Interview Attire - Columbia Station,OH

Updated on July 19, 2012
B.P. asks from Columbia Station, OH
22 answers

I have an interview tomorrow at our local hospital for cleaning and such, and i was wondeing what i should wear. I figured id wear a nice pink dress and sandles, something that is put together and nice, but not too stuffy

http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-sleeveless-solid-cotton...

this is the dress that i plan on wearing.. wuld it be okay for an interview? its supposed to be 85 tomorrow as well

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So What Happened?

°°°**** i decided to wear my black dress pants n a teal short sleve button down n flats, i kind of knew the sress wasnt okay fir an jnterview but wanted to make sure
i dont have a pant suite, should invest in one but since i am not working i can not really afford a pant suite at this time.. so i am trying to work with what i have, the dress does cover me well or i wouldnt wear it, i wore it to a wedding recently. and the pink is muted some it is more of a pink crayon pink

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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

Maybe i was just raised differently (my mother is a director or HR for a major Dallas company) but i have always worn a pant suit for interviews. No matter the job or the dress code for that company its always best to be over dressed than underdressed. I would not wear this dress because it is sleeveless (this is against the dress code in all companies i have ever worked for).

6 moms found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

You don't need a pant suit. You need a pair of black, brown, grey or tan pants or a skirt and a basic top w/ sleeves with no print unless it is stripes. No jacket.

Open toed dress shoes are fine!

No sandals! No pink dress! No capris!

Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear. But if you want the cleaning job - don't wear the dress. They may think you are too girly to take a cleaning job and probably wouldn't stay long.

4 moms found this helpful

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

At hospitals, stuffy is better.

It's because of all the schedule 1 narcotics, and restricted meds. Looking in any way 'party' (sleeveless and bare legs... Yikes, just read your update: Wedding Apprpriate DEFINITELY falls into 'party' category) is a big red flag that could very easily keep you from getting the job.

Also keep in mind hospitals are kept COLD. Unless the air is broken in the admin wing (last place it gets fixed)... You're going to be shivery after 20 minutes. Shaking and in a pretty dress? The chances of you getting this job will be slim to none.

Go with 'stuffy'.

And on the off chance the air is broken, commiserating with HR is better than being all fresh and comfy, while they're dying and sweating.

They won't be expecting support services to be wearing a suit, but do follow dress code. In hospitals that's usually
- slacks (no jeans or shorts)
- business skirts (knee or lower)
- NO open toed shoes
- NO tanks or sleeveless tops or sleeveless dresses (unless under a jacket worn at all times in patient view/public areas/meetings...aka in your office only)
- NO billowy sleeves
- NO billowy dresses (both get caught on equipment and are a big liability for patient saftey)

8 moms found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Columbus on

I've worked in the personnel department before and would interview people for all kinds of jobs, so, speaking from the viewpoint of the interviewer, I would not want to see you walk in wearing what looks like a party dress.

Slacks, a nice blouse and closed-toe shoes is the way to go.

Additionally, have a copy of your resume with you. Speak clearly and make eye contact!!! And no gum chewing!!!!

Good luck!!!!

6 moms found this helpful

J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

the pink on there is like hot pink. I have huge boobs so I'd have to wear a mini cover up thingy and I probably wouldnt go with bright pink., if you have a little sweater I'd throw that on right before. i work in a hospital it wil be freezing inside even if it's hot outside. the person interviewing you will be in a suit probably...you have to think of what the person interviewing you is wearing not the people outside. bring clothes andchange in the bathroom after if its too hot for clothes outside.

dont buy new clothes...i'm sure you have black slacks or a black longer skirt, and a shirt or at the very least khakis and a shirt?

5 moms found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from New York on

I would not wear this for an interview. General "rules of thumb"
1. Nothing sleeveless
2. Nothing "open-toed"
3. Nothing with a v-neck that could expose cleavage.
**If you wore it to a wedding (read: "party dress"), then it is definitely NOT appropriate for an interview.

You would be better with a pair of slacks, pumps, collared shirt and a cardigan or light weight blazer. You are ALWAYS better to be perceived as "stuffy" when it comes to an interview. Temperature is irrelevant. It was nearly 100 here today and I wore a suit to work because I was meeting with a Superintendent of Schools. Would a pink sundress have been more comfy? Absolutely. Would he have taken me seriously as I was suggesting some major changes for his district? Nope.

Carry an understated and appropriately sized bag with an extra copy of your resume, cover letter and contact information. Have a pen with you as well as something to write on.

5 moms found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

If it is for cleaning then a suit is not required. A party dress won't work either. I would go with a nicer pair of slacks and a top.

4 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

I wouldn't w ear it either. Looks like a party dress. I suppose with flats and a little jacket or sweater it wouldn't be over the top.

But for a cleaning job at a hospital I would wear maybe pants/capris if its hot, and a short sleeved cotton blouse/shirt.

:)

4 moms found this helpful
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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

I would put a short sleeved sweater over the dress, but if you have a darker dress or one that is more "officey", I would wear that. Can you ask a friend if she has a pencil skirt and blouse you could borrow?

3 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Lots of good advice so far.

Go to Target or Kohl's and get a pencil skirt in black or khaki. This is a timeless piece that you can dress up or down. Target actually has nice ones that are fully lined for about $25.00. Pair it with a blouse and a pair of flats and you are good to go.

Completely agree with no open toes, no exposed feet. A pair of low heels or flats are the best way to go.

I envy you that it will only be 85 tomorrow. We are in 100+ degree he$$ here in the Kansas City area!!

Most of all, GOOD LUCK!! Let us know how it goes!

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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

If I picked that dress, I would wear a light summer cardigan over it and pair it with flats or closed toed pumps. After all, you will be inside in air conditioning. Otherwise, I would choose something with sleeves.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Thanks for the SWH, but the answer is still no. Borrow something else if you really don't have a simple pair of pants and a basic top with sleeves. And certainly no sandals.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

If you have something in a darker color - blue, grey, black, or more muted, that would be more professional. Also a jacket or sweater if the dress doesn't have sleeves.

If you have a chance, try Good Will, Salvation Army or other thrift stores and see if you can find a business outfit there.

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

The dress is pretty, but too casual in my option - or maybe too fancy. Perhaps you can where a cardigan over it? with flats?

Conservative is always better, and that usually means don't shoe your shoulders, cleavage, or toes:)

Good luck.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

that is a very cute dress, but it doesn't really seem like good interview attire to me. See if you can borrow something from a friend if you don't have something already. A suit is best, but otherwise nice slacks and a fancy blouse will work. Heels or loafers are also better than sandals.

Don't worry about the weather. Your interview will be inside. Better to be dressed appropriately for the interview than to worry about being too hot.

Good luck with the job!

1 mom found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Houston on

Love the dress. I think I'll order one for myself when I'm finished with this comment!

For an interview, though, I think you should have your shoulders covered. Do you have a little jacket or cardigan to put over it? And wear some flats with it...anything with a closed toe. An open toed shoe is usually not allowed when working in a hospital (considered dangerous and unsanitary), and you want to show that you know what you are getting yourself into and that you have respect for them.

Another thing to remember is that (in my experience) hospitals are usually kept on the cold side. One other thing that was mentioned to me by an interviewer...be sure your fingernails are in good shape. Especially in a hospital setting they will be noticing detail.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.A.

answers from Seattle on

Pink isn't a good color for interviews. You want to stand out for your skills and personality, and be taken seriously. There are power colors, and pink makes you seem young and fun, not serious and mature. And toes are a definite no-no! I would only ever wear a skirt or pant suit with closed toe pumps to any interview. Clean makeup, hair back. Sorry but it's all true!

I've seen suits or suit separates at goodwill or value village before, just make sure the two pieces' colors match (no faded black and a good black, etc). Or borrow one from a family member or friend!

ETA: what you wore sounds great! Let us know if you get the job :)

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C.K.

answers from Miami on

No picture loaded, so I am not sure what it looks like. The description says it falls above the knees. If it is very much above the knee on you, I would say "no". Even if you are determined to wear this dress, wear a cardigan or shrug over it at least during the interview period. They respected you and your skills enough to call you in for an interview, you should show them respect by wearing professional attire in return.

1 mom found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Chicago on

I am sorry - this dress is not appropriate for an interview. Do you have a long sleeved button down shirt? Do you have dark colored pants or khakis? Even though I wouldn't usually recommend khakis for an interview - it's better than the dress. It's a cute dress - I'd love to wear it - but not for an interview.

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D.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Sounds like you don't want to hear what everyone is saying, but it's true. Tan slacks and a blouse would be more professional than the dress.

The dress is verypretty but they arent hiring you to be pretty. Sorry.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

Agree. Not appropriate.

Most any skirt (at least knee length) or slacks in a muted color and a blouse or summer sweater would be better. You don't need a pant suit, but you don't want a party dress in pink, muted or not.

1 mom found this helpful
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K..

answers from Phoenix on

Go to the Goodwill & get some dress slacks & a nice button down, collared shirt, and a good pair of black pumps, at minimum. A dress jacket would be a good addition. I live in Phoenix, and this was my uniform for interviews, no matter what the weather.

As cute as the dress is, it isn't interview attire, nor are sandals. You want to be as professional as possible, especially in such a cutthroat job market.

1 mom found this helpful
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