Dress Well for a Summer Job Interview

It seems so simple. Whenever you interview for a new job in health care careers, you want to show up for the interview dressed nice. You always want to project your best self.

But, there are variables. Take the weather, for instance. During these blazing hot summer months, you probably don't want to dress as you would for an interview in December or January. You risk showing up for your interview a sweaty mess. It's hard enough not to drip with nervous sweat in any interview situation, right?

With that in mind, we here at Concorde would like to present a few helpful tips for dressing for a job interview during the summer months.

"Choosing the appropriate attire for a summer interview does not have to be difficult, especially when you have a Graduate Employment Specialist on your side," said Mary Fry, Director of Student Affairs at Concorde Career College's Memphis, Tenn. campus.

Lean conservative

For men, Fry and the Memphis Graduate Employment Specialists recommend a lightweight suit in classic, conservative colors or patterns.

A blue, gray or lighter-colored suit is preferable to black, which can appear too somber. A lighter cotton shirt is appropriate for the heat, and dark socks and dress shoes are essential. Another option can be lightweight khakis or slacks and a lightweight button-down shirt. A light wool jacket and tie can be put on at the last minute for the finishing touch.

For women interviewing for health care careers, a nice dress, skirt or slacks in a lightweight fabric with a jacket, all in conservative colors, is recommended. Match with a crisp white or cream-colored top or blouse. Wearing hosiery is not necessary, but the feet should be covered with closed-toe shoes. If the choice is to go sleeveless, add a jacket or summer cardigan to cover the arms.

"Staying cool in the summer is an important factor, but staying professional and conservative is the goal," Fry said. "Following these guidelines will keep it clean and simple and fit the tastes of even the most conservative employers."

Always be prepared

When dressing for a summer job interview you want to make sure you accommodate your clothes for the weather. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be fully prepared for any curveballs mother nature throws your way.

For instance, the weather in Texas can be sporadic and unpredictable. However, one Graduate Employment Specialist at Concorde's San Antonio campus recommended not layering clothes, but bringing along a rain coat to leave in the car, just in case.

The main thing is, you still want to look professional, especially since we're talking health care careers here. Prints or anything in wild colors probably is not recommended. Ladies, you probably don't want to wear a sun dress to a job interview. No sandals. And, guys, always wear socks.

A little trick for dog days

One Concorde associate who should know about health care careers work attire during the hottest of days weighed in on a little trick he's learned in dealing with the heat and not looking as though you just stepped out of the shower.

"We all know that Texas can yield temperatures into the triple digits," said Noel Bell-Poats, M.Ed., BS, Director of Student Affairs at Concorde's campus in Grand Prairie, Texas. "As a helpful hint to our students, we tell them about underarm shields or pads which are disposable inserts that attach to your shirt's underarm area to protect your clothes from sweat, stains and odor. These are available online or at stores like Wal-Mart or Target and are priced at $5-$15.

"This is an excellent way to mask perspiration on such an important day."