What to Wear to a Nursing Interview

You’ve probably heard all the generic tips for a successful interview: come prepared, sit up straight, and dress the part. But for nurses, dressing the part can make it harder to actually get the part. So should you show up ready to scrub in, or should you arrive in something completely different than your normal workwear? Here’s your head-to-toe guide on putting together an appropriate nursing interview outfit.

The Hair

Your interview hairstyle is probably the sole part of your attire that should mirror your work presentation. Just like you would on the clock, keep your hair tucked and out of your face. Trim, groom, and appropriately style facial hair, if necessary. If you have medium to long hair, consider tying it back in a sleek bun or tame up do. However, if your hair is short, you can easily get away with a clean brush and a bit of styling product.

The Outfit

Picking the right outfit for a nursing interview is critical — but not difficult. Turn to neutral tones, and make sure your outfit is clean, pressed, and presentable. Women should wear a mid-length skirt or slacks with a blazer, while men should lean towards a suit and tie. Regardless of which outfit you go with, shop ahead of time so you select the perfect size, length, and fit that isn’t too tight or baggy.

The Accessories

To show personality while staying professional, nurses sometimes wear colorful scrubs with fun prints and patterns. During your interview, however, you’ll want to accessorize for functionality rather than flair. If you want to wear jewelry, stick with plain options like stud earrings and a classy watch. And if you prefer to wear cosmetics, lean towards a neutral, minimalistic makeup look.

The Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit, but the interview room isn’t the place to start setting trends. Instead of opting for stilettos or boots, polish your look off with a pair of cap toe shoes, flats, or modest heels. As always, pay attention to matching your shoes with the rest of your outfit, including the belt, and tucking or neatly tying your laces.

Land an Interview With HSS

Picking the right outfit isn’t the only way to prepare for a nursing interview. To get insider tips on perfecting your resume and delivering a killer elevator pitch, join the talent network and start your job hunt on the right foot with HealthCare Support. Our healthcare recruiters match each candidate with relevant positions and equip them with the tools and knowledge to confidently tackle applications, interviews, and performance reviews. For more information, call us today at 407-478-0332.