For many candidates, the vet school interview will be the first formal interview they have ever had. There will be concerns and questions about what to wear to the interview and how to dress, but rest assured, you do not need to spend hundreds or thousands on the latest designer clothing to make a lasting impression!
The overall look should be professional - the general style we would recommend is "smart-casual", which we understand can feel ambiguous but it doesn't need to be! Remember that vets in practice will rarely dress formally at work, spending most of their time in scrubs, so although you must appear to have made an effort that doesn't need to mean investing in a brand new suit. At your vet school interview, believe it or not, your interviewers want you to feel at ease, so we advise that you wear something comfortable that demonstrates your own personal style. You'll certainly feel more confident if you do this.
Whatever you decide to wear, make sure your clothing is clean, fresh and ironed so that you look the part. Polishing your shoes the night before also will not go unnoticed - these fine details can really make a difference, and you won't need to break the bank to achieve them.
Equally, a tidy hairstyle (and facial hair, if you have it) will help to maintain a professional look, and do make sure that your hair is away from your face so the interviewer can easily make eye contact. If you like to wear makeup, then of course feel free to, making it relatively subtle but also to the level/amount you feel confident with. Making an effort with your appearance is one way of showing the interviewers that you really care about getting into vet school - arriving looking unkempt may make you appear lazy - so it's all about striking the balance.
Finally, don’t forget about your non-verbal communication during the interview. Whilst your clothing and attire may look professional, you need to ensure that your mannerisms and posture are also professional. Practice sitting in your interview attire and ensure it is comfortable to hold one position for 15-20 minutes (the average length of a traditional interview). You should sit upright in the chair, avoiding slouching or sitting back in the chair. Furthermore, keep your arms relaxed either on the table in front of you or gently in your lap. Remember to enjoy yourself and demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for Veterinary Medicine at your chosen university.
Good luck and be rest assured that with this advice, what you wear for your vet school interview will help you on the road to success.
Written by Dr Rebecca & the BecomeAVet Team
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