I was just taking a written test for a department and I see people coming in to take the test wearing flips flops, shorts and tshirt. There always seems to be a few of them.
I'm not saying you need to wear a tuxedo, but how about at least a polo shirt and khakis?
how often I have thought, take a bath, pull your pants up and act like you have some manners!
I am sick of skivvies and pants around the knees.
when I was a boy, that look would get you an indecent exposure arrest.
wish it were still so!
I have always worn a tailored suit to every stage of every cop job hiring process (physical testing excepted) I've been a part of. My suit wasn't particularly expensive but it looks good and fits well. I've been hired all three times and, while I can't say how much was related to dressing professionally, I consider that suit the best investment I've ever made.
There's always a number of applicants who seem to fail to consider that everything's a test, and every appearance is an opportunity to exhibit your ability to demonstrate professionalism (if only to yourself).
While I've been coaxing my adult son to get a damn job, I've had to re-educate him on the differences between casual and business attire. I've come to realize that it's another one of those generational things that is utterly without explanation...
It's not just you. While taking the written test for my current department (in 2010/2011, when the economy was still in the toilet and NO ONE was hiring), I ended up at a table with a young guy who had also tried all the places he could. He told me he almost always got an interview, but couldn't figure out why he hadn't been hired. He was in jeans and a t-shirt, as were about 70% of those taking the test. Then he have me grief about wearing a pair of khakis and a button down and said he showed up to interviews dressed just like he was, jeans and t-shirts. When I pointed out that could be part of the problem, he said he wanted to show the interviewers who he was, and be memorable. Well, I got the job, last I heard he was still testing everywhere, so I guess his theory is at least partly incorrect, as I'm sure everyone remembers him.
I have sat on more then one interview board. It was amazing how many we would have interest in (based on quick review of rez) Person walked in and you could just see everyone going "can't we just thank them for their time now?"
Now I don't mean a fitted suit... Just a shower in last few days, cloths that are not suitable for auto repair...
I remember a Blue Bloods where a kid got chance to shadow the Comish. He showed up in street cloths. He got sent for clean up, decent cloths. What a change.
During the hiring process for my first PD, I got a call from background investigator to drop of copies of something at the front window. I went in a suit even though it was only supposed to be an in and out quick drop.
I ended up meeting the chief while I was there. It's better to be a overdressed than under
I picked out an off the rack Kohl's suit, twice. Both times, I spent a lot of time figuring out exactly what size to get, what looked the best, etc. I spent a minimal amount of money. Both times, +/- $100.
I wore them to any and every part of the testing process where I had to interact with any part of the hiring authority. I had someone comment on my professional appearance each time, one of which was a SAC for an alphabet soup agency.
It's not you. It is an unfortunate trend. During sergeant's testing at our agency a few months ago, one of the candidates showed up to the first part of testing in workout gear. Was noticed by the chief.
But in a smaller agency like ours, how you show up is noted and part of the decision process. Now, we test as part of a big group (public safety testing) so we may not see how that part goes. But they make it clear to be appropriately dressed.
In our ride-alongs, we make it clear on the form to dress appropriately (business casual). We have sent home a couple for showing up in "inappropriate attire."
The first time anybody in HR saw me without a suit or at least a sport coat was when I had to get a new ID card and I came in wearing my department flight suit.
If I go to the office at a minimum I will be wearing khakis and a polo. You never know who you will run into be it the boss or the media.
I was just taking a written test for a department and I see people coming in to take the test wearing flips flops, shorts and tshirt. There always seems to be a few of them.
I'm not saying you need to wear a tuxedo, but how about at least a polo shirt and khakis?
In hiring it's a lack of common sense or good parenting imo. After hiring a lack of peer mentoring imo. Casual imo is basic investigator daily wear for our department.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Glock Talk
21M posts
185.2K members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to Glock firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, troubleshooting, accessories, classifieds, and more!