Dressing for the USMLE Residency interviews

Given the virtual interviews in the 2021 residency season, some parts of this blog may not be relevant, for example the type of shoes. Please read these tips and adjust accordingly.

One of the key essentials of the USMLE residency interview day is to dress appropriately. The basic guide by USMLESarthi gives you suggestions on what you should wear for the interviews.
 
For Men

  1. A suit is mandatory, the colors should be either black blue or grey anything more than that will be flashy.
  2. A white or light-colored shirt will work. Please don’t wear too bright colors you don’t want to stand out among the rest of the applicants. Keep a spare shirt in case you have coffee/food spills and need to change during the interview day
  3. A tie should be sober colored, Red is better suited, but a preference for blue or black is suitable as well.
  4. Black shoes, or brown shoes that match your belt. Make sure they are clean and you don’t leave any footprints when you walk around.
  5. A simple watch, Fitbit, Apple watch etc. is ok but obviously not required
  6. Avoid wearing bracelets with slogans.
  7. No earrings for men, no jewelry, no dyed hair, nothing that makes you look flashy. Again, you don’t want to stand out in the crowd.
 
For women

  1. A simple black suit works well. Blue or grey is also considered appropriate. Please avoid anything bright. Again, you don’t want to look to flashy.
  2. Collar shirt or professional looking blouse, solid colors. Keep a spare shirt/blouse in case you have coffee/food spills and need to change during the interview day. 
  3. Suit with skirt or pant
  4. If wearing skirt, wear pantyhose
  5. Minimal jewelry is accepted. Refrain from wearing too much flashy jewelry.
  6. Simple shoes, please try not to wear heels, you will be given a tour of the hospital and it may be very uncomfortable for you in that case to walk around. (Plus running to the airport after interview if you are flying straight back)
  7. Simple earrings are acceptable
  8. A watch, Fitbit, Apple watch etc is ok but obviously not required
  9. Clean nails, preferably no nail paint
  10.  Avoid too much makeup and bright colored lipsticks, excess perfumes.
  11. Hair should be neat and tidy. Doesn’t matter if you tie it in a ponytail or let it hang freely on your back or make it a bun or tie it half way. Hair Style doesn’t matter as long as it looks neat and tidy.

 Useful Videos for IMGs & Caribbean applicants

​Residency Interview questions
Matching with low scores, fewer interviews
Tips for Residency interviews