Prepping for interview, and what to wear

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mamabear2023

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Hi parents, students and friends,
My son has his admission interview scheduled and feels eager but confident. This will be his first college interview, but he's comfortable talking with adults. He knows to be prepared for the standard "Why the Coast Guard" questions and to express himself beyond his resume. Any other advice?
Also, what should he wear? He doesn't own a suit or even a sports jacket, but will definitely do khakis, nice shirt, tie. Is that enough?
Thank you!
 
mamabear2023 said:
Hi parents, students and friends,
My son has his admission interview scheduled and feels eager but confident. This will be his first college interview, but he's comfortable talking with adults. He knows to be prepared for the standard "Why the Coast Guard" questions and to express himself beyond his resume. Any other advice?
Also, what should he wear? He doesn't own a suit or even a sports jacket, but will definitely do khakis, nice shirt, tie. Is that enough?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Yes - that is fine. Iron the shirt and pants, shine the shoes, make sure the tie is tied properly. Effort is more important than the clothes.
 
mamabear2023 said:
Hi parents, students and friends,
My son has his admission interview scheduled and feels eager but confident. This will be his first college interview, but he's comfortable talking with adults. He knows to be prepared for the standard "Why the Coast Guard" questions and to express himself beyond his resume. Any other advice?
Also, what should he wear? He doesn't own a suit or even a sports jacket, but will definitely do khakis, nice shirt, tie. Is that enough?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Respectfully,
encourage at least a jacket and tie. Does not have to be new. Needs to fit well, look neat, and conservative. Same for the tie. An interview is a significant life event. Respect needs to be shown for the institution, it's people and the process. This will probably be the first in a lifetime of interviews and presentations. This is one of the better habits one can have. When the interviewers recall the candidates, they recall presentation and deportment. Look sharp, look neat, be squared away.

Best of luck.
 
Walman888 said:
Respectfully,
encourage at least a jacket and tie. Does not have to be new. Needs to fit well, look neat, and conservative. Same for the tie. An interview is a significant life event. Respect needs to be shown for the institution, it's people and the process. This will probably be the first in a lifetime of interviews and presentations. This is one of the better habits one can have. When the interviewers recall the candidates, they recall presentation and deportment. Look sharp, look neat, be squared away.

Best of luck.
Click to expand...
In an ideal world every applicant would wear a suit, but that's just not realistic. Even a cheap sport coat will run $100 or more once tailored. Not every family can swing that for what could be a single interview. I'm sure the interviewers recognize that. Again, effort is what counts. A perfectly tailored suit that looks like you slept in it with scuffed up shoes will make more of an impression than a neatly pressed shirt and khakis. At the the end of the interview, they will hopefully remember what you said, not what you wore.
 
My now MIDN borrowed a suit from his buddy. Did all his interviewing in it. There are ways to wear a suit.
 
Korab said:
In an ideal world every applicant would wear a suit, but that's just not realistic. Even a cheap sport coat will run $100 or more once tailored. Not every family can swing that for what could be a single interview. I'm sure the interviewers recognize that. Again, effort is what counts. A perfectly tailored suit that looks like you slept in it with scuffed up shoes will make more of an impression than a neatly pressed shirt and khakis. At the the end of the interview, they will hopefully remember what you said, not what you wore.
Click to expand...
There is no shame in thrift store clothing. It's wise to educate the young applicant to the entire process. The effort will show in the interview. I would consider it a worthwhile long term investment. A jacket, tie etc. do not have to break the bank. It's worth it.

Have a pleasant day.
 
As far as interview tips: He could be interviewed by an active duty officer, or an admissions partner. He should bring any questions he has to the interview and be prepared to exchange contact information with the interviewer so he can follow up and send a thank you note. The folks that do the interviews often do so on their own time after regular work hours so please be respectful of their time and don't be late. It takes all candidates a few questions to relax, so don't worry about being nervous in the beginning. Always good to bring an resume in case they ask.

My understanding is your academy application will be read several times in the admissions process. They know what is in there. The interview is for the things they don't know and you could not fit in your application. They are trying to assess your ability to succeed at that academy and add to the Coast Guard as a whole. Like most interviews, I estimate there will be some standard questions asked of all candidates. There will also be opportunities to let them know anything you feel is relevant to your admissions.

Remember, you also want to choose a school where you will be happy and successful. Ask questions so you can make the best choice for yourself as well. Each year during the first week of Swab summer, some admitted candidates resign because it wasn't what they thought it would be, and they scramble to find an alternative college. Students apply to academies for a variety of reasons, the interview is a two-way process to help you make your decision as well, take advantage of the opportunity and find the right fit.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
mamabear2023 said:
Hi parents, students and friends,
My son has his admission interview scheduled and feels eager but confident. This will be his first college interview, but he's comfortable talking with adults. He knows to be prepared for the standard "Why the Coast Guard" questions and to express himself beyond his resume. Any other advice?
Also, what should he wear? He doesn't own a suit or even a sports jacket, but will definitely do khakis, nice shirt, tie. Is that enough?
Thank you!
Click to expand...

I conduct interviews as an Academy Admissions Partner and concur with @Korab . A suit or blazer is certainly not necessary, although they would obviously make a good impression. However, we (AAPs) understand that not every candidate has the opportunity to have those items at this stage of their life. If I was to interview your son and he wore what you describe, he would certainly fit the criteria for presenting a professional/neat appearance provided he conducted himself appropriately. To me, it's your conduct in the interview that is most important in establishing professional presence. As a CG Officer, professional presence is a category you are evaluated on throughout your career and it is not limited to outward appearance alone.

The interview is approximately one hour of this entire process. While it is certainly a critical hour in helping establish yourself as a competitive candidate, it is not an hour that is worth spending a significant amount of money on. Now, if you were to purchase a suit or blazer and plan on wearing that article of clothing more than once in the next year, then it might be worth the investment. If not, don't stress - Admissions Officers and AAPs are people too and will be much more focused on your DS's character than what he is wearing.
 
I wouldn't stress to much - what you described for your DS sounds appropriate. If you really want a suit or jacket you could borrow a jacket or get one at the Goodwill. Look good - feel good - do good! All the best to him!
 
Thanks for the feedback, both on the attire and on the conversation. The interview is today, so wish him luck! (And good luck to all the other candidates facing their interviews in the coming weeks!)
 
As an APP myself, I completely agree what Trackandfield08 has written.
 
I showed up to my interview in a suit and tie and was told that I "didn't need to dress up so much" by the interviewer. I definitely didn't feel out of place in a suit but I wouldn't stress if he wears nicely ironed khakis and shirt well-tucked in. Another thing to consider is that haircuts are important also since people in the coast guard are surrounded by professional haircuts every day.
 
Somebody once told me “Always dress one notch up if your can manage”. Dressing goes a long way towards building confidence and self image. I would rather be told that I don’t have to be dressed in suit and tie than being judged ( even though just mentally, not verbally) for not dressing up.

Assuming all thing equal, it’s one thing that could make a difference..
 
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