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The strongest non-verbal statement you can make in the oral board is what you wear.
What to Wear to the Firefighter Job Interview
The strongest non-verbal statement you can make in the oral board is what you wear. It is time to step up and make the investment.
I had a candidate tell me he went to an interview wearing a tie, suspenders and no jacket. I asked him, "Who did you think you were Larry King?" I asked him if they called him back for a Chief's interview? No. The defense rests.
Men: Do wear a wool suit in dark blue or gray. Pinstripes are fine, but avoid brown, black, or high fashion brightly colored suits. Sport coats or blazers are out, so is polyester. Tie should be in a solid color such as navy, red, maroon, yellow stripe, or paisley print. Wear a white, off white, or pale blue long sleeved shirt in cotton or a cotton blend. Starch it no matter what the instructions say. No patterned shirts!
Don't: Wear casual or novelty watches, too much jewelry, monograms, religious, political, or fraternity affiliation accessories. Beards are out; mustaches are a gray area. When in doubt, shave it off. Don't wear cell phones, pagers or any other electronic leases.
When my son was trying to become a firefighter I begged him to shave off his...