Speaking of Interview Attire...

[SLPsingballs]

What is appropriate?  What do you plan on wearing?  What are some of your favorite places to shop for appropriate interview attire?  

Any job I have had before has not required any sort of professional attire, so I really am clueless about what to do here.  I am a jeans and a t-shirt sort of gal, and I know that won't fly in the world of speech-language pathology.  Further, I have to make sure my tattoos are covered (on my foot, arm, shoulder, and back of neck) but that should not be an issue since it will be chilly in Oregon next week.  Please post with what you'll be wearing or your opinion on what is appropriate.  Thank you!

[ssllpp]

I found that H & M had a lot of professional looking attire. I bought a pencil skirt and a long-sleeve button down collared shirt to wear.  I'm no expert on interview attire though, so I'm hoping my outfit works okay!

[slpgrad620]

I think just a button down dress shirt and dress pants from H&M would do. If you're worrying about hiding tattoos, i'd suggest long sleeves and go with pants rather than a skirt (especially if the skirt is too short or tight) . Good luck! 

Edited February 18, 2017 by slpgrad620

[SpeechLaedy]

I used to work in an expensive dept store that sold interview type clothes so I have a bunch. Pretty much any nice blouse (button down or dressy looking) and knee-length skirt will do. I've worn sleeveless professional dresses with a cardigan or suit jacket over it with a nice necklace or bracelet. H&M, Forever 21, Rue 21, ROSS (if you have one in your state), and Charlotte Russe should have some nice, inexpensive dressy attire. 

[SLPsingballs]

I completely forgot about H&M.  I'll have to make a stop there this weekend.  Thanks!  

 

@SpeechLaedy I used to work at an expensive punk rock/funky boutique.  Unfortunately, it catered more to rockstars and the clothing from there does not transfer at all to an interview.   

[SpeechLaedy]

13 minutes ago, SLPsingballs said:

I completely forgot about H&M.  I'll have to make a stop there this weekend.  Thanks!  

 

@SpeechLaedy I used to work at an expensive punk rock/funky boutique.  Unfortunately, it catered more to rockstars and the clothing from there does not transfer at all to an interview.   

Hahahaha! If only punk rock attire was acceptable for interviews ?

[SLPsingballs]

Ideally, I'd like to interview in my pajamas.  True comfort.  

[SpeechLaedy]

15 minutes ago, SLPsingballs said:

Ideally, I'd like to interview in my pajamas.  True comfort.  

Skype interview would be ideal for you then lol I had a Skype job interview once. Put a nice fancy necklace on over a black shirt with my pajamas on ? Got the job too! ?

Edited February 18, 2017 by SpeechLaedy

[plume]

I also think it depends on location. Business casual (slacks or skirt with sweater or blouse) would work for most programs, but I was told to dress in a suit in more conservative locations. However, I have only interviewed for professional jobs before, not grad programs!

[plume]

Also, I second H&M, but also Express. You can also find good deals at Nordstrom Rack.

[Afternoonprogram]

I would follow the same guidelines as your college clinic -basically look like you are going to church with your grandma.  LOL.  Seriously, nice black pants (not stretch pants) and a blouse (scarf that shows off your personality okay) or black jacket with simple shoes (nothing with a big heel).  I also think a dress with a sweater is a fine choice.  Good Luck.  Edited to add: Kohl's has some reasonably priced pants and jackets that you could mix and match.

 

Edited February 18, 2017 by Afternoonprogram

[plume]

I was told to wear a suit to Boston interviews because it is a more conservative city. Does anyone have any experience with interviews in Boston? Will that be overkill? Thankfully you can take a jacket off if needed, but I still wanted to ask!

[imunster]

Dress shirt and blazer both from H&M and some slacks from J Crew! Flats from Payless

[CCCaffeinated-SLP]

I went to an interview yesterday, and most of the people interviewing had on suits (mostly black), with a button-up blouse or nice shirt underneath.  A lot of people had on pantsuits, but some had on skirt suits.  Some people had on flats, while others had on heels.  I was wearing a black pantsuit to the interview, which I got at Kohl's.

Best of luck!

[SpeechLaedy]

4 minutes ago, kaylam3 said:

I went to an interview yesterday, and most of the people interviewing had on suits (mostly black), with a button-up blouse or nice shirt underneath.  A lot of people had on pantsuits, but some had on skirt suits.  Some people had on flats, while others had on heels.  I was wearing a black pantsuit to the interview, which I got at Kohl's.

Best of luck!

Hm. Now I'm thinking of getting a pant suit ? I'm tall and can NEVER find any that fit me 

[kayyyyy_]

What about flats versus heels? I'm 5'9 so I am not trying to be any taller but I also don't want to look unprofessional. 

[CCCaffeinated-SLP]

5 minutes ago, kayyyyy_ said:

What about flats versus heels? I'm 5'9 so I am not trying to be any taller but I also don't want to look unprofessional. 

I'm just under 5'9 myself.  I always choose flats over heels.

But there were a few people there that were taller than me with heels on.  I don't think it will look unprofessional, it's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.  I'm personally never comfortable in heels, but more power to those that are.

[kayyyyy_]

Just now, kaylam3 said:

I'm just under 5'9 myself.  I always choose flats over heels.

But there were a few people there that were taller than me with heels on.  I don't think it will look unprofessional, it's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.  I'm personally never comfortable in heels, but more power to those that are.

That makes me feel better! I am also more comfortable in flats. I'll probably go pick up a new pair of nice ones pre interview. 

[K8eCastle]

I wore nice black pants, a button up blouse, black shoes with a little heel, and a simple necklace. I haven't seen many people wearing suits here, but it certainly couldn't hurt. I think it's better to be a little overdressed than underdressed!

[jmk]

I'm a fan (for myself) of a business dress, tights, a cardigan sweater, and flats. All purchased from Target, haha. 

[SLPsingballs]

Whelp, I bought a black dress and a blazer that is professional looking, comfortable and covers all my tattoos.  As far as shoes go, what are we supposed to wear if it rains (which is the expected weather for Friday)?  Although we've recently had a TON of rain here in Los Angeles, I am not used to the rain and am ill-equipped for rain weather attire, especially in an interview setting.  Boots?  Wet feet with ballet flats?  

[kayyyyy_]

7 minutes ago, SLPsingballs said:

Whelp, I bought a black dress and a blazer that is professional looking, comfortable and covers all my tattoos.  As far as shoes go, what are we supposed to wear if it rains (which is the expected weather for Friday)?  Although we've recently had a TON of rain here in Los Angeles, I am not used to the rain and am ill-equipped for rain weather attire, especially in an interview setting.  Boots?  Wet feet with ballet flats?  

Maybe cute little booties. 

[jmk]

2 hours ago, SLPsingballs said:

Whelp, I bought a black dress and a blazer that is professional looking, comfortable and covers all my tattoos.  As far as shoes go, what are we supposed to wear if it rains (which is the expected weather for Friday)?  Although we've recently had a TON of rain here in Los Angeles, I am not used to the rain and am ill-equipped for rain weather attire, especially in an interview setting.  Boots?  Wet feet with ballet flats?  

For my Oregon interview (I assume it'll rain) I was just going to bring a small umbrella & hope the walk isn't too long from my car to the location.

[SLPsingballs]

@jmk  Are you staying at the Best Western mentioned in the letter?  I'll be there.  

Edited February 19, 2017 by SLPsingballs

[Elska]

2 hours ago, SLPsingballs said:

Whelp, I bought a black dress and a blazer that is professional looking, comfortable and covers all my tattoos.  As far as shoes go, what are we supposed to wear if it rains (which is the expected weather for Friday)?  Although we've recently had a TON of rain here in Los Angeles, I am not used to the rain and am ill-equipped for rain weather attire, especially in an interview setting.  Boots?  Wet feet with ballet flats?  

Glad I'm not the only one thinking of a dress! I already own a blazer, so it'd be so much easier (and cheaper!) to buy a dress and some low heel shoes that go with it. Totally in the same boat as you regarding the rain...I'm thinking I'm just going to wear the low heels and walk extra carefully.