Rotc interview attire

M

MrNiceGuy347

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Joined
Nov 7, 2018
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Don’t know if I should go for the suit ie just a blazer, white dress shirt, tie, and khakis with nice shoes or just a nice button down khakis etc
 
Dress as professionally as possible without making yourself too self-conscious.
Lots more threads on this:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/school-uniform-to-rotc-interview.63601/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/rotc-interview-apparel.57341/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/army-rotc-scholarship-interview-tips.52469/


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Agree with AROTC -dad. Just to share, my DS wore a conservative suit, tie, button down shirt, nice shoes and the officer interviewing him when they met in the lobby did look him over and actually comment that he looked very professional. Along these lines, recommend getting a haircut if you need one even if your last one was just say 3 weeks back or whatever -- put your very best foot forward that you're comfortable in.

For those reading this who may have a challenge getting a suit, we've gotten lots of blazers/suits over the years as formals/ dances/ award dinners were coming up and he had grown another couple of inches or whatever at our local salvation army, which could be an option if $ is tight. Also, "phone a friend" may work to borrow a dress shirt from a buddy then just dry clean it and give it back. Also, his shoes looked great but cost less than 20.00 at payless.

Awesome that you are preparing to interview and best of luck to you and all candidates!
Very respectfully,
Hermie, Sr.
 
My son went with a button-down, v-neck, khakis, and nice shoes. He got both an NROTC and an AFROTC scholarship.
A blazer, button-down, khakis and nice shoes will be fine. If you're comfortable in a tie, go for it. They're looking at the person first and foremost. Granted, clothes can make a person, but if it appears that you dressed with the thought that "I have an ROTC interview," you're making a good impression. Keep in mind that applicants come from all socio-economic classes and some can't afford to even dress as you're describing. And their dress shoes might be topsiders. The interviewer isn't going to hold that against them.
I'll add that I judge high school debate and see these differences. You can tell when a high schooler is uncomfortable in a suit, and too many times the suit is ill-fitting. A simple button-down with khakis and nice shoes looks great and is typically less expensive (the Banana Republic seems to always have 40% off sales and will add a military discount on top of that). The local school that dominates in state and nationally (and is from a wealthy district) has a lot of debaters with the outfit you're describing, and they look a lot sharper than most of their opponents in suits.
 
#2 son wore

button down oxford shirt well fitted and pressed,
tie properly knotted ,
khakis that fit properly and pressed
SHINED black low quarter shoes
fresh hair cut
shave (both hairs, he went all out )

he won a 4 year NROTC scholarship

If you have a well fitted suit that arguably would be 'better'
 
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AROTC-dad said:
Dress as professionally as possible without making yourself too self-conscious.
Lots more threads on this:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/school-uniform-to-rotc-interview.63601/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/rotc-interview-apparel.57341/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/army-rotc-scholarship-interview-tips.52469/


2c0ad52e65e0bad39fb717b6b534c563.jpg
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Personally I think the tie is too short on this guy and it would bother me if I were interviewing him. Plus I dont like his hair but I wouldnt count that against him. And while I too wear white shirts with suits, not a big fan and like a some color on my dress shirts.
 
Humey said:
Personally I think the tie is too short on this guy and it would bother me if I were interviewing him. Plus I dont like his hair but I wouldnt count that against him. And while I too wear white shirts with suits, not a big fan and like a some color on my dress shirts.
Click to expand...

I don't disagree, but I like the notes and tips that accompany the first photo.
Public domain has its limitations.

worst-things-to-wear-to-job-interview.jpg
 
At a minimum: shave, get a haircut, and shine your shoes.

Walmart sells both haircuts and shoe shine for low prices.

Get the black parade gloss, let it dry 2-3 hours, and then buff off with a brush.

For the haircut, get your hair off your ears, and avoid looking like a young Bieber or like you just left a High School Musical-themed part. The goal is not to look trendy-- it's to look like you belong in the club. If you look the part, it is one more point in your favor. Google pictures of young military officers in uniform and emulate what you see in posture and appearance.
 
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