Dress Codes Decoded: Appropriate Healthcare Interview Attire for Different Roles

Different roles in healthcare have different dress codes for interview day. The healthcare industry has a wide range of positions – from front-line clinicians to C-suite executives – making the question, “What should you wear to a healthcare interview?” a challenging one. The good news is, we have the answers. This article will break down the most appropriate healthcare interview attire for the most common roles in the medical field. With this information on appropriate interview attire and a little preparation, you can feel confident as you enter your next healthcare interview.

Does the Dress Code for Interviews Vary Across Healthcare Roles?

As a healthcare professional, you know that workplace dress codes can vary across settings, disciplines, and organizations. Nurses may be required to wear scrubs in the inpatient setting, while being asked to wear business casual in some outpatient clinics. Doctors may wear business casual attire, while occupational therapists may wear scrubs. The dress code for pharmacists in one hospital system may be business casual, while pharmacists in another hospital system may be asked to wear a specific color of scrubs.

This wide variation can make interviewing for healthcare roles especially confusing. Many healthcare professionals find themselves asking, “What should you wear to a healthcare interview?” and the answer often cannot be found in general interview dress code advice.

In other professions, general advice might suggest that you should always dress in a suit or other formal business attire for an interview. However, in healthcare, this may not be appropriate interview attire. Many healthcare positions require getting into the weeds with patients, including bending, squatting, leaning, and otherwise moving in a way that keeps the patient safe. Not to mention handling bodily fluids. Therefore, healthcare interview attire that is too formal can suggest to interviewers that you are not willing or do not understand the demands of the position.

On the other hand, wearing scrubs or other casual types of clothing may indicate that you are not taking the position seriously. Scrubs are optimal for patient care, but may not always be the most appropriate healthcare interview attire. You want to demonstrate to the hiring manager how much you appreciate their time, and that can come with dressing “professionally.”

But, what exactly does dressing professionally mean in healthcare? In the following sections, we will explore what that can look like for various positions.

A Note About Interview Attire Recommendations

Please note none of the recommendations contained in this article are meant to dissuade personal or cultural expressions. They are only general recommendations to consider when making your first impression through your healthcare interview attire.

First impressions are often challenging for both parties during an interview and may involve many assumptions that must be revisited. However, remember that it is a small part of the impression you leave. Before choosing healthcare interview attire, it is helpful to also understand how your cultural values intersect with the organizational culture and what message you want to portray. Therefore, consider these recommendations a starting point, not a definitive guide.

Appropriate Interview Attire for Nurses

As a nurse, you are on your feet all day and may have to deal with messy or hazardous situations during your shift. When choosing what to wear to an interview as a nurse, you should select comfortable and professional attire that you can move around in easily.

Clothes: Scrubs are usually not appropriate for interviews, though some employers will let you know in advance that they are the preferred attire. Instead, you may want to wear a pair of dress pants with a polo, blouse, or sweater. A dress shirt or button-up top is also a good option. Be sure to choose clothing that is clean, wrinkle-free, and covers you well when bending or squatting.

Shoes: For shoes, you should wear something comfortable that you can walk in easily. Heels are typically not a good option, as they can make it difficult to move around and may be a safety hazard. Instead, opt for loafers, flats, or low, sturdy heels.

Accessories: When choosing accessories, keep it simple. You may not even wear accessories at all. Remember, you want the interviewer to focus on your qualifications, not your outfit. Most importantly, be sure to remove any facial piercings, if possible. These can pose an infection risk in a healthcare setting and are typically not allowed for employees. Although your particular setting may allow them, you should remove them for the interview and until you are certain they are acceptable.

Appropriate Interview Attire for Nursing Assistants (NA I or NA II)

As a nursing assistant (NA), you will have the most direct patient care responsibilities. For your healthcare interview attire, choose comfortable and professional clothing that allows you to move freely.

Clothes: Scrubs may be appropriate for this interview if you will be asked to demonstrate clinical skills. However, it is important to check with your interviewer beforehand to determine if this is part of the interview process. It is almost always acceptable to wear business casual that covers you well when bending and squatting. Below is an email template you can use to ask about the dress code for the interview.

Hello [Name of Interviewer],

I am very excited about this interview and the potential to work with such an incredible healthcare company. In order to best prepare, I wanted to ask about the dress code for the interview. Would you prefer that I wear scrubs or another type of attire? I wanted to prepare myself to demonstrate my clinical skills and proficiency in providing patient care. However, I understand if this is not a part of the interview process for your organization, and I am happy to dress accordingly.

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to this interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Shoes: When it comes to shoes, be sure you wear shoes that you can walk in comfortably. Your healthcare interview attire should show that you understand how your clothing choices will impact patient care. This includes wearing practical footwear that is both comfortable and professional. An example may include sneakers, loafers, waterproof clogs, or other flat shoes with a nonslip sole. Avoid high-end or name-brand shoes if interviewing for an inpatient setting, as they are likely to get dirty.

Accessories: For accessories, simplicity is key. You may even consider going without them altogether. Facial piercings, in particular, should be removed if possible. In a healthcare setting, they pose an infection risk and are generally not permitted for employees. Even if your workplace allows them, it’s best to remove them for the interview until you’re sure they’re acceptable.

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Appropriate Interview Attire for Allied Health Professionals

For licensed professionals in allied health, interview attire should reflect a balance between formality and practicality. While you want to make a good impression, you also want to be able to move comfortably and perform any physical tasks that might be required.

Clothing: A good rule of thumb is to dress in business casual attire. This means a pair of dress pants or a skirt, a button-down shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. For an inpatient setting, avoid name-brand or expensive suits that may indicate you do not understand the demands of the healthcare role. However, a suit that provides sufficient flexibility for your role may be suitable.

Shoes: The shoes you choose to be a part of your healthcare interview attire should be a mix of comfort and formality. Likely during your interview, you will be provided a tour of the facility where you will work, so you will need to be comfortable walking at a steady pace. However, it is also important to convey that you are a licensed professional ready to make important decisions that impact your patients. Therefore, something like flats, loafers, or low heels may be the most appropriate.

Accessories: Depending on your unique role, the importance of choosing the right accessories may vary. For example, physical therapists and occupational therapists should avoid any hanging accessories such as necklaces or hoop earrings since these can get caught on patient equipment and may concern the interviewer. In contrast, outpatient pharmacists may not be limited in their accessory choices because they do not lift patients or provide intensive care. However, facial piercings should always be removed until you have clarified with your employer what the policies are regarding these piercings.

Appropriate Interview Attire for Physicians

Unlike other healthcare professionals, it is recommended that physicians wear formal business attire to interviews. This is because physicians are often seen as the leaders of the healthcare team, and their appearance should reflect that. In addition, physicians often have to interact with patients, families, and other professionals, and their clothing choices should instill confidence and trust.

Clothing: When choosing healthcare interview attire as a physician, you should select clothing that is both professional and comfortable. A suit is always a good option, but you may also consider wearing a professional dress or skirt with a blouse. Be sure to choose clothing that is clean, wrinkle-free, and covers you well in various positions.

Shoes: For shoes, you should wear something comfortable that you can walk in easily. High heels are typically not a good option, as they can make it difficult to follow along during a tour of the facility. Instead, opt for flats or low, sturdy heels.

Accessories: In selecting accessories, it’s best to maintain a minimalist approach. Consider wearing a simple watch, a subtle necklace, or understated earrings. Avoid extravagant or distracting items. The goal is to allow the interviewer to concentrate on your qualifications, not your attire.

Now You Know What You Should Wear to a Healthcare Interview

When it comes to healthcare interview attire, it is important to make a good first impression. The way you dress can communicate your professionalism, attention to detail, and understanding of the healthcare environment. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right outfit to help you make a positive impression on your potential employer.

Looking for more interview tips? Check out the iHire Job Seeker Resource Center.