What to Wear to a Nursing Interview

Wear business professional or business casual clothes to a nursing interview unless the recruiter tells you otherwise. Scrubs are usually not the right choice, with two exceptions: you were told to wear them, or you are shadowing on the unit. Above all, choose clean, well-fitting clothes and shoes you can walk in, since many nursing interviews include a tour of the unit.

Your clothes will not get you the job, but a neat, practical outfit removes a distraction and shows you understand a clinical setting.

The default: business casual to business professional

A hospital interview panel often includes a nurse manager, an educator and staff nurses who may have come straight from the floor in scrubs. You do not need a formal suit, but you should look like you made an effort. Good options:

• Tops: a button-down shirt, blouse, sweater or knit top in a solid or simple pattern
• Bottoms: dress pants, chinos or a knee-length skirt
• Layer: a blazer or cardigan, which you can take off if the unit is warm
• Dresses: a simple, knee-length dress with a cardigan or blazer

Choose neutral or muted colors if you are unsure. Avoid anything you have to keep adjusting, such as a top that rides up when you sit or pants that are too tight to walk in comfortably.

For leadership roles, such as nurse manager, director or educator, lean toward business professional: a suit or a blazer with matching pants or skirt.

Shoes you can walk in

This is an easy detail to overlook. A unit tour can mean long hallways, stairs and standing in a busy nurses' station. Wear closed-toe shoes that are clean, low or flat, and comfortable. Polished flats, loafers or simple dress shoes work well. Skip brand-new shoes that have not been broken in.

Closed-toe shoes also matter on a clinical unit, since many facilities require them in patient care areas.

Grooming details that matter in healthcare

Healthcare interviewers notice details that connect to infection control and patient comfort.

• Fragrance: skip perfume, cologne and strongly scented lotion. Many patients and staff are sensitive to scents, and some facilities have fragrance-free policies.
• Nails: keep them short and clean. Many facilities restrict artificial nails and extensions for staff in direct patient care, so interviewers may notice.
• Hair: neat, and pulled back if it is long and you will be on the unit.
• Jewelry: keep it simple. A watch and small earrings are fine.
• Tattoos and piercings: you generally do not need to hide them. If you want to know the facility's policy, check the employee dress code or ask the recruiter.

Outfit guide by interview type

When in doubt, ask. A short note to the recruiter is normal: "Is there a dress code I should follow for the interview, and will there be a unit tour?"

Virtual interviews

Video interviews still call for a professional look, at least from the waist up. A few tips:

• Wear a solid color that contrasts with your background. Busy patterns can look distracting on camera.
• Test your camera, lighting and audio the day before. Face a window or lamp rather than sitting with a light behind you.
• Choose a quiet spot with a plain background, and silence your phone.
• Dress fully. You may need to stand up, grab a document or adjust your setup.

Plan for the day itself

Small logistics can undo a good outfit. Lay out your clothes the night before, and check the forecast so you are not arriving soaked or overheated. Hospital parking and walks from garages can be long, so leave extra time and wear comfortable shoes for the trip if you plan to change. If your interview follows a shift, ask the recruiter whether you can come in scrubs or whether you should bring a change of clothes.

Shadow shifts and unit tours

Some employers invite candidates to shadow a nurse for part of a shift. Ask what to wear. Usually it is scrubs (any color unless they say otherwise), clinical shoes and your badge or ID if issued. Bring a pen and a small notebook, and avoid touching patients or equipment unless the nurse invites you to help.

A shadow shift is also your chance to interview the unit. Watch how nurses talk to each other, whether they take breaks, and how the charge nurse handles a busy moment.

What to bring

Pack a folder or bag with:

1. Several copies of your resume
2. Your license number and a copy of your BLS card and other certifications
3. A list of references with current contact information (see nursing job references: who to ask and how)
4. A pen and notepad
5. Your own questions for the panel

For question ideas, see questions to ask at the end of a nursing job interview. For the rest of your preparation, see how to prepare for a nursing job interview.

Prepare for who will be in the room

Many nursing interviews include several interviewers at once, sometimes staff nurses from the unit. Your outfit and manner should work for all of them: professional enough for the director, practical enough for the nurses who will work beside you. Nursing panel and peer interviews explains how to prepare for that format.

It also helps to know what the workplace is like before you walk in. Read workplace reviews from nurses, and if you are a new grad, ask others what their interviews were like in the New Grad Nurses group.

Next step

Find a role worth dressing up for. Browse nursing jobs on NurseTide, where every post shows the pay.

General information for nurses, not medical, legal, tax or financial advice. Follow your facility's policies, your state board of nursing and the terms of your employer or contract.