Going for a nursing interview? Scrubs may be your future, but for your nursing interview, treat your outfit like a patient chart- neat, organized, and showing professionalism. You cannot just show up to an interview in flip flops or scrubs, but your outfit should scream professionalism. Yes, it’s true- first impressions matter. In this blog, we will discuss nurse interview outfits in detail, so let’s dig in.
Guidelines for nursing interview outfit
What you wear for your nursing interview sets the tone for a confident first impression. Your outfit does the talking for you; therefore, dressing up professionally on the day of the interview is essential. Here is the list of general guidelines for your nursing interview:
- Stick to professional and clean attire.
- Wear something that is comfortable and conservative and not too revealing.
- It’s better if you wear neutral colors like navy blue, white, pastels, etc.
- Last but not least, grooming matters! Neat hair, trimmed nails, and comfortable shoes.
Your nurse interview attire is not only about looking nice and being comfortable, but it also reflects how serious you are about your job and the role you are applying for. Dressing professionally matters for various reasons, such as:
- It helps to project that you take your job seriously and believe in your abilities, skills, and qualities as a nurse.
- Your nurse interview outfit should demonstrate respect for the interviewer.
- What you wear for your nursing interview also reflects the idea that you are reliable and ready for responsibility.
What to wear: business casuals for a nursing interview
Confidence is your best accessory, make sure what you wear for your nursing interview is classy, comfortable, aim to put together and clean.
For gents or male nurses:
Shirt: Collared button-down shirt or a polo shirt that has soft colors and subtle patterns.
Pants: No jeans! Just wear khaki pants or dress pants, which should be clean and wrinkle-free, with an appropriate belt.
Shoes: Comfortable shoes such as loafers or lace-up shoes that are clean and polished.
For ladies or female nurses:
Top: Keep it classy and wear a blouse or sweater with subtle colors. It should not be revealing but conservative.
Bottoms: You can wear dress pants or a skirt, but make sure it’s not too tight or short.
Dresses: You can also wear knee-length dresses or a blazer to look more professional.
Shoes: Wear something comfortable like loafers, shoes, flats, or low heels to give that professional look.
Makeup: You are already pretty, but if you want to put on makeup, make sure not to go overboard. Minimal makeup that makes you look polished and presentable. Of course, you don’t want to show up like a zombie.
Tips for nurse interview outfits: How to dress up professionally
- Dress for the job you want. This means aim for business casual.
- Your nurse interview outfit should be clean, pressed, and professional.
- Stick to neutral colors and subtle patterns.
- Your nursing interview outfit should not be too tight or too loose.
- Choose comfortable shoes.
- Keep makeup and accessories simple with soft perfume.
- Dress to impress and show you have made an effort and are serious for the role you are applying for.
Can a nurse wear scrubs to the interviews?
No! Nurses cannot wear scrubs to the interviews. We know that scrubs are nurses’ everyday work attire, but when showing up for a nursing interview, their outfit should be more business casual.
Can a nurse wear jeans during the nursing interview?
No! You cannot wear jeans while going for your nursing interview. Your nursing interview attire should be business casual. Male nurses can pair a collared shirt or polo shirt with dress pants. Female nurses can wear knee-length dresses, dress pants with a blouse or blazers to give a more professional look.
How long does a nurse interview last?
A nursing interview can last up to 45 minutes, but it can vary depending on the situation.
What can I bring to the nursing interview?
Always be prepared ahead of time. Things you can bring for your nursing interview are:
- Copies of your resume.
- Bring your license and certifications.
- A neat binder or portfolio to store your important documents.
- ID and background check forms
- Notepad and pen to note down important things.
Where should I purchase my nurse interview outfits?
Whether you are a new grad nurse and going for your first nursing interview, or a seasoned nurse and are out of options on what to buy for your nursing interview attire? Then we are here to help you with some of the options to look your best during your nursing interview. Make sure whatever you select it should give a business casual or formal look vibes.
Some of the budget-friendly options are as follows:
- H&M
- TJ Max
- Marshals
- Target
- Old Navy
Some of the business formal options you can find in the following stores:
- Banana Republic
- Nordstrom Rack
- Macys
- J.Crew
- Ann Taylor
Conclusion
Before you say a word during your nursing interview, your outfit sets the tone. No doubt, during your nurse interview, your skills, qualifications, and passion play an important role in securing that job, but what you wear also makes a big impression. For your nursing interview, it is important to dress up in business casual or business formal attire. Some of the tips you should keep in mind are that your nurse interview outfit should scream professionalism. For male nurses, wear polo shirts or button-down shirts with dress pants, and for female nurses, wear knee-length dresses, blouses, blazers, and dress pants. The color of your nursing interview attire should be soft with subtle patterns, and pair it with comfortable shoes. Your outfit should be clean, wrinkle-free, and not too tight or too loose. Secure the best nursing job positions with SkillGigs by downloading our app. Join SkillGigs now and become part of our travel nursing world.
Read more of our blogs here:
What are your Strengths and Weaknesses as a Nurse? Smart Answers for Nursing Interviews
Questions Every Travel Nurse Should Ask During Their Interview
Top Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions: What You Need to Know
