TheSarge says ...

MarlyB says ...

I will let THAT superflag fly, Mod Squad - but I am afraid I will have to indict you on the string tie.  lol

ssu459 says ...

Aha ! Bump to the Sarge about this not being a fashion show.I had indicated that and Amen.---En re to court clothes.Many years ago when it was in fashion ,I was the proud owner of four leisure suites,all of which I wore to court..I  spruced them up a bit by wearing them with my two tone brown platform shoes and red/black woolen pants and at times,a string tie.I am amazed a Hollywood scout didn't discover me.Yes, I also had an afro hair style for four years.Under new management(a new wife) ,this all changed.

 

++++++++++++++++++++

YES ! YES ! YES ! A leisure suit. Outstanding. Bring on the first movie of Shaft, too. Let's dig up John Travolta's white outfit and strut into an Oral Board.

Candidate: "Hey everyone, yeah, it's me. Before we start this show, let me show you a couple of moves I can do in these white polyesters and outta sight kicks. BAM! See that? Travolta learned that from me. Ok, I'll just stand over here and look groovy and you cops ask me questions. Cuz I'm down wid it."

Oral Board Panel: "We like to thank and dismiss the guy in the white leisure suit."

 

Dave being introducing himself to his first oral interview board panel......

Make sure to brush your tooth. Light on the smell good. Limit the number of laps you swim in the smell good.

Canoe.  Ya hadda say it.

uncledennis1 says ...

Make sure to brush your tooth. Light on the smell good. Limit the number of laps you swim in the smell good.

Thank you all for the replies. I have a few questions to those who have personal experience including TheSarge.

I understand all departments are different and I am sure many oral boards are not the same, but can you guys give me an idea of the atmosphere. Typically how would it start off? In a series of questions? What kind of questions? Obviously I would want to walk right in and shake hands with everyone in the room and introduce myself. Does this seem appropriate or overboard?

I actually just had an interview the other day with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I feel like I done great, many things from casual conversation to all kinds of questions about my childhood, growing up, etc. It's been over four years since I have been in any kind of atmosphere like that, but i can honestly say I was generally nervous and atleast once I had a hard time putting together what I was really trying to say. LOL

What are the expectations for things like this? Do they understand people are going to be nervous?

TheSarge says ...

Believe it or not, I wouldn't buy a suit at this point. I would recommend going to a decent store and buying a sport coat, nice dress shirt, a pair of dress pants and a tie that 'ties' it altogether. Get with a salesperson who can help you put together this outfit. A suit is nice, I suppose, but it is not absolutely necessary. Save your money. Suits can come later.

I have sat on many oral boards and seen a constant stream of personalities and attire across the table. I can tell you that it doesn't matter if the applicant wears a suit or a nice sport coat, shirt and tie. AND, I have seen folks come in with suits that were very ill fitting. They looked like chrap. A suit needs to be made well and well tailored to look right. You can still look dressed up in a sport coat and tie.

The other important thing that has already been mentioned is being prepared for your interview. Once initial impressions are made, then next thing that happens will be when you open your mouth and speak. You can be dressed in $2,000 Armani suit, but if you sound like a dork and are not prepared, you might as will set the suit on fire and come in shorts and flip-flops. The panel will not give you a second thought if you are not prepared.

An oral interview is not a fashion show.

Relax and take a deep breath. You are way over thinking this. Look sharp and show confidence (do not get cocky as this will be the kiss of death), I had just turned 21 years of age when I took mine and knew nothing about law enforcement. The board will put you at ease. And yes they know you will be a little nervous as they experienced it when they were hired. Think before you respond and just sell yourself. It really is not that difficult. Relax.