Interview Attire?

[Ihatethis]

24 minutes ago, Clinapp2017 said:

True, implicit bias exists even in our field and maybe I am being too naive haha.  That’s why we need more research in that area. I’m definitely interested in seeing research on if we have actually worse inhibition of our biases because we think we are not influenced by them. 

 

Also, as an edit/aside, I asked my fiancé (a social worker) to read this in an effort to better understand how I came off to you, and she told me that I was definitely mansplaining. She helped me understand more how this message was inappropriate (e.g., “take a deep breath,” Italian suit v women fashion comment) even though I meant it with the best of intentions. I sincerely do apologize for minimizing the unfair experiences of women in our field/other professional settings. 

 

I ultimately hope that what everyone finds to wear makes them feel comfortable and confident! You deserve to rock these interviews.  

Glad you're receptive! And your fiance sounds very wise!

[ilobebrains]

20 hours ago, hereistohoping said:

Does anyone have thoughts on a matching blazer/skirt combo as opposed to blazer and pants? 

I am wondering the same thing! From what I've heard so far, I don't think it matters so long as you still look professional, aka the skirt should at least be at your knees and not higher. I would also do a mirror test and see how your skirt looks at all angles + when you're sitting. I think I will wear a skirt, also because I'm 5'1" and slacks (even when tailored) make me look frumpy. 

[psykick]

31 minutes ago, ilobebrains said:

I am wondering the same thing! From what I've heard so far, I don't think it matters so long as you still look professional, aka the skirt should at least be at your knees and not higher. I would also do a mirror test and see how your skirt looks at all angles + when you're sitting. I think I will wear a skirt, also because I'm 5'1" and slacks (even when tailored) make me look frumpy. 

I wore a skirt/blazer combo and it was a-ok, especially since I followed the above tips. I didn't wear tights because my skirt was on the longer side (and it was HOT where I was interviewing) but that's an option too.

[spookycat]

This was mentioned in passing earlier, and now I can't stop thinking about it (as with everything related to this process). 

I recently got engaged, and thus wear my engagement ring at all times. Is it not a good idea to wear my ring to interviews? I wouldn't take it off in any other context, but now I'm wondering if this is something I just haven't heard of as a young person who is only recently engaged. Thoughts?

[huskypsych]

1 minute ago, spookycat said:

This was mentioned in passing earlier, and now I can't stop thinking about it (as with everything related to this process). 

I recently got engaged, and thus wear my engagement ring at all times. Is it not a good idea to wear my ring to interviews? I wouldn't take it off in any other context, but now I'm wondering if this is something I just haven't heard of as a young person who is only recently engaged. Thoughts?

It definitely shouldn't matter but old-fashioned (sexist) advice would say not to wear it to avoid suggesting that you are too focused on your personal/family life, or making your interviewer wonder if you would take maternity leave at some point. It's garbage on multiple levels. 

[PsyDuck90]

56 minutes ago, spookycat said:

This was mentioned in passing earlier, and now I can't stop thinking about it (as with everything related to this process). 

I recently got engaged, and thus wear my engagement ring at all times. Is it not a good idea to wear my ring to interviews? I wouldn't take it off in any other context, but now I'm wondering if this is something I just haven't heard of as a young person who is only recently engaged. Thoughts?

The way I see it is, would you really want to spend then next 5+ years at an institution that would frown upon their students having a work-life balance? There may absolutely be faculty who would hold your engagement ring as a negative factor. I can't imagine the other concerns students may have regarding work-life balance. Most students are at the age where getting engaged/married/having kids is normal so it really shouldn't be an issue. 

Congrats btw! It's such an exciting time!

[spookycat]

1 hour ago, Hk328 said:

The way I see it is, would you really want to spend then next 5+ years at an institution that would frown upon their students having a work-life balance? There may absolutely be faculty who would hold your engagement ring as a negative factor. I can't imagine the other concerns students may have regarding work-life balance. Most students are at the age where getting engaged/married/having kids is normal so it really shouldn't be an issue. 

Congrats btw! It's such an exciting time!

Thank you, I am completely over the moon - which is exactly why the thought of not wearing my ring is so sad to me! I don't want to pretend that I'm not engaged just to impress someone, thank you this is a very good insight!

[Jung&Psyched]

4 minutes ago, spookycat said:

Thank you, I am completely over the moon - which is exactly why the thought of not wearing my ring is so sad to me! I don't want to pretend that I'm not engaged just to impress someone, thank you this is a very good insight!

I would agree with the above advice as well. I am married, and will certainly wear my rings to interviews.  The reality is, my husband is a very big part of my life and there is a good chance I will get pregnant at some point during my graduate career.  I don't want to be somewhere that is going to act ugly towards me when they find out I'm married or if I want to start a family. Show off that beautiful ring and find a school that is going to support YOU in both your personal and professional life. 

[topsailpsych]

8 hours ago, spookycat said:

This was mentioned in passing earlier, and now I can't stop thinking about it (as with everything related to this process). 

I recently got engaged, and thus wear my engagement ring at all times. Is it not a good idea to wear my ring to interviews? I wouldn't take it off in any other context, but now I'm wondering if this is something I just haven't heard of as a young person who is only recently engaged. Thoughts?

You want to be authentic in your interviews.  You can choose to wear your ring or not, but almost certainly you're going to end up talking about your fiance at some point during the interview - to interviewers, fellow interviewees, or other grad students.  It's highly likely that if you actively avoid talking about him that you'll come across as awkward or reserved (or worse yet, hiding something) which won't give you interviewers a good idea of who you really are and could hurt your chances.  So, if I were in your shoes, I'd wear the ring and be yourself. (I'll be wearing mine for my interviews)

[Psych1234]

I have spent probably way too much time thinking about outfits, but really want to just confirm on here that this is acceptable for an interview: 

1) dark plum/purple suit jacket, 3/4 sleeve around mid-forearm  - I think it still looks put together, and it makes me feel more alive than black blazer, but worry about the sleeve length.

2) light purple blouse, covers up to the neck

3) black trousers, fitted 

4) black flats 

Thoughts?? 

[PsyDuck90]

26 minutes ago, Psych1234 said:

I have spent probably way too much time thinking about outfits, but really want to just confirm on here that this is acceptable for an interview: 

1) dark plum/purple suit jacket, 3/4 sleeve around mid-forearm  - I think it still looks put together, and it makes me feel more alive than black blazer, but worry about the sleeve length.

2) light purple blouse, covers up to the neck

3) black trousers, fitted 

4) black flats 

Thoughts?? 

If you are applying to clinical psych, I would swap the purple blazer for black. The pop of color would come from the blouse. Clinical psych programs are typically far more conservative. If it's a different sub-speciality you may be able to get away with it. 

[PsychWannabee]

Is a dark gray suit okay for clinical interviews? Or should I exchange it for black? I didn't think it would be a huge difference, but I've seen conflicting opinions.

[ResilientDreams]

So I have a question....I'm applying for developmental, not clinical. Do I have to wear a pant suit? I don't have one...can I wear a dress?

[psychhealth101]

What do you all recommend wearing for socials/dinners with grad students the night before interview day (for men and women)? For those that have already attended interviews, what did most people wear to the socials? Thanks! (I posted this in another thread but now that I see this one I thought it would be more appropriate here)

[PsyDuck90]

29 minutes ago, PsychWannabee said:

Is a dark gray suit okay for clinical interviews? Or should I exchange it for black? I didn't think it would be a huge difference, but I've seen conflicting opinions.

Gray, black, and navy are all classic conservative suit colors, so you should be fine with a dark gray suit. 

[PsyDuck90]

26 minutes ago, ResilientDreams said:

So I have a question....I'm applying for developmental, not clinical. Do I have to wear a pant suit? I don't have one...can I wear a dress?

As long as it is a professional dress. I would also still wear a blazer. Something like this is a good option. 

[ResilientDreams]

25 minutes ago, PsyDGrad90 said:

As long as it is a professional dress. I would also still wear a blazer. Something like this is a good option. 

It's professional! Thanks for the link.

[PokePsych]

Decided to go with the suit pants & white shirt and nice cardigan because of the two blazers I have here, one blazer screams 80s and the other one pajama fashion :') And my nice on is halfway across the world..

[paraent]

business casual w emphasis on conveying professionalism

[missfleur]

Any opinions on a business formal dress versus and skirt suit? The dress in question is dark navy, 3/4 sleeves and made out of suiting material. Something I think you could wear in a boardroom. There’s just no blazer/jacket. 

[dancedementia]

44 minutes ago, missfleur said:

Any opinions on a business formal dress versus and skirt suit? The dress in question is dark navy, 3/4 sleeves and made out of suiting material. Something I think you could wear in a boardroom. There’s just no blazer/jacket. 

I personally wore business/office dresses to all my interviews because I move and act much more relaxed/natural in it vs. a suit. I know it's frowned upon by some sticklers, but if the program is going to ding me over something this petty, it's probably not a program I want to be in. I much prefer feeling confident about myself to tugging awkwardly on my suit and being visibly uncomfortable.

[xxxxxxxxxx]

Purchased another pant/suit option I liked (way better) today...... looks like it won't arrive in time for my first interview, even after paying expensive ass shipping........... excellent

[presentfancies]

13 hours ago, checkingmyemail said:

Purchased another pant/suit option I liked (way better) today...... looks like it won't arrive in time for my first interview, even after paying expensive ass shipping........... excellent

Jeez  that's the absolute worst ? I ordered a new pair of glasses that are gold wire and very profesh and im crossing my fingers they show up before my first interview

[presentfancies]

Also, if it's helpful to anyone- I got a navy suit from Banana Republic that came down to $170 (40% off). It's gorgeous and really high quality for the price. They might still have the sale going on!

[xxxxxxxxxx]

1 hour ago, presentfancies said:

Jeez  that's the absolute worst ? I ordered a new pair of glasses that are gold wire and very profesh and im crossing my fingers they show up before my first interview

Lol @ profresh- Hope they arrive in time so you can wear them!!