Interview Dress

d.mcknight

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2010
Messages
265
Alright this might sound like an odd question, but here we go.

My number one choice is USNA. And I have indicated that on my nomination application. Now, I'm in AFJROTC. Our SASI told us when we go for interviews relating to the academies or ROTC, we should where out uniform. However I've heard some people say to not do that. So even though the uniform is Air Force, should I wear it for an interview where I'm saying Navy is my first choice?
 
Alright this might sound like an odd question, but here we go.

My number one choice is USNA. And I have indicated that on my nomination application. Now, I'm in AFJROTC. Our SASI told us when we go for interviews relating to the academies or ROTC, we should where out uniform. However I've heard some people say to not do that. So even though the uniform is Air Force, should I wear it for an interview where I'm saying Navy is my first choice?

No, I always recommend against it. It looks like grandstanding. They know you're in JROTC. You put it in your packet. Wearing your uniform looks like you want to curry extra favor with the interviewers. If a uniform is not the dictated dress code for the event, don't do it.
 
Agree 100% with scout. Wear a jacket, slacks, shirt and tie. Unless you're a female, then of course wear the appropriate equivalent. Best of luck to you. Mike...
 
would this answer hold true for students currently in one of the service academy prep schools? That is, should they wear their respective branch uniform (assuming they are continuing on that path)? Or again, is that just not necessary?

I am thinking towards the lines of already being in the military active duty, but I do not have the experience to draw on.
 
would this answer hold true for students currently in one of the service academy prep schools? That is, should they wear their respective branch uniform (assuming they are continuing on that path)? Or again, is that just not necessary?

I am thinking towards the lines of already being in the military active duty, but I do not have the experience to draw on.

Again, I firmly believe that if a uniform is not prescribed, don't wear one. It looks like you think the uniform is the best thing you have to say about yourself. A good candidate has more than that.
 
Agree 100% with scout. Wear a jacket, slacks, shirt and tie.

It's the question of the day it seems! :)

DS does not have the typical navy blazer, but does have a nice conservative charcoal suit (courtesy of Macy's one day sale blowout, could not turn down a Ralf Lauren suit for $50).

He's used it for other interviews, presentations, etc, and is quite comfortable in it with a white or blue button down and one of my ties.

Is that going to be viewed as overdressed? IE: does he need to get a blazer and dress down a bit, or go with what he has and is comfortable in?
 
would this answer hold true for students currently in one of the service academy prep schools? That is, should they wear their respective branch uniform (assuming they are continuing on that path)? Or again, is that just not necessary?

I am thinking towards the lines of already being in the military active duty, but I do not have the experience to draw on.

Obviously, if you are an active/reserve duty military enlisted, and you are going to meet with your commander in relationship to you wanting to attend the academy, you are going to do it in your service dress uniform. But you'd be in uniform anyway, because you wear uniforms to go to work. As for the prep-school, I'll be honest and say that I'm not quite sure of their nomination process. I know that you still must obtain a nomination, and congressmen are still where a majority will come from. But I'm not sure if you simply send your package, and they award a nomination based on an application review, or if you are required to go home for an actual interview. If it's an actual physical presence interview, I would say that your prep school service dress uniform would be appropriate.

I guess the difference I would say, is that the active duty military and prep-school student is a full time military related individual. A service dress uniform would be their normal dress and appearance. The high school JrROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts, etc... are more of a hobby, extra curricular activity, etc... So for those, it is generally more acceptable to wear civilian attire. It's a small part time portion of your life. Where as the active duty military and a military prep school is a full time portion of your life. And a military uniform would be more appropriate. But that's just my opinion.
 
It's the question of the day it seems! :)

DS does not have the typical navy blazer, but does have a nice conservative charcoal suit (courtesy of Macy's one day sale blowout, could not turn down a Ralf Lauren suit for $50).

He's used it for other interviews, presentations, etc, and is quite comfortable in it with a white or blue button down and one of my ties.

Is that going to be viewed as overdressed? IE: does he need to get a blazer and dress down a bit, or go with what he has and is comfortable in?

No, that is fine. A suit is only semi-formal and is appropriate for a job interview, which is what a nom interview is, in a manner of speaking.
 
Daughter has an interview with our State Senator's board next weekend. We are trying to decide if she should wear her long hair up...or if it is okay to leave it down. Just want to leave the best impression. She would prefer it to be down...
 
Daughter has an interview with our State Senator's board next weekend. We are trying to decide if she should wear her long hair up...or if it is okay to leave it down. Just want to leave the best impression. She would prefer it to be down...

I think as long as it is nicely styled it doesn't matter. I've interviewed young ladies with all types of hair.
 
Daughter has an interview with our State Senator's board next weekend. We are trying to decide if she should wear her long hair up...or if it is okay to leave it down. Just want to leave the best impression. She would prefer it to be down...

If she looks "well kept" with long hair, and it makes her comfortable, then wear it down! It should look "groomed" if that makes sense.

I've seen both...the ones that "looked well kept" fit perfectly; and in fact, when I interviewed a young lady with (I am NOT kidding here) waist-length hair...one of my board members said something like this: "Miss...if you are appointed...you do realize they will cut your hair...it appears you've spent years grooming it to the length it is...how will that affect you?"

Her answer was perfect and "shut us up" right there! :biggrin:

"Oh sir...if I am given this opportunity...I plan to have my hair cut BEFORE I report to the academy and I will donate my hair to Locks of Love...they can use it!"

Long hair doesn't harm anyone...just look "well kept, professional, however you want to say it."

And from my experience, most do!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Crap, I thought I had settled on wearing a suit and tie for my MOC interview. I just recevied my letter with my interview appointment and in the letter it stated we could our JROTC/CAP uniform. Now I have to decide whether or not I should.
 
I think wearing service dress would give a good first impression, you would need permission though if I am correct.
 
Christcorp, the Prep School student is required to pursue all avenues of nomination as they did on their first round. However, they are now eligible for the Secretary of the Navy (for NAPS students) as well. That one is not applied for however, it is selectively appointed.

As for the MoC nominations, the students must reapply for the nomination (whole new package). If they are selected for an interview they are notified by mail for an in-person interview, just as they did the prior cycle.

I was thinking along the same lines as your response indicated, that is they are now full time military, part time student. I wanted to get other opinions.

FWIW, last year our BGO encouraged our DS to wear his CAP uniform. I saw many others in their ROTC informs as well. There was one standout, a person wore their pastel blue suite, it looked a little 70's wedding to me. A hair cut would have helped but probably not much.

Thanks for the reply.
 
My take is that for NAPS/MAPS or other active duty, one should definitely wear the uniform. ROTC/JROTC/CAP/etc, definitely not. As a BGO, I have interviewed enough candidates to definitely establish a trend. Those who wear their JROTC uniforms do so for a reason, to impress the interviewer and to 'guide' the interview. They plan to talk about all their ROTC accomplishments. What they don't realize is that their ROTC instructor is my number one point of contact in their school, that I have been talking to him for the past four years about him, and most of the advice he was given was bounced off me first. Therefore, I will preface every single appropriate question with "Other than ROTC, tell me about.............". After about a half hour, most are blathering. And no, I do not let it overly affect my report. However, when I tell them on parting that they probably should not wear their uniform to their MOC interview, it most likely seals their impression that it was the worst experience of their life.

Have never seen a uniform at a MOC interview but when/if I do, I will treat it the same way.
 
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My take is that for NAPS/MAPS or other active duty, one should definitely wear the uniform. ROTC/JROTC/CAP/etc, definitely not. As a BGO, I have interviewed enough candidates to definitely establish a trend. Those who wear their JROTC uniforms do so for a reason, to impress the interviewer and to 'guide' the interview.

Couldn't agree more! It says to me "this is all I have to offer." You never want to give the impression of being one-dimensional.
 
Wow! I totally disagree with some of the comments regarding wearing the JROTC uniform. Although, I respect all of your opinions, this is just my opinion.
Wearing the uniform shows intent and if done properly, I think would be recognized positively. I do take some discord with the comment that JROTC is a hobby like boy scouts ETC... (and btw, I do like the Boy Scout organization.) I don't know of any high school hobby that requires over 30 hours per week of practice and dedication!! (No, not even the football team! They are done after November and our unit works year round!)
My son proudly wore his uniform decorated with his accomplishments. After all, you are there to highlight your achievements and stand out from the crowd. It is not a time to go unnoticed. Yes, you sent a resume, but I assume that the board is not reading it the whole time they are interviewing the candidate. He was sure to wear his uniform appropriately and in regulation as most of the interviewees on the board were military and would know if he did not wear it properly. At both interviews he has attended, he received nothing but positive comments from the board regarding his sharp dress. They knew he meant business. I understand where some of the comments are coming from. I guess the bottom line is that you have to wear what you are comfortable in (no I don't mean jeans and t shirts-- as that is what I would be comfortable in-- LOL)
 
The interviewee should wear what is most comfortable to him/her. My son wore Dockers, Button down shirt, casual dress shoes,(and a figure 8 brace for his broken collarbone). This was his 'lucky outfit' and he didnt want to tempt fate. There were many kids at MOC interview that wore full dress JROTC uniform. When asked as to why he didnt wear his uniform, he replied, "It's about me, not the show."

Something rang true, because he got the nom and the appointment.

I truly think that it's the attitude and resume that get the nom. Not every kid can afford a new suit, but every kid can look well groomed and appropriate.
 
Wow! I totally disagree with some of the comments regarding wearing the JROTC uniform. Although, I respect all of your opinions, this is just my opinion.
Wearing the uniform shows intent and if done properly, I think would be recognized positively. I do take some discord with the comment that JROTC is a hobby like boy scouts ETC... (and btw, I do like the Boy Scout organization.) I don't know of any high school hobby that requires over 30 hours per week of practice and dedication!! (No, not even the football team! They are done after November and our unit works year round!)
A lot of candidates seem to get the impression that JROTC is the 'key' to an appointment. While it might be a positive, it should not be overemphasized. Does the "over 30 hours per week of practice and dedication", preclude the football team? Or Boy Scouts? Does fitting JROTC in one's academic schedule every semester preclude the honors and AP courses which would prepare one better academically for a SA? These ARE issues that will be discussed. Why did you not take AP Chemistry? Why did you not play high school sports? These are also probably among the reasons that a candidate wearing a ROTC uniform at an interview might be seen as one-dimensional. I have never seen a recruited athlete wearing his basketball uniform at an interview. Remember that academics is about two-thirds of the acceptance criteria.
 
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