Proper Attire for Nomination Interview

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Gannonfan

Proud Dad of USNA Class of 2028!
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Apr 29, 2022
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Just curious as to what most people consider to be proper attire for a nomination interview? Is a full on suit needed (jacket, pants, shirt, tie, etc) or is a shirt and tie with suit pants (i.e. no jacket) fine as well? Wasn't sure what people consider to be the minimum and if you can too dressed up. Suits have gone a little bit out of style in recent years, so while I think that was the norm ten years ago I don't know if that's the case now. Thanks.
 
My son wore a suit.

A shirt and tie with dress pants is equally acceptable.

Clean. Ironed. Tucked in.
 
My DS will be wearing a full suit and tie. He found a Tommy Hilfiger suit at our local thrift store with tags still on it for $2. He has worn it to all of his interviews so far this year.
 
I wore khakis and a blazer with a tie. That being said, all of mine were on zoom.
 
When it comes to a “job interview” — and yes, that’s what this is — it’s rare to be overdressed. At the same time, not every candidate has access to a suit or blazer. If you don’t have one, not to worry.

Instead (assuming you’re male) wear a long-sleeve button-down shirt, khakis and non-sneaker shoes. It should all be clean and pressed and tucked in. How you wear it — with proud bearing and good posture — is as important as what you wear. Bring a firm handshake and confident eye contact, as well.
 
I have sat on many panels. I would say slacks, shirt and tie are acceptable. Well fitting, ironed are key. Full suit or slacks, blazer and tie are all fine as well. We understand every kid does not have the means to a full tailored suit. Thrift stores are a great place to look. Borrow a blazer or tie from a buddy. Fresh shave, haircut, clean and presentable.
 
I know this is the Nominations forum, but is a suit and tie overdressed for a BGO interview? I was thinking DS could wear a suit and a dress shirt without the tie. Or is it better to go full on suit and tie combo?
 
an654 said:
I know this is the Nominations forum, but is a suit and tie overdressed for a BGO interview? I was thinking DS could wear a suit and a dress shirt without the tie. Or is it better to go full on suit and tie combo?
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My son wore his suit for the BGO interview. The BGO did not. It wasn’t necessary … but one of the values in it is you become more comfortable wearing a suit the more times you do it.
 
an654 said:
I know this is the Nominations forum, but is a suit and tie overdressed for a BGO interview? I was thinking DS could wear a suit and a dress shirt without the tie. Or is it better to go full on suit and tie combo?
Click to expand...
Depends on the BGO and where the interview is. My DS's BGO met him in a local McDonald's. My DS was just wearing a polo and khakis (so something like good church clothes). Pretty sure a suit in that case would've been overboard.
 
I usually interview my candidates in their homes or at local library or coffee shop. I don’t expect a suit for those as it doesn’t necessarily fit. I usually wear khakis and a USNA polo. I tell them that casual such as khakis and a polo are acceptable for the interview.
 
I wore a USNA t-shirt and khaki shorts to my BGO interview, as she emphasized that we could be very casual. She commented that it was a good shirt.
 
Gannonfan said:
Just curious as to what most people consider to be proper attire for a nomination interview? Is a full on suit needed (jacket, pants, shirt, tie, etc) or is a shirt and tie with suit pants (i.e. no jacket) fine as well? Wasn't sure what people consider to be the minimum and if you can too dressed up. Suits have gone a little bit out of style in recent years, so while I think that was the norm ten years ago I don't know if that's the case now. Thanks.
Click to expand...
I wore dress slacks and a dress shirt with a tie. No suit jacket.
 
Texark147 said:
My DS will be wearing a full suit and tie. He found a Tommy Hilfiger suit at our local thrift store with tags still on it for $2. He has worn it to all of his interviews so far this year.
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Ooh that's a steal! Hilfiger is nice. Is your son interviewing for Duckworth & Durbin? I thought they didn't have interviews :0
 
My DS wore a suit and he was happy that he did. I watched 10-12 other applicants walk in. They all had a suit on.
 
skibidi127 said:
Ooh that's a steal! Hilfiger is nice. Is your son interviewing for Duckworth & Durbin? I thought they didn't have interviews :0
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Yes it is was a steal! He actually got it 50% off because he was volunteering that day. Lol. You are right, no interviews for Duckworth or Durbin, but he has an interview with our congressman on Nov 16th.
 
Texark147 said:
Yes it is was a steal! He actually got it 50% off because he was volunteering that day. Lol. You are right, no interviews for Duckworth or Durbin, but he has an interview with our congressman on Nov 16th.
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Sounds good. Good luck to your son! My congressman's deadline is like the end of December so I'll prob be waiting a while LOLL
 
I will never forget my DS wearing a suit jacket purchased from a thrift store, tie, nice shirt, and workout shorts with no shoes. Lol. His interviews were Zoom due to Covid (Fall 2020). It was so funny to see him sitting there like that. He's now a C2C at USAFA.
 
A co-worker's son is about to have his nomination interviews and she told me her son is planning on wearing his JROTC uniform to the interviews. Is this a good idea?
 
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