Interview Attire? - Applying to Keep an Acting Position Permanently

[BadKitty]

One of my officer colleagues at work has been in a job as an acting Sergeant for a few months. The job opened up for applications to be filled permanently and he put in for it. He was invited to interview; but, he will be on duty in that Sergeant (A) role the day of the interview. He will have to briefly leave his post for the interview and will be in Sergeant uniform. After the interview, he will go straight back to work. We are under the assumption that the interview panel will aware that he is currently serving in the position for which he is interviewing.

Some of our colleagues think that it might look presumptuous to show up to the interview in the Sergeant's uniform (chevrons) and that he should figure out some way to change into a civilian suit in the bathroom before walking down the hall to the interview. Others say that it is what it is and, if they are going to schedule an interview for the middle of his shift, there's absolutely nothing wrong with showing up in the uniform of the day.

I was stumped on what would be the most appropriate course of action. Input?

[eltee]

If he can pull it off without being rushed, I'd recommend he change into a suit.

[veeklog]

One of my officer colleagues at work has been in a job as an acting Sergeant for a few months. The job opened up for applications to be filled permanently and he put in for it. He was invited to interview; but, he will be on duty in that Sergeant (A) role the day of the interview. He will have to briefly leave his post for the interview and will be in Sergeant uniform. After the interview, he will go straight back to work. We are under the assumption that the interview panel will aware that he is currently serving in the position for which he is interviewing.

Some of our colleagues think that it might look presumptuous to show up to the interview in the Sergeant's uniform (chevrons) and that he should figure out some way to change into a civilian suit in the bathroom before walking down the hall to the interview. Others say that it is what it is and, if they are going to schedule an interview for the middle of his shift, there's absolutely nothing wrong with showing up in the uniform of the day.

I was stumped on what would be the most appropriate course of action. Input?

Business attire is always best

[Caddis]

If you are on duty, you wear your on duty uniform as you may be called into service. The panel whom are probably higher ranking officers would expect you to be ready for a major incident if needed as you are on the clock. You may let them know at the beginning of the interview you are on duty.

[P5Ret]

I agree with the do not change crowd, however I would wear long sleeves and a tie, possibly class A jacket. I'd make damn sure my boots and leather were in top notch condition too. I wouldn't wear an ear piece (if he does) either.

[stormvet]

If interviewing for a uniformed position, he should wear the class A uniform of his current assignment, that would be as a Sergeant.

[mixicus]

What is practice at his agency? Do on-duty officer applying for assignments change into suits for the orals? If so go with a suit.

[toddytguns]

I'm with the wear the uniform crowd, as that he will be on duty at that time. As P5ret and Stormvet have said, wear at least a long sleeve uniform shirt and tie and consider a class a uniform. Definitely make sure that everything looks good, ie. shoes/boots and any leather gear. Additionally, if he is only wearing pin on chevrons on the collar, take them off. Otherwise, leave them on if he is also wearing sewn on chevrons on the sleeve. He should also let the panel know that he is on duty in his capacity as a sergeant and that I'd the only reason why he wearing the insignias. However, if his assignment as an acting sergeant is in plain clothes, then a suit would be more appropriate. Just my 2 cents

[003]

Class A uniform for sure. He is holding the Sergeant position at the present time. A reminder to the oral board that he is well qualified and capable of doing the job.

[HP911]

+1 for the class A uniform crowd for all of the above mentioned reasons. If the panel is not aware of his acting position, I'm sure it will come up during the interview at which point he can advise them of the chevrons on his uniform and use the opportunity to sell himself a bit to the panel.

[jdubs71]

I agree with the class A if on duty at the time if the interview. Is it common practice at your agency for Officers in an "acting" sergeants position to wear sergeant stripes? If so he should gave nothing to worry about unless the interview panel is from outside the agency. They might find it odd that he is testing for sergeant and wearing sergeant stripes. At least I would.

[Ron-Solo]

Years ago, LASD did away with business attire for interviews to level the playing field. All interviews are done in long sleeve Class A with tie.

Before that, some people were spending a fortune on expensive suits, where a family man might not be able to swing it. Everyone is required to have a Class A uniform anyway.

[9mmepiphany]

Go with the Class A uniform...wearing the stripes

Think of the positive impression (unfair advantage?), when interviewing for a Sgt position, of already being in that uniform. He would be presenting an image of someone already able to do the job