Physician Assistant Interview Tips

Below is an email I received from Jack Chapman. He is out of Chicago. His expertise is in salary negotiations. He has worked with many PA's in the past and has a great book about negotiation of compensation. The following is the body of an email I received from him recently about how to dress for an interview. Jack is talking job interview here but it all applies to a PA Program interview.
Dress to Win
1-Minute Summary:
People often spend a lot of time preparing what they'll say in job interviews, but only think about what they'll wear at the last minute. This is unfortunate, because if you look anything less than your best, you can lose the job. On the other hand, looking sharp and professional can win points. Your clothing should enhance your image as a competent professional. Read on for tips on how to dress to win the interview.

Full Article - Job Interviews: Dress to Win
Employers often decide NOT to hire a candidate within the first three minutes of the job interview. (Note from Bruce: Andy Rodican says the emotional impact in the first 30 seconds can get you excluded no matter what you say in a PA Program interview later) Failing to dress right can get you eliminated fast. Looking sharp and professional can win points.

Make sure you are clean and free of offensive odors. Use a deodorant and mouthwash. If you use aftershave or perfume, use them sparingly to avoid gagging anyone unfortunate enough to be breathing nearby. Remember, many people are allergic to perfume.

Pay attention to the details: clothes should be wrinkle-fee, shoes shined, fingernails trimmed neatly without dirt lurking underneath them, and hair should be neatly trimmed.

Recently, when a client stopped over for some last-minute job interview prep, I had to tell him he smelled. His suit, which had been in storage, had picked up some funky odor. He raced home to change.
Is There a Corporate (PA Program) Uniform? Wear It.
Do some research on the company (PA Program) culture and if there is a corporate uniform, come wearing it.

Women should dress conservatively; avoid plunging necklines and short skirts-you want the boss to hire you, not date you. The attractive young woman who came for an interview wearing a racy outfit sure got lots of attention from the men in the office, but didn't get the job. Generally, it's good to wear a solid color, conservative suit with a coordinated blouse. Wear comfortable low-heeled pumps, and go easy on jewelry and makeup. No jewelry is preferable to fake jewelry.

Men should also wear a solid, conservative suit of blue, gray, beige or black, with a long sleeve white shirt and a conservative silk tie, tied properly. This is no time for flashy clothes or loud ties. Have professional shoes (usually black) with dark socks. Have your hair (and any facial hair) trimmed and neat. Usually, men are best off shaving beards and moustaches during the job search.

Is the Environment Casual? Dress Up Anyway.
If the work environment is casual, dress up anyway. You're putting your best foot forward.

Try on your clothes well before the interview to be sure there are no rips, dirt, missing buttons, or jammed zippers. Give yourself time to have things cleaned, repaired, or replaced. If you're not sure about that suit or that tie that you bought many years ago, get someone who knows clothes to evaluate. Don't neglect your briefcase/purse-clean and polish them.

Allow Enough Time to Prepare. Be Organized.
On the day of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to dress carefully and check your look in the mirror. Make sure your briefcase is neat and organized. Take along paper and a pen, making sure that it works and isn't going to leak on your clothes.

One man lost an interview when he opened his briefcase and a slew of unorganized papers spilled onto the floor. Don't let this happen to you!

Arrive at the interview a few minutes early to give yourself time to duck into the washroom to make sure your hair is combed, tie is straight, and other details are right. Then, knock 'em dead!