You’ve Got the Caregiving Job Interview: What Do You Wear?

Your caregiving job application has been reviewed and now your interview is scheduled.  Congratulations! 

What to wear?

Certified Nursing Aides, Home Health Aides and Companion Caregivers sometimes are required to wear uniforms and sometimes they are not.

Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Your appearance communicates who you are and gives you the opportunity to impress your employer as someone who is organized, dependable and capable.  Make your dress code express this.

Best Dressed List for Senior Caregiver Interview:

• Scrubs:  shows you are neat, clean and ready to work, even if scrubs aren’t required.  Feel free to wear a cute pattern beyond solid blue or green to express your personality.

• Suit:  you can never go wrong dressing professionally and wearing a business suit (jacket, blouse and skirt).  This shows you are ready for business. 

• Khaki Slacks and Knit Shirt (polo shirt):  some companies provide polo shirts as a uniform so let them know you can adapt and that you understand clothing which allows easy movement is necessary for caregiving.  Just be sure the shirt and slacks are neatly pressed and fit well.

What Not to Wear:

• Jeans
• T-shirt
• Tight-fitting clothing
• Low-cut shirt
• Mid-rise shirt showing your belly
• Shorts
• Uniform from your last job
• Loud Jewelry
• Strong Perfume

Remember, your future employer wants to feel you are professional.  You want them to be thinking about the caregiving skills and caring personality you will bring to the job, not wondering if you would be great on the dance floor on Saturday night.

Keep jewelry to a minimum.  You also don’t want jewelry to be a diversion from the job interview.  Large earrings, necklaces and bracelets should be left at home.  Less is more when it comes to accessories. 

Be sure you are freshly showered and aren’t wearing perfume that will greet them before you do.  Limit perfume and cologne, as everyone has different tastes and allergies in this area.  Just keep it simple. 

Tattoos:  if you have tattoos that can be covered, do so.  If a tattoo uses foul language or shows something sexual, it is important to realize that this might be offensive to some people and may not be viewed as professional if you are unable to conceal them in a work environment.  You do not want a sexually inviting tattoo to be front and center in a job interview, as it also will not be appropriate for clients.  Cover it up and save it for your personal life. 

That’s it.  Just put your best foot forward, walk in with a great outfit, nicely styled hair, resume in hand and believe you are the best person for the job.  You will get hired!