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Captain Bob,

I have a question in regards to the interview.  I am currently getting ready to graduate the Fire Academy on January 18, 2003.  The Academy is conducting mock interviews for the Cadets.  I was wondering going into the interview with a suit on, do I unbutton the jacket, leave the jacket buttoned, or remove the jacket and place it on the back of the chair?

I would appreciate it.

Reply:

Good question.  Never, ever take your jacket off, even if it is 120 degrees and the panel has theirs off. You are not Larry King.  How do you normally wear your jacket buttoned or not?  Do it that way.  You could go in with it buttoned and then unbutton your jacket after hand shakes but before you sit down.  But, you might forget in the excitement of the moment.  So, go in the way you would feel most comfortable.

This from Tom:

A while back, I had a hand crew test where the interviews were held within minutes after completion of the agility. The agency expected dripping wet and smelly candidates. I took along my suit and a few towels and I found a hose bib and washed up as best I could.

I put my suit on and went into my interview. As it turned out, the interview panel was most surprised that someone would wear a suit for a hand crew job. Needless to say, I got the job offer!

From time to time, I take classes held at various fire agencies. When those agencies are holding interviews and I am there taking a class,during breaks, I still see numerous candidates showing up in Levis, Dockers and shirts with no ties. No point in shooting yourself in the foot!  The moral of the story is ALWAYS wear a suit! Wear a suit for any interview, no matter what the title of the position, unless you have been instructed otherwise. Best wishes.

Then this from Tofu:

There's nothing quite like the look on a candidate's face when he enters the "holding pen" room where everyone waits to be called for their turn to interview, and realizes that he's the only one not wearing a suit.

Don't be that guy.

From Wingnut:

LOL!!  I was "that guy"!!  

I prepared so hard for my interview that I totally forgot to ask people what to wear.  I just assumed slacks and a dress shirt would work.  Wearing a suit never even crossed my mind!

Turns out, I was the only one in the waiting room not wearing a suit!!  Everyone else was so GQ that I felt like I was sitting in a room full of investment bankers.  I could tell everyone was looking at me like there was one less candidate to give them competition.  

To make matters worse, my interview was rocky, and one of the captains proceeded to grill me relentlessly, and guffawed at all my responses.    In the following two weeks I was convinced I failed.  But I got the call in the end!  I start soon.

I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.  It was definitely a psychological disadvantage to walk into a room full of slick candidates and then have to walk into the interview with an air of confidence.  It was even worse waiting for the results thinking that I blew it by not wearing a coat and tie.  

Candidates will tell me that I don't have a suit or the money to by a nice suit for my oral board.  My advice.  Rent one and look and feel like the professional you want to be.

Reply from Captain Bob:

Candidates will tell me that I don't have a suit or the money to by a nice suit for my oral board.  My advice.  Rent one and look and feel like the professional you want to be.

From Anna:

Captain Bob,

You say women should wear a business suit, but not a pantsuit to their oral interviews. What's the difference? During some coaching for interviews with a very 'oral board successful' Captain friend of mine, I was told to never wear a dress to an interview because it makes women appear too feminine. So, I have always worn a black pantsuit to my interviews and people have always said that I have looked very professional. Is it hurting me? Thanks for your help!  Anita

Reply:

It’s your choice, but I believe it’s hurting you.  You want to use everything to your advantage.  When a women walks into an oral board wearing a smart business looking dress, it changes the dimension of the interview trust me.

"Captain Bob"

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Fire "Captain Bob" Smith has coached countless entry level and promotional candidates to get their badge. He is a retired 28-year Hayward, Ca. Captain, speaker/author of the audio/video program "Conquer the Job Interview," the books "Eat Stress For Breakfast" ISBN 09657620-3-3, "Fire Up Your Communication Skills" ISBN 09657620-6-8 and a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. You can book him as a speaker or get a copy of his books and tapes by calling toll free at 888-238-3959.