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Is it just me?

905 views 17 replies 16 participants last post by  jbglock 
#1 ·
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?

Or am I crazy?
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#5 ·
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...
 
#6 ·
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.
 
#7 ·
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.
 
#9 ·
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 matters.
 
#12 ·
I was taught to dress to show respect to those you are meeting or engaging with.

It isn't an attempt to impress others, but simply a sign of respect for the others in attendance.

There are times when dress is appropriate to the function. The trick is to know when and why.

Your uniform is designed for this purpose also. If it is important to command respect from the public, it is also a courtesy to respect your peers.
 
#14 ·
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."
 
#15 ·
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.
 
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