less cleavage obviously, and a belt...

Nice color for Southern interviews particularly in the Fall or Spring but it might look out of place if you expect (hope) to be interviewed in the Snow Belt between November and March.

 

[Vania]

I'm just wondering what the consensus is about what to wear under the suit. I have a grey skirt suit that's a rather feminine style and didn't know if I should wear a cami-style top underneath or a collared button-down sleeveless blouse that I have.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

 

[LizzyM]

I'm just wondering what the consensus is about what to wear under the suit. I have a grey skirt suit that's a rather feminine style and didn't know if I should wear a cami-style top underneath or a collared button-down sleeveless blouse that I have.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

It's up to you but be sure that you're not showing cleavage or wearing something so tight or so sheer that things are on display that ought not be. I can't emphasize this enough. The only application I've seen derailed by a clothing choice was a case involving a woman who had the girls on display to the point where male and female members of the interview team were shocked and made no secret of it.

 

[Vania]

Thanks for your response, LizzyM.

Both options are tasteful and cover all of the necessary territory, and with my suit buttoned (I plan on keeping it buttoned during the interivew) you only see a few square inches of the top underneath.

I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a faux paux NOT to wear a button-down blouse under the suit.

 

[Dulcina]

Thanks for your response, LizzyM.

Both options are tasteful and cover all of the necessary territory, and with my suit buttoned (I plan on keeping it buttoned during the interivew) you only see a few square inches of the top underneath.

I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a faux paux NOT to wear a button-down blouse under the suit.

i'm personally wearing a button down collared shirt under the jacket. in the case it's really hot, or if my interview takes off their jacket, i want to be able to take mine off and still look formal.

in other news, I just got an awesome nine west bag on ebay for $12!!! its so cute!!! 😀

 

[ar2388]

pics? LOL

 

[azuldelcielo]

okay, so here are my suit options. for the first pic, i got the cami from old navy - they didn't have my size in any other color.


for this second pic, i currently don't have any shirts that button up higher. but i'm trying to lean away from wearing a long-sleeved/buttoned shirt anyway because its hard for me to find shirts that fit correctly because my arms are kinda long. i had issues moving my arms to fix the collar, so i'm sure that can't be a good sign. the suit coat is the same in both pictures.



here is my nine west bag from marshalls. it's just big enough to carry a folder, small umbrella, wallet, etc.

 

[azuldelcielo]

anyone...?

 

[linguini]

anyone...?

I think both are good options. I personally prefer pant suits over skirts...mainly because I don't want to worry about runs in my stockings or having to keep my legs stuck together all day. But both look nice if you are going for asthetics. I can't see the very bottom of the second suit picture, but make sure you tailor the pants so that they are not touching the ground at all if you haven't already.

I just bought my suit yesterday. Very exciting! I really wanted the ~$500 pinstripe one from Ann Taylor buttttt my bank account wasn't in agreement...especially not after the past few weeks of secondaries.

Good luck!

 

[azuldelcielo]

thanks, linguini. 🙂 in the second picture i'm not wearing shoes so they seem to be too long but in reality they're barely long enough. i had to buy a longer inseam since i'm taller.

 

[nina7123]

anyone...?

👍 Both look good. I'm personally going to wear pants because skirts get annoying if you're sitting all day. But I think that either would be great

 

[azuldelcielo]

👍 Both look good. I'm personally going to wear pants because skirts get annoying if you're sitting all day. But I think that either would be great

i went to christian school from K-12 and had to wear a skirt everyday (in addition to wearing one to church), so i'm definitely over skirts being annoying/uncomfortable. 🙄

thanks for the response.