I have an interview coming up and I think I should wear professional attire, but I’m going to be on my way to my job (in the same field) and wearing my scrubs.  I won’t have time to change. 

What do you think?

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Talk with them about it. 

Yes, it’s really that simple.  We spend so much time trying to figure out answers to questions without actually asking the question.

If you find yourself hesitant to call them and ask the question, ask yourself why.  What story are you telling your own self?  This could be anything: They will think I’m unprofessional if I call and ask them about clothing.  They won’t answer me anyway and then I’ll feel stupid.  Other people would know what to do – something is wrong with me.

I suggest that you get out of your own head about it, and just ask the simple question.

Because it’s also possible that: They will be impressed with a candidate that has enough confidence to call and ask them a clarifying question.  They will answer and then you will be able to stop wondering what the answer is.  Nobody knows what to do, and you will be one of the bold few that actually asks. 

While there are many, many ways that this interaction could go, let’s play around with a few possibilities. 

You call and tell them that you will be heading straight to your job so you will need to wear your scrubs to the interview if it needs to be at that time or you can schedule a different time to talk with them.  You then ask them which they prefer.

a.) They might say, “Sure that will be fine for you to be in your scrubs – this is a casual atmosphere.” They say that and they mean it. 

b.) They might say, “Sure that will be fine for you to be in your scrubs.” They say this, but they make a snide remark on the day of the interview about how you’re dressed.

c.) They will say, “Let’s reschedule for a different time then.  That’s no problem.”

d.) They will say, “If you are asking a question like this, then we don’t even want to interview you.”

The first thing to do is to accept the response.  Maybe this seems obvious, but a lot of us will exert a lot of effort trying to word a question in such a way that we get the response that we want to get.  Sometimes we even interrupt when we find ourselves getting an answer other than the one we want.  So, just listen to the answer.  Plain and simple. 

At this point, either you will decide to go the originally scheduled interview in your scrubs or you will reschedule.  Then pay attention to how things feel during the interview, regardless of whether you went dressed in your scrubs or you rescheduled. (And if they cancelled interviewing you, well, move on with your life.  That would not have been a good place for you to work.  That type of attitude smacks of a culture that you don’t want to be a part of!)

A. Let’s say that they said, “Sure, that will be fine.”  When you went to the interview, they were very nice and the interview seemed to go well.  You might even choose to make a light joke about it when you arrive, if you think it’s appropriate.  In this case, you can trust that your openness was well-received.

B. If, however, they say, “Sure, that will be fine,” but when you arrive at the interview you sense that they do not approve of your attire, you then have a few options.  First of all, be very aware of your tendency to read into little facial expressions or comments.  Try to assume the best, unless you have a clear reason to suspect that they really are not a fan of your attire.  At this point, it would be wise to mention it again in person – Thank you again for being so understanding about my needing to come to the interview dressed in my scrubs.  Give them the benefit of the doubt and then notice if their reaction is visibly in contrast to their words. 

Cairn: The difference between over-analyzing and trusting yourself

Paying attention to people who speak words that are not in alignment with their bodily reactions is an art.  And it’s an art that is not easily taught.  I am not suggesting that you over-analyze words and nuances.  And I am especially not suggesting that you make up stories of what they might be thinking.  That is the opposite of what I am suggesting.  When in doubt, you need to take them at face value. 

Because I have been a BIG overanalyzer over my lifetime, I know this dance well.  What I am suggesting is that you will know if what they are saying is in concert with what their attitudes actually are. 

This is an art that is best practiced after you have learned to truly trust yourself. And this takes time.  So, when in doubt, you can always ask the question.

Please remember that even if you feel desperate for a job, don’t try to force something that isn’t happening naturally.  Forcing yourself into a situation that is not right for you will only result in more stress and discomfort in the long run.  You will find the right place for yourself.

C. If they suggest that you reschedule, then reschedule.  Simple as that. Then you will know that they prefer that you not wear scrubs to the interview.

D. If they that they do not want to interview you, feel whatever you feel at that moment and then RUN!  If seeking clarity is rewarded with punishment, then you need to find somewhere else to work.  You just saved yourself a WHOLE LOT OF STRESS.  This is weeding out the ones that need to be weeded out.  Weed them out early and move on.

In a nutshell, stop wondering and agonizing and fretting and just ask the question.