what to wear to oral interview

[redtroy]

I just took my written test. I am very confident that I scored well on it. I will know Monday if I move onto the oral. They have 2 orals and my 1st one would be with other firefighters and possibly a capt. from the department. What would everyone recommend wearing to this interview? I know that suits are a must when meeting with the Chief and HR rep, and I know when in doubt just overdress. But if it isn't typical to wear a suit to this 1st oral I would hate to stick out (in an akward way). Thanks for the advice.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I just took my written test. I am very confident that I scored well on it. I will know Monday if I move onto the oral. They have 2 orals and my 1st one would be with other firefighters and possibly a capt. from the department. What would everyone recommend wearing to this interview? I know that suits are a must when meeting with the Chief and HR rep, and I know when in doubt just overdress. But if it isn't typical to wear a suit to this 1st oral I would hate to stick out (in an akward way). Thanks for the advice.

Unless you wear a tuxedo, you can't overdress. Wear the suit. Wearing the suit shows respect for the people that you are meeting with, as well as the position you are applying for. It shows professionalism. It shows maturity.

Anything more casual indicates that you are not taking the interview seriously and that you lack a basic appreciation of the process.

You may not make it to the Chief if you show up with an open collar shirt and khaki's. No one ever lost the opportunity to be considered for a position because they were dressed professionally.

Now, your suit....

Since you will be in a business atmosphere, your suit should reflect professionalsim.

1. Make sure it fits properly.

2. The suit should be grey, dark blue or black. Brown or green is a casual color. Any other color may have looked good at your sister's wedding, but is inappropriate for an oral interview.

3. White shirt (not your FD uniform shirt) that fits and is pressed and is not missing buttons. No "Find 'em hot and leave 'em wet" T-shirts under your white shrt.

4. Your tie should match your suit. A striped tie (regiment style) or a discreet pattern is OK. Flowers, team logos, etc. are not business oriented.

5. Black shoes SHINED. Black belt. Socks that match the suit color.

6. Except for a watch and your wedding ring, leave the jewelry at home.

Look at it this way. Have you ever attended a concert given by a major orchestra? How were they dressed? They were probably dressed all in black. Why? Because their message is the music. They want to look professional, but do not want the concert-goers to be distracted from their message by the clothing they are wearing. You should look at it exactly the same way.

Free advice. I am not selling books, CD's, tapes or seminars. I have no website. I have no testimonials.

[MemphisE34a]

OMG George,

I just put it together!! Your George Zimmer!! Right??? :cool:

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Truthfully, that info came from 25 years of getting beat up by lawyers on how to appropriately dress for court. It is easy to apply that info to the job world.

Story about MW: Person that I am related to needs a suit. There is a sale, so he ends up buying two. When he comes out of the dressing room, salesperson has 10 shirts and 10 ties that they want him to buy. Says that he can barely afford the suits, so he politely declined. Salesperson says how about 5? Again, he politely declined. Long story short, this ends up with 3 salespeople berating him and insulting him about how cheap he was for not buying any shirts and ties. I would have left the suits right there and walked out. I probably also would have laid into these people (imagine that). This guy didn't. But I'll tell you what. HIs story made it so I will never shop in a MW again.

[FHandz15]

Sweeeeeet..................... .....

[AHAPPYMOM]

May I add ~ personal grooming is important, on any interview. Hair and nails. Men often overlook their hands.

[BKDRAFT]

This might sound over the top but this is something I did while I was testing.

Shave your head completely.

I did this for many reasons. It makes it harder for an oral board panel to stereotype or categorize you. For example if they think your hair looks messy or not combed how they would like it they might think you’re a messy unorganized candidate. On the other hand if your hair is very neat with gel they might think you’re some pretty boy or that you are too neat. Many departments that have post employment academies have there recruits shave there heads similar to the military. Since the fire department is paramilitary and your attempting to get the position as a Firefighter Recruit why not already look like one? I think it will be easier for the panel to envision you in the department.

Yes you need to wear a suit for everything. Anytime you submit an application in person wear a suit. Wear a suit for the written test, oral board, chief's board, and any time after that unless otherwise told not too. If they tell you to wear dress casual do not wear a suit. It will show your inability to follow simple directions. You might not realize it but the department might be making notes about you every time they interact with you. You are in the spotlight.

A lot of what George stated is all great things to follow. You want to look good but not stand out in a bad way. Wear grey or black suits that are professional cut for you. Wear simple white shirts, white undershirt, and basic ties without crazy patterns. I wouldn't wear that big red "power tie." Wear shiny black shoes and make sure you wear dress socks not your normal sneaker socks. I would stay away from wearing crazy cologne as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[jsdobson]

What I've got to offer is not what to wear for the interview; GeorgeWendt has already covered that very nicely.

There's nothing worse than to shake a hand that is cold and clammy due to nerves. It's time to take control of the interview and spend a few minutes just before the interview to wash your hands in as hot water as you can stand. Be sure to towel dry them and have a good interview.










ps Make sure you zipper is closed.

[DrParasite]

wow, one of the few times when George is right on the money.

well said, everything he said there is 100% on the money

[DrewOnFire]

Wear a suit... if money is the issue you can find places that sell lightly used suits at stores designed to help people without great means of income to get a suit to get a job. Popular in college towns.

When I was leaving my oral board, I saw a guy next in line that was wearing kakis and a polo shirt. Needless to say he was not in our rookie class the next month.

[lexfd5]

The folded hankie in the front pocket to dry your hand before your meeting is also another nice trick.

Also leave the ten-ton billfold and the 20 keys in the car. Carry your ID and your car keys only (you're not likely going be buying them lunch.)

Good luck.

[fyrmnk]

www.eatstress.com

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

www.eatstress.com

No one needs to buy videos, CD or books to know how to dress appropriately.

[CALFFBOU]

This is a BUSINESS INTERVIEW. Wear a nice suit. Not something old, funky or with your volunteer company's pin on it. NOTHING fire service related on the suit.

I once stoped a Candidate friend who was going in with an axe as a tie tack. Looked lame and too over the top. Needless to say, he didnt get the job.

Buy a nice suit now and keep it for future interviews, funeral, weddings, etc. Spend the good money now, dont go cheap.

[rhvfd1214]

Wow, all good information for any type of job interview. I especially like the idea of washing your hands with hot water, because I suffer from the cold handshake phenomenon..

I used to work as a automotive mechanic, and was always embarrassed about having greasy fingernails and stains in my hands as well. Extra time spent with a scrub brush works wonders.

Another thing that I worry about is my breath. I don't have a problem with bad breath, but it is something that I always think about before an interview or meeting with people. I try to stay away from peppermint and other colored candies that might cause my tongue to change color. Chewing gum helps clean the mouth, but be sure to spit it out before the interview.

I am surprised that nobody jokingly stated to wear full turn-outs with a fire glazed helmet and smokey goggles..

[CALFFBOU]

And how should you smell at an interview? Old Spice, Axe or Dapper Dan?


Answer- You should smell like soap. Seriously.

[len1582]

I'm sure this will get a laugh...BUT...It's not only breath that can offend. No bean burritos for breakfast.!!!

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I'm sure this will get a laugh...BUT...It's not only breath that can offend. No bean burritos for breakfast.!!!

You mean no Chili Dogs from Biggies?

Speaking of hot dogs, is Boulevard Drinks still on the square?

[clark918]

Also, wear a REAL suit. I went for the painted on tuxedo look. It rained and all of the paint washed off while walking in. :(

[doughesson]

I'm sure this will get a laugh...BUT...It's not only breath that can offend. No bean burritos for breakfast.!!!

NOW he tells me.No wonder I didn't get on with Bartlett last year.Then again,it could have been the 600 folks trying for 12 jobs.
You wouldn't wear the whacker tees when going to meet your prospective in laws,unless it was to play softball or go waterskiing.Dress like you are a mature adult who is looking for a respectable job,neat hair cut,clean hands and just a dab of cologne.No hands full of the stuff so that people are afraid to smoke around you.
As to hair cuts,though my hair is cropped off to avoid having it blow in the wind,there are people that think shaved heads are a sign of racism.
Let it grow to a manageble length if you have the time.You can always buzz it again after you get the letter telling you when to report for training.

[DennisTheMenace]

Since it is not a suit that needs to last you through a typical work week over and over again, one little hint: It is better to spend the money on getting the suit well tailored to your body, than it is to spend the money on expensive material.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Since it is not a suit that needs to last you through a typical work week over and over again, one little hint: It is better to spend the money on getting the suit well tailored to your body, than it is to spend the money on expensive material.

As long as it is not light blue polyester.

[CaptainGonzo]

I'm sure this will get a laugh...BUT...It's not only breath that can offend. No bean burritos for breakfast.!!!

Posted by George
You mean no Chili Dogs from Biggies?

One word, my friends....

Beano!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/DaGonz/beano1.jpg

[ehs7554]

WOW over a page on what to wear to an interview. Ignore what everyone has said. What does your common sense tell you to do? What were you thinking you should wear before you ever made this post? Go with that, because then you are thinking for yourself and therefore don't give false impressions.

[AHAPPYMOM]

WOW over a page on what to wear to an interview. Ignore what everyone has said. What does your common sense tell you to do? What were you thinking you should wear before you ever made this post? Go with that, because then you are thinking for yourself and therefore don't give false impressions.


I must disagree. I was on the hiring committee for new Teachers. I am a female (hence the forum name...LOL). A few of the females came in wearing lots of strong cologne, and no stockings. One had a dress that was more "cocktail" style. These are all no-no's for women. Unfortunately, first impressions do count for something.

[ehs7554]

I must disagree. I was on the hiring committee for new Teachers. I am a female (hence the forum name...LOL). A few of the females came in wearing lots of strong cologne, and no stockings. One had a dress that was more "cocktail" style. These are all no-no's for women. Unfortunately, first impressions do count for something.

I agree with you almost entirely and you prove my point. By wearing too much cologne and wearing cocktail dresses, it would make me think....this person has no clue. Is this the type of person you want in your schools? This brings up my point about common sense. So you dress them up appropriately for one interview, hire them, then they are right back to strong perfumes, no stockings, and the wrong clothes for the occasion.........Now you have to work with them for the rest of your career..and the kids' moms think their children have been to the strip club......Ding ! Ding !

[AHAPPYMOM]

I agree with you almost entirely and you prove my point. By wearing too much cologne and wearing cocktail dresses, it would make me think....this person has no clue. Is this the type of person you want in your schools? This brings up my point about common sense. So you dress them up appropriately for one interview, hire them, then they are right back to strong perfumes, no stockings, and the wrong clothes for the occasion.........Now you have to work with them for the rest of your career..and the kids' moms think their children have been to the strip club......Ding ! Ding !


Good points, except in my school district (located in NY) staff has a dress code also. There have been numerous times where a newbie is told that their clothing is inappropriate. Either their Mentor is asked to discuss it with them, their Chairperson, or at times, the Administrators.

[len1582]

You mean no Chili Dogs from Biggies?

Speaking of hot dogs, is Boulevard Drinks still on the square?

Yes the Boulevard Drinks is still there going strong.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Yes the Boulevard Drinks is still there going strong.

Thank God for those bastions of the past.

[DennisTheMenace]

As long as it is not light blue polyester.FACT! :) LOL

[GaiusPaul]

Quick question: Is facial hair generally accepted or frowned upon for fire service?

[firemedic319]

I get the "What should I wear to the interview?" question posed to me all of the time. I always reply with "It depends on how bad you want the job." If you don't want the job, wear jeans and a "Big Johnson Fire Department" or my favorite, "I Fight What You Fear" t-shirt. If you want the job, wear a suit.

Everything that George said was right on.

[fyrmnk]

No one needs to buy videos, CD or books to know how to dress appropriately.

Never said they did. I guess I should have added to the post that this is a great site for a lot of information about interviews, not just what to wear, but also how to act.

I learned a lot just from the free email newsletters several years back when I was interviewing for promotion.

Everything that George said was right on.

Yep.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Never said they did.

Never said you did.

[fyrmnk]

Never said you did.

Touche [too-shay](don't know how to do the little mark thing above the e) :D

[Rockie]

Thank God for those bastions of the past.

I thought you took an exam, got on a list, carried a dummy around to prove how strong you are, spent 3 months in the Academy, then became a grunt and gopher around the Firehouse for the next year, then after you were Certified, if an exam for a promotion to Lieutenant came up, part of your test, included Seniority, Efficiency, Military Service Points and also included going before a board of Senior Officers in full Uniform to answer questions about how you would perform your duties at a Fire Scene if you were in charge.

Now you go before some folks in a suit and tie and tell them that you have always wanted to be a Fireman since you heard a siren down the block.. Ok. I get it.

[FHandz15]

I just showed up in this suit and threw my medic card on the table....... no questions asked...........

[Dave1983]

Nice suite and tie, and dont forget the shinny shoes.

Why is this even a question?




Kids these days...:rolleyes: ;) :D

[Dave1983]

and no stockings

Don't ya just hate that? I don't care what style is "hot" in Hollywood. No stockings = no class. No different then a man in a suite without socks (yes, I have seen that :rolleyes: ).




I'm sorry, did I just show my age again? :o

[SeminoleB]

Great posts. To nitpick, if you have a gray or blue suit, they're recommended over black. Black suits usually remind people of funerals, which is never good, especially in the fire service. However, it's not something that will likely cost you the job, but if you have the choice...stick with gray or navy blue.

Also, +1 on the "smell like soap" post. Memories can be easily triggered by scents, so if you interview with a department member that's got a bad memory of someone that smelled like Old Spice, there's a chance you smelling like it will connect you with that bad memory. You don't need the cologne.

Those are just my .02 thoughts. Good luck.