LEO advice

[lions]

Isher says the clothes don't make the man. I agree.

Everyone else says the clothes do make part of the first impression. I agree, even if it shouldn't be true.

Now, back to the advice...

 

[tpaw]

Isher says the clothes don't make the man. I agree.

That may be true, but wearing business attire for an interview shows respect for the organization you are trying to be part of. Dress code does have its merits for the time and place of which you are assigned. Once you are "On the job", things will fall into place and you will dress accordingly. But until you are actually hired and on the payroll, I suggest you put forth your best image. Presenting yourself in a professional manner is important. Police departments look for that.

 

[BlisteringSilence]

OH GOSH -

Just learned how I totally screwed up.

Didn't ever wear a suit.

Nevermind that i have been doing multimillion dollar projects

For the last thirtyfive years

In jeans and a workshirt and and a pair of felony flyers.

The only point I will agree on

Is I never lied.

Did I disagree? Yes.

Contract fights are the rule, not the exception.

Being a pro has nothing to freaking to do

With appearance.

Systems, yes, Strategy, yes, Tactics, yes,

But what you put on in the morning,

no.

Just my .02

isher

Isher, I totally agree with your approach. The thing is, there are certain industries where you can totally take this approach. As a matter of fact, there are some industries where wearing a suit to an interview might be perceived by those interviewing as a negative.

That being said, every job is not like every other job. One of my best friends is a landman, and I don't think he's put on a suit since he got married 6 years ago. Wears jeans and work shirts every day. Wore them to his interview, has been with the company for a number of years now.

That being said, you could never get away with wearing what he did to a police interview. Like Coronach said, your personal appearance matters a great deal to your supervisors, and to the public you (hope) to serve.

My boss, he started as a statie. Was one for for 20 years. You come into the office, even on a day off, you'd better be clean shaven and wearing neatly pressed clothes. When you're on duty, you'd better be able to cut things with the creases on your trousers. I can't imagine someone interviewing for a entry level position making it through the interview wearing anything other than a neatly pressed suit and tie. And, an academy position is an entry level position.

Arkansas is apparently different from everywhere else. You are hired by a department, and then the state pays for your training, and puts you through the academy.

 

[XCastleX]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone! You've all really helped to settle my nerves and get me ready for the big day.

Thanks again!

 

[tpaw]

Sometimes I think Isher is putting us on.
If you don't mind my asking, Isher, what police department do you work for?