The last step before you become a nurse is attending the interview with several professional panels. This interview will determine your level of knowledge with questions related to the job scope and essential questions you need to know as a nurse. The most important when attending this interview is creating a strong and good first impression. The worst-case scenario is when you attend the interview wearing streetwear shorts.
It is very important for you to follow the dress code policy when you attend the interview. While some panels might be a little bit lenient about attire and focus more on your answer, it never hurt to show effort. Treat the interview as seriously as you can like your whole life depends on it.
Professional Attire
- A slack pants with a button-down shirt and a tie, top with a jacket.
- A blouse and dress pants.
- A blouse and knee-length skirt.
Nothing wrong to mix modern design in your attire but make sure it is not too much. Choose a colour that is not so bright if you despise black and white attire. Sometimes, a little bit of colour can make you look approachable and friendly. Taking the consideration the nature of the nurse as a serviceperson, you may want to opt for a soft pastel colour palette when choosing your attire.
In professional attire, it is important to stay looking polished throughout the interview to give out a strong aura and omit confidence to excel in the interview. No harm in looking tidy and well-prepared in an interview no matter what position you are applying for. This helps to make the panel trust your answer and feel that you are someone that can depend on.
Professional attire also makes a good first impression. Added up with your confidence in answering all the questions, you definitely secure the job! All that matter is you choose your attire wisely.
Casual Wear Attire
People always thought casual wear allowed them to wear jeans. However, it is not! Avoid jeans for any job interview. You can pair your tops with slacks or khaki pants. Instead of wearing a button-down, you can opt for a collared t-shirt or polo shirt instead. Replace your jacket with a blazer.
Casual wear is always giving an ambiguous feel in deciding what to wear for interviews. If you are not sure, ask your senior or lecturer for advice. Sometimes, your decision or thought reflects differently from someone that has been there before.
If there is no one around you to ask, you may refer to Google Images for casual wear. Tons of outfit suggestions can come out so you can try to mix around those suggestions. As a student, you also have gone through lots of presentations right? During class presentations, casual wear is required, wear those outfits! Don’t spend your money on a new outfit if you have the right one!
Clothing You Should Avoid
Are you still confused about what to wear for your interview? Here is a list of some of the clothing that is strictly advised by interview panels that you should avoid.
Shorts
You should ban shorts from your wardrobe when the interview date is around the corner. No matter if it is short pants or a short skirt, no short bottom is allowed for an interview. It reflects badly upon your image and seems that you are not prepared for the interview. Remember, in an interview, the first impression is always number one.
You might be the top student in your class and excel in all questions by the panel. Unfortunately, wearing a short will deem you as delinquent and lacking in attitude. This will affect your overall score and will result in you failing the interview.
Attention Grabbing Clothing
You must avoid any shirt that has pictures or words printed on it. This will affect the panel’s attention and again, make you look bad. You would want the panel to focus solely on your answer and confidence, and not random words on your cloth.
Bright colour cloth is also a no-no. While casual wear let you wear a blazer, please don’t match your black polo shirt with an orange blazer. It seems so unprofessional and panels might think that you are not serious about this interview. Avoid making the panels question your intention to be there.
Uncomfortable Cloth
It is very noticeable when you wear something uncomfortable. You will keep tugging your cloth or scratch the area you are uncomfortable with. Panels will take these actions as an act out of nervousness or uncertainty. The confident look you were pulling off is gone in a blink of an eye.
It is not wrong to buy a new cloth for your interview. Sometimes we don’t own anything that is suitable. But, make sure you have time to wash it properly first and try it on. If the cloth is still uncomfortable for you, best to avoid them.
Prepare for Your Interview
Come prepared! Don’t focus on your attire and forget everything else. Study the questions they might answer beforehand. If you are interviewing for a certain hospital, let yourself know about the hospital and the current issues revolving around them. Educate yourself.
If you are able to know who is the interview panel beforehand, best to search for them. Know their full name and position so that when you introduce yourself, you may address them accordingly. This will give you an extra point of coming prepared and ready.
Practice makes perfect. With a number of practicing interview questions, you hardly will do any mistakes. You can easily give out a strong confident aura and stand out from other interviewees. Good luck with your interview and we hope these tips help!
