What to Wear to a Nursing Interview (2022 Guide)

Here's what to wear to a nursing interview. Choosing what to wear to a nurse interview is an essential but often tricky component of the job hunt. Nurses commonly wear scrubs in their day-to-day work, but they are not always the best choice for a nursing job interview.

Why is it vital to dress professionally for a job interview in the nursing field?

An employer will usually meet you during a nursing job interview for the first time. It would help if you made a good first impression. You may make a professional and pleasant impression by wearing it correctly. This attire may aid in the entire selection process and may even be why you get chosen over another candidate for the position.

What NOT to wear to a nursing interview

Interviewers may interpret anything that sends incorrect signals or detracts from you as a red flag.

Items to avoid can include:

• Clothing that is too casual, wrinkled, or doesn't fit correctly.
• High heels or revealing clothing.
• Glitter your nails, your shoes, and your clothes.
• Hair that isn't in order.
• Using a lot of makeup.
• Perfumes or smells that are strong.
• Noise-producing jewelry.
• Flashy or chunky jewelry.
• Brightly colored nail polish.
• It's fine to use color, but most interviewers advise sticking to subdued or softer hues that don't stand out. If you have tattoos, make sure you conceal them until you learn more about the position.

You're looking for a professional, classic, and unobtrusive look here. You want to get judged on who you are and what you can do.

What should I bring to a nursing interview?

Bring copies of all of your documents to the interview, including your resume, nursing license, BCLS, ACLS, diploma, and any other certifications.

Although you may not use any of these documents, having them on hand demonstrates that you are well-prepared and organized.

What should I wear in a registered nurse panel interview?

Women should wear conservative clothing with a modest shirt and jacket, like formal pants or a fitted skirt. Dress pants with a shirt and tie are recommended for men, with a jacket as an option. Both men and women should always wear a suit.

Generally, men and women should dress in business casual or professional business attire.

What to wear to a nursing interview

Preparing your attire for a nursing interview is critical to making a professional and competent impression. When deciding what to wear to your nurse job interview, keep the following ideas in mind:

Looking at other employees at the firm or investigating the organization's dress code will help you figure out what to wear. You might also phone ahead of time to find out their official work clothing policy or what is desired for the interview.

Wear business formal clothing, such as a suit, if you are unclear about the company's dress code.

Dress appropriately for the job.

If you're looking for an entry-level nursing career, men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear formal trousers or skirts and a button-down shirt. If you're going to an interview for a career in nurse management, you should dress up. It would help if you look more professional the more advanced the position you seek.

Think about the message you want to send. Related: How to Dress for a Job Interview

The interviewers generate opinions of your character based on your looks when you enter the room. The more professional you seem, the more experienced you will be seen to be by an employer.

Consider the message you want to send in the interview—say, you want to look competent and well-dressed—and pick an outfit that best reflects that.

Leave your nurse's attire at home.

Even though you would most likely wear a nurse uniform—also known as scrubs—daily if you obtain the job, this clothing is not usually acceptable for a nursing interview.

Choose your accessories carefully.

As a nurse, you won't be able to wear jewelry that is too showy or too chunky. Wearing modest jewelry to your interview might show the company that you're aware of the expectations at work. A set of tiny earrings and a matching necklace are likely good for women. Accessorize with a modest dress watch for guys. A watch with brown on black straps should generally be matched to the color of your shoes and belt. Tattoos and piercings on the face or body should be covered or removed.

Pay close attention to the footwear

The interviewer can tell a lot about you by looking at your shoes. Women can wear flats or low-heeled shoes that complement their clothes. Dress shoes in black or brown with matching socks that are appropriate for men. Make sure your shoes are clean and that they match your attire. If you're going to wear a belt, attempt to match it to your shoes' color.

Don't forget to think about grooming.

As a nurse, you will be expected to uphold high levels of hygiene. How you present yourself during an interview is one method to show that you take cleanliness seriously. Consider having a haircut, cutting your nails, and wearing just natural or no nail paint before heading to a nursing interview. You should also make sure your garments are pressed correctly. Wrinkle-free clothing is a great choice if you foresee a long journey to the interview.

Make sure your hair is well styled.

For a nursing interview, it's best to keep your hair as basic as possible. If you have longer hair, you may wear it up in a nice ponytail, or if you have shorter hair, you could wear it down but groomed properly. Wearing stylish or huge hair clips or other hair decorations is not recommended. Men's hair should also be styled neatly and properly.

Make do with what you've got.

Aside from your qualifications and experience, how you present yourself at an interview may have a huge impact on the outcome. However, to appear well for your interview, you do not need to spend more than you can afford. If you are attending several interviews, bring a couple of interchangeable clothes and a decent pair of shoes.

Even though the clothing is new, an older outfit that fits appropriately will seem more professional than a new pair of tight or loose-fitting garments. It will give you a specific appearance, and it may pique the interviewer's curiosity in knowing more about you.

Formal vs. informal business attire

Members of the non-clinical staff may be on your interview panel, and they may want you to dress professionally for the interview. In areas such as banking, law, and government services, business professional clothing is the preferred form of dress. It's also regarded as the most professional way to dress for an interview.

Solid-color conservative suits, a matching shirt or blouse, and a pair of dark-colored professional shoes make up professional wear. Men should wear a modest tie and dark-colored socks, while ladies should wear the minimum amount of jewelry.

Business casual clothes are becoming more popular in the workplace, and it bridges the gap between formal and informal attire. If the job description for your interview specifies that you should dress in business casual clothes, be sure you understand what this implies.

Cleanly pressed khaki or dark slacks, button-down shirts, and skirts at or past the knees are the most often recognized ensembles for business casual wear. If you're unsure what business casual means at the workplace where you're applying, phone ahead and ask, or choose a more formal option.