Proper Attire for Interviewing?

[glockil]

I know this may seem self-explanatory, but I would appreciate some advice from anybody who has been on an interview with corrections (or law enforcement for that matter).

I have an interview on Friday with a County Juvenile detention facility and was wondering if I should wear a suit (or a sports jacket), or if I should just wear Khaki's, a dress shirt, and well-polished shoes.

I know the age old adage of "it's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed" but I would still like some advice.

Please feel free to chime in with your opinions...

[alienbow]

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[tmartin]

Just got back from an interview for a Corrections job, and dressed in full business attire. I wasn't told what to wear, but you're applying for a job and, at least in my case, the officer who interviewed me is also an instructor at the academy. First impressions matter, and are sometimes long lasting either for the right reasons, or the wrong. With all that said, unless instructed to dress otherwise, wear full business attire.

[FutureLE]

Why is so hard for people to understand that a suit is the best choice for any interview or interaction with your desired place of employment?

Unless there is a physical agility aspect.. WEAR A SUIT!

[glockil]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I will most definitely wear a suit on Friday.

[Gil]

Glockil,

A dark suit, white or light blue shirt, black wingtips (or simialr tie-up shoes, no loafers) and a dark conservative tie does the trick each time (dark grey, blue or a red). Go conservative, spit and polished, no jewelry, earings, etc. Also, any facial hair, shave it off. I would also get a fresh haircut as well. Trust me, they WILL be checking you out, even though you may not realize it. Just remember those little details can make or break you.

I don't care what job I'm interviewing for, be it a police job, a cook at Wendy's, etc. I always wear a suit. I would rather be overdressed than under and I perfer to err on the side of caution.

The sharper you look, the better you will feel and that will definitely project positively on the interviewers. The old cliche "First impressions are lasting ones" definitely holds true, especially in LE.


Good Luck tommorrow.

[billybob55]

how about if stated "casual attire", slacks, button shirt, no tie? or still go in suit?

[glockil]

Well, I just got back from the interview, and I think it went well, (although it was a bit short). I felt that I answered the questions well, but I have the notion that I lack the proper experience in the field. Looks like experience may matter a bit more in law enforcement/corrections than education, (although I'm sure they complement one another). I'll probably just finish up my Masters Degree before I apply anywhere else in Corrections, because all of my past experience is in Academia/teaching and the agencies that I've interviewed with/applied to haven't really been fans of that.

Anyhooo, thanks for all of the advice. I'll be sure to always wear a suit to interviews in the future.

[alienbow]

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[Gil]

how about if stated "casual attire", slacks, button shirt, no tie? or still go in suit?


Billy..If this is an option, I would still always wear a suit. It's always a good thing to make yourself stand out.