Dental Hygiene Job Interview Fashion Tips

With the competition for dental hygiene jobs fierce right now you can’t do too much to stand out. Margins at the job interview stage are often razor thin.

So, this week, let’s review some important dental hygiene job interview fashion tips that will compliment the marketing of your skills and personality.

The Basics

• Overall: Both pant suits and skirt suits are acceptable attire for job interviews, but always remember it’s better to err on the side of over-dressed than under-dressed.
  
• Colors: Choose a dark, two-piece, gray, navy or black suit as this gives you a basic confident and conservative look. But add to it a light-colored or tailored blouse or shirt. Avoid well-worn shirts and strapless or spaghetti straps under your jacket.
• Simple Compliment: Dress up your look with a necklace or other piece of conservative jewelry.
• Hosiery: Some are pretty relaxed on panty hose, but you just never know for sure who is or isn’t. Go with a sheer or nude tone that matches your skin.
• Shoes: It’s Best to go with a mid heel, closed-toe pump. You may love flashy shoes, but it’s best to choose a pair that won’t distract.

Additional Tips

• Make sure the nails are neatly manicured with a neutral polish
• Keep makeup minimal
• Neatly groom your hair, pulled back or away from the face
• Wear a conservative watch (subtle hint you care about time)
• If the weather is bad, bring an umbrella and wear a black or neutral-colored trench coat

And, Finally, Some Heck No’s

• Short skirts or extra form-fitting clothing
• Loud, textured or patterned hosiery
• Wet hair (yuck!)
• Perfumes or lotions applied to heavily
• Too much jewelry; or jewelry that is large and distracting
• Body piercings and tattoos that are visible (other than a single pair of conservative earrings)
• Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, canvas slip-ons, and hats (hopefully this is obvious)
• Sunglasses should be removed and put away once you enter the building
• Exposed technology; turn off cell phone and keep out of sight (this is a huge red flag for employers)

PS – Bring a copy of your awesome cover letter and resume (and testimonial sheet and CAR Sheet if you have them), printed on nicer paper with a little bit of thickness to it (but not cardstock).