Dressing For Success

Congrats on getting an interview, now what?

Well, we know the optometrists out there pretty well, so below are a few things to consider as you get ready for your big interview. Good luck!
If you have time, visit the practice or organization in advance of your interview to get a feel for the environment.
 

Tips for the women: If you feel more comfortable in a pant suit, then wear it.
However, if the doctors there are wearing dresses, or look pretty traditional, then follow suit.

Other tips include:

• Go easy on the makeup, you should look very natural
• Nails can be manicured, but keep them either short or at an active length
• Do not wear low-cut blouses or dresses – go with a dressy-looking shell or blouse
• If you decide to go with a dress instead of a suit, the dress should be traditional and conservative in appearance
• Small earrings and understated jewelry are smart choices, as are closed toe shoes with hosiery or trouser socks

Tips for the men: Most consider it best for men to go with the standard traditional suit: dark, plain, simple, with a white shirt.

Other tips include:

• Good haircut, clean fingernails, and pressed shirt are essential
• Best to leave the earrings at home
• Do you know a good shoe-shine?

• Take the interview seriously. While you may have worked with a great deal of doctors on campus, at volunteer events, and the like, this is the "real deal!" Be prepared and professional.
• In some cases, the doctor you are interviewing with will tell you, “it’s okay, you can dress casual tomorrow or at our next meeting.” This is key, let them tell you.
   

I always tell students, if you feel uncomfortable in any way, don't wear it, said ICO Professional Career Development Counselor Tracy Faulkner. You never want attention diverted away from your face and the sound of your voice.

First impressions are lasting ones! While ICO is the largest college of optometry with more than 8,000 alumni worldwide, it is still a close-knit community. Overall, your interviewer will appreciate your efforts to look professional at the interview—better to be overdressed and have the doctor be grateful for your presentation, than underdressed and have the doctor be underimpressed.