Wearing Dress Blues to Civilian interviews?

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bricktamland

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Quick background: I'm a Navy GMO planning to separate in '08. I've applied to civilian radiology programs through ERAS and hopefully I'll be interviewing in a few months. (I'm also applying to Navy GME-2). A current Navy GMO I know who matched at a good Midwestern program recommended wearing Dress Blues to interviews.

The issue for which I seek your communal wisdom is this: What is your opinion in regards to wearing a military uniform (in my case Dress Blues) to interviews at civilian programs?

Obviously, I want to stand out from the crowd--in a positive light--by emphasizing my background in the Navy and my experiences as a GMO. I've already worked on that via my CV and personal statement. If I add the uniform to the equation, is that too over the top? Or does it support the whole image I'm trying to portray?

With the pervasiveness of the war, I think there has been an overall resurgence in the general public's respect for service members, somewhat reminiscent of the WWII era, when service members would proudly wear their uniforms to many social functions. As an OIF vet, I'm wondering if my Dress Blues (with the ribbons and everything) would make a positive and lasting impression.

On the other hand, I am worried about being perceived as some kind of hard-core military weirdo who will have trouble reintegrating himself into a non-military atmosphere.

My instincts tell me to go with a regular suit. Despite the success my colleage may have had with the military look, I would probably feel more comfortable donning a regular old monkey suit. But I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to have some sort of advantage over the competition.

What are your opinions?
 
bricktamland said:
Quick background: I'm a Navy GMO planning to separate in '08. I've applied to civilian radiology programs through ERAS and hopefully I'll be interviewing in a few months. (I'm also applying to Navy GME-2)

The issue for which I seek your communal wisdom is this: What is your opinion in regards to wearing a military uniform (in my case Dress Blues) to interviews at civilian programs?

On one hand, I am trying to stand out from the crowd--in a positive light--by emphasizing my background in the Navy and my experiences as a GMO. Moreover, with the pervasiveness of the war, I think there has been an overall resurgence in the general public's respect for service members, somewhat reminiscent of the WWII era, when service members would proudly wear their uniforms to many social functions. As a OIF vet, I would hope my Dress Blues (with the ribbons and everything) would make a positive and lasting impression.

On the other hand, I am worried about being perceived as some kind of hard-core military weirdo who will have trouble reintegrating himself into a non-military atmosphere.

What are your opinions?
Click to expand...

Total opinion here, but OIF is perceived quite a bit different in the public eye than WWII. I'm sure most people still respect service members and have no problem with them, but some may let their opinions of OIF color their judgement of anyone who was involved. My hope is that professionals could separate the two but this may not always be the case.
 
That's what I thought when I saw the title of this thread and I'm currently deployed in support of OIF. Go buy a suit.
Click to expand...

I'd always planned on wearing a regular suit to the civilian interviews. But last week I met a current Navy GMO who went through last year's match and was accepted to a Rads program. His advice was to wear the Dress Blues to interviews. My gut reaction was, "Yeah. . . . I don't know about that." But then again, it seemed to work for him. Hence, my current dilemma.

Honestly, I think I would feel more comfortable wearing a regular suit (and thus if I'm more at ease probably perform better in an interview). Nevertheless, if putting on my uniform conjures up some sense of patriotism or positive memories of Top Gun, or whatever, maybe that would give me a slight advantage. Hopefully some of the former GMOs who have gone through this process will see this thread and shed some light.
 
I matched in ophthalmology wearing a civilian suit. Everybody knew I was in the Navy because it was all over my CV. But wearing the uniform could potentially promote animosity among those PD's that are against the war or dislike conservative views. Be proud of you service and military experience but show them you are ready for civilian life.

BTW, FORGET TOPGUN...YOU WANT TO MATCH!!!!
 
I think the edge it would give you in a few programs is greatly overshadowed by how much it could hurt your chances in many other programs. Don't risk it.
 
I interviewed this week at a couple schools. I am active duty and chose not to wear my uniform. Everyone knows I am in the military still. One of the other interviewees wore their navy uniform and just stood out in a goofy sort of way.

Civilian programs more than likely look favorably on your military experience and background no doubt, but it is a civilian program, not a military one, so I wouldn't wear it.

Just my opinion.
 
Interview for a civilian job, wear a civilian suit.

The military in my experience is viewed pretty well in radiology circles... many notable attendings are prior military (Richard Webb comes to mind) and it helps find a common ground during the interview. Personally if you interviewed with me, wearing your dress blues would not get you extra points...and this is coming from someone 'in' the military (if an HPSPer can be called such). It would most likely bias a first impression which could go either way.
 
bricktamland said:
Quick background: I'm a Navy GMO planning to separate in '08. I've applied to civilian radiology programs through ERAS and hopefully I'll be interviewing in a few months. (I'm also applying to Navy GME-2). A current Navy GMO I know who matched at a good Midwestern program recommended wearing Dress Blues to interviews.

The issue for which I seek your communal wisdom is this: What is your opinion in regards to wearing a military uniform (in my case Dress Blues) to interviews at civilian programs?

Obviously, I want to stand out from the crowd--in a positive light--by emphasizing my background in the Navy and my experiences as a GMO. I've already worked on that via my CV and personal statement. If I add the uniform to the equation, is that too over the top? Or does it support the whole image I'm trying to portray?

With the pervasiveness of the war, I think there has been an overall resurgence in the general public's respect for service members, somewhat reminiscent of the WWII era, when service members would proudly wear their uniforms to many social functions. As an OIF vet, I'm wondering if my Dress Blues (with the ribbons and everything) would make a positive and lasting impression.

On the other hand, I am worried about being perceived as some kind of hard-core military weirdo who will have trouble reintegrating himself into a non-military atmosphere.

My instincts tell me to go with a regular suit. Despite the success my colleage may have had with the military look, I would probably feel more comfortable donning a regular old monkey suit. But I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to have some sort of advantage over the competition.

What are your opinions?
Click to expand...

Not to mention, that there is something in the UCMJ about not using the uniform for personal gain.

IIRC there was a chaplain prosecuted for this when he wore his uniform to a protest.

I don't think anyone would prosecute you under the UCMJ for this, but you can definitely mention that if someone asks why your not in uniform.

When I went through this last year, I put it on my CV, and application stuff, but wore a suit to interviews. Several interviewers asked about military experience, and even though I am very negative about my time in the navy, I managed to remain completely positive about it.

For example: When asked about GMO time, rather than mention anything about not offering the standard of care, I addressed as an excellent opportunity to develop ones decision making skills as well as maturity as a physician.

Good luck

I want out (of IRR)
 
R-Me-Doc,

The thread that you posted a link to was quite interesting, mainly because the predominant opinion in that thread was in favor of wearing a uniform, very much in contrast to the pervading opinion of this thread -- which is decidedly against the uniform.

Nevertheless, I've decided to stick with a regular civilian suit for several reasons. Most importantly, while I am certainly proud of my service, I feel more comfortable in a regular suit. It's more "me." I also agree with the argument that if you're applying for a civilian job, you should project yourself as a civilian, even if you're still active duty.

i want out,

Do you really think wearing a military uniform to a professional interview is some sort of violation? I can see what you're getting at in the case of the chaplain. Certainly, I agree that it's disingenuous or even guileful to wear your uniform solely for personal gain. However, I don't want my intentions to be misconstrued. I really do believe it is an honor to wear the uniform, and every time I put it on, I take pride in my appearance.

However, I'm much more of a civilian at heart, which is why I'm going with the suit. But for some people, who really identify themselves as being military officers, I think it would be totally appropriate to don the uniform -- even if you do like a little goofy.

DiveMD,

I really hope that in this day and age, people have learned to separate the politics from the service member. In fact, I'm a bit of a contrarian (at least within the military) in that I was opposed to this war in Iraq from the very beginning. But at the same time, I've always maintained that when I signed that contract, I had a duty to serve my country, regardless of any political misgivings I may have. Anyone who blames a service member for disastrous/unpopular political campaigns is clearly a *****.

Thanks to everyone for your insightful responses. You definitely helped me figure out the right thing to do.
 
While I don't think anyone would give you much trouble about wearing a uniform for an interview, it could be interpreted as being for personal gain.

Like many parts of the UCMJ, they aren't really of much concern unless someone has a hard on for you, and wants to make your life miserable.

I want out (of irr)
 
Skip the uniform. Wear a classy suit.
 
I'm with the consensus on this one. I'm interviewing this year as well and have decided to go civilian. I don't think thre should be any concern about UCMJ violation though if you were to wear the uniform.
 
bricktamland said:
DiveMD,

I really hope that in this day and age, people have learned to separate the politics from the service member. In fact, I'm a bit of a contrarian (at least within the military) in that I was opposed to this war in Iraq from the very beginning. But at the same time, I've always maintained that when I signed that contract, I had a duty to serve my country, regardless of any political misgivings I may have. Anyone who blames a service member for disastrous/unpopular political campaigns is clearly a *****.

Thanks to everyone for your insightful responses. You definitely helped me figure out the right thing to do.
Click to expand...


During my interview process, the PD of a NYC program asked me a few questions on the current conflict, reinstitution of the draft and other similar politico-ethical questions. I think it might be hard to look unbiased when answering these types of questions if you are wearing a uniform. Moreover, it is a well known fact that most academic institutions and faculty members tend to be more liberal than conservative. Again, YOU WANT TO MATCH in you top choice. Why wear a uniform that could potentially be a liability during one, if not the most, important decision of your life? Good luck.:luck:
 
wear the suit.

There are still a lot of post-menopausal flower children lurking about and you'll never know when you'll run into one.
 
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