How formal should I dress for congressional interviews?

I have sat on MOC boards. I don't mark someone down for wearing a JROTC uniform but I always sort of grumble at it. If they do wear it, it needs to be 100% right, be able to answer any uniform requirements and talk about any awards. The reason I grumble is a MOC interview is not a JROTC interview, it's one of many steps to a SA and a SA you don't wear a JROTC uniform. The accomplishments and lessons learned in JROTC are what are important for the interview.

I have seen kids come in everything from jeans and tshirts to full suits. I do note what they wear. Bottom line, clothes that fit, are clean and pressed are the #1 item. Do not wear jeans and sneakers. I always say the minimum is khakis and a collared shirt with no sneakers. If it was my kid they would be in a minimum of slacks, blazer, shirt and tie. I also understand not every kid has the privledge of having a parent who can help finiancially or take the time to help with these things. Go talk to a teacher or coach who dresses well. 90% of the time they will be willing to help teach you to tie a tie properly, ensure your suit fits or even help find you a jacket that is appropriate if you don't have one. Find a thrift store or consignment shop, especially if you are still rapidly growing. A navy blue blazer is never a bad investment for a young man.
 
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A little off the topic of dress, but:
My DD received an LOA two weeks ago. Will the panel interviewing her be aware of her LOA or should she inform them?
 
I have a son that is an AOG scholar at a military prep school this year. He is interviewing for nominations while he is home for Thanksgiving. We spoke with him yesterday and he is debating to wear his Class A military uniform or a suit. I immediately thought I would present the question here for some guidance. I appreciate the advice and will share with my DS.
 
raft11 said:
A little off the topic of dress, but:
My DD received an LOA two weeks ago. Will the panel interviewing her be aware of her LOA or should she inform them?
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I know it can be difficult, but your DD must put on her salesperson hat and sell ice to the north pole. The board may or may not know if she received an LOA. But to make sure, tell them about receiving a LOA.

And Congrats!

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
waboo@1229 said:
I have a son that is an AOG scholar at a military prep school this year. He is interviewing for nominations while he is home for Thanksgiving. We spoke with him yesterday and he is debating to wear his Class A military uniform or a suit. I immediately thought I would present the question here for some guidance. I appreciate the advice and will share with my DS.
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Congrats on the AoG sponsorship!! In my opinion, your DS is not representing the prep school. He is trying to sell himself as the guy who has earned that MOC slot. I would have him wear a suit to have the board focus on him instead of his uniform.

Your DS will be well prepared for the academic challenges at WP. Attending Prep has a huge advantage!

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
tug_boat said:
Congrats on the AoG sponsorship!! In my opinion, your DS is not representing the prep school. He is trying to sell himself as the guy who has earned that MOC slot. I would have him wear a suit to have the board focus on him instead of his uniform.

Your DS will be well prepared for the academic challenges at WP. Attending Prep has a huge advantage!

Push Hard, Press Forward
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Thank you. Agreed. I will pass the information on to my DS. My husband and I are feeling quite confident that
the Prep year will continue to be a gift that he didn't even realize was a gift. I so appreciate the feedback and have already contacted my husband because I don't believe he will not fit in the suite he wore last year for interviews.

Very grateful for the time and effort put into this forum. It has helped me with many questions and concerns,
 
Agree with @tug_boat. Wearing a military uniform has gotten mixed reviews on this forum over the years, but in general has been perceived as distracting at best, and at worst as being "over the top"
A conservative suit approach is an almost 100% good bet, and you will likely be less self conscious about how you look.
 
AROTC-dad said:
Agree with @tug_boat. Wearing a military uniform has gotten mixed reviews on this forum over the years, but in general has been perceived as distracting at best, and at worst as being "over the top"
A conservative suit approach is an almost 100% good bet, and you will likely be less self conscious about how you look.
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Thank you for your input. I have reached out to my DS and he is in agreement. I so appreciate your time.
 
Like I have always told my children someone will make a judgment on you within the first 30 seconds based on how you dress. Don't let that be the anchor you keep trying to move in your interview
 
NJ_Dad said:
Like I have always told my children someone will make a judgment on you within the first 30 seconds based on how you dress. Don't let that be the anchor you keep trying to move in your interview
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Well said! Thank you.
 
Again off topic: I spent an hour in front of a mirror in the squad bay tying ties and handing them over for graduation ceremony for basic. No one knew how to make a proper knot. Most youngsters are not comfortable with business attire, teach them or buy a clip on or show them the above pictures which are a good representation of the proper attire for any interview.
 
AF6872 said:
I spent an hour in front of a mirror in the squad bay tying ties and handing them over for graduation ceremony for basic
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This reminded of something also totally off topic:

DS is now an MS-II and got tired of handing over $15 of his stipend money, every few weeks to the barber for a Mil-spec buzz cut.

During the summer he bought a pair of electric clippers and taught himself to do his own haircut. This Fall, a few cadets in his battalion complimented him on his hair and asked where he got his hair cut? He told them he did it himself. At first they didn't believe him but he showed them the clippers and now he is collecting $5.00 each to buzz a few of his fellow cadets! A win-win situation!
 
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