Civilian Residency Interviews: To wear uniform or suit?

[ishii123]

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Okay, here's the deal. I have am applying for a civilian residency (in preparation for my transition out of the Navy). I'm applying to a competitive specialty and have already received multiple interview offers. When I interview, I want to set myself apart from my competition.

I think my Navy Dress Blues uniform is an X-factor to set myself apart from the competition. Additionally, my flight surgeon wings and ribbons will attract attention and be a good "ice-breaker" for the interviews. I am thinking of wearing my Navy Dress Blues to areas of the USA that tend to be conservative and pro-military (eg. The South and Mid-West states). I am thinking of wearing a plain, regular suit at more liberal areas of the country (eg. North East and West).

What do you guys/gals think? Do I have a good plan? Should I wear my Navy Dress Blues to some civilian residency interviews? Or does my plan suck and you think I should ONLY wear a regular suit and tie for ALL my civilian residency interviews? Tell me what you think 🙂

P.S. - For non-Navy people, I've attached a picture of Navy Dress Blues. Personally, I think it looks very sharp!

 

[KungPOWChicken]

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[FliteSurgn]

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a civilian job interview trying to arrange a practice to coincide with my separation from AD. Several people there stated they were disappointed that I didn't wear my uniform. They had all hoped that I would wear it. It hadn't crossed my mind. Of course, your Navy uniform looks much better than my garb.

Honestly, I had never contemplated wearing my dress uniform to civilian interviews...but...I really don't think it's a bad idea. If you are a competitive candidate, it may make you stand out among the others. As a senior resident and junior staff member, I interviewed a lot of prospective residents. By the time it came to ranking, it was hard to remember one from the other. Wearing your uniform may give you a leg up in that regard. Plus, the older generation of surgeons (those that will likely be program directors, etc) have a lot of respect for the military and a fair number of them may have military backgrounds.

 

[r90t]

When I interviewed I was in a suit, however, the interview always ended up revolving around my experiences in the navy. My residency director who has never been in the military always wants to discuss my past experiences. Some on this board see a GMO tour as a disadvantage, but I think when interviewing for a competitive residency it is a huge advantage. Your fellow interviewees are most likely MS4s with no real world (independent) medical experience. You have had 3-4 years of independence and have worked under your own medical license, not someone elses.

This years starting rad onc positions, about 115 nationwide, were filled by 3 navy GMOs. I expect army and AF to have at least 1 each this year. That would be almost 5% of all positions going to military guys and gals. None of us (navy) were MD/PhDs like our competition. We all had good board scores/gpa's etc, but were not in the top 1% of our graduation classes. The GMO experience separated us from the 4th years and we are now in heavily sought after spots.

 

[aatrek]

When I interviewed I was in a suit, however, the interview always ended up revolving around my experiences in the navy. My residency director who has never been in the military always wants to discuss my past experiences. Some on this board see a GMO tour as a disadvantage, but I think when interviewing for a competitive residency it is a huge advantage. Your fellow interviewees are most likely MS4s with no real world (independent) medical experience. You have had 3-4 years of independence and have worked under your own medical license, not someone elses.

This years starting rad onc positions, about 115 nationwide, were filled by 3 navy GMOs. I expect army and AF to have at least 1 each this year. That would be almost 5% of all positions going to military guys and gals. None of us (navy) were MD/PhDs like our competition. We all had good board scores/gpa's etc, but were not in the top 1% of our graduation classes. The GMO experience separated us from the 4th years and we are now in heavily sought after spots.

my humble opinion is that all the talk about "not trying to stick out" is based on some old hear-say with no real bases in life.
I can tell you that when I interviewed I never put a suit on, in fact I only put a tie on maybe one or two of the interviews ( I wore a collar less green shirt.. ) talk about stickin gout.
and I got offered (under the table offers) from 4 of the 10 programs I interviewed in, and matched at my top choice..
so there you ahve it..
dress blues will really make them remember you..
A.

 

[helo doc]

I wholeheartedly recommend wearing the SDB's. To begin with, they look REALLY sharp IMHO. It's not like you'll be wearing your flight suit or even khakis. I totally agree that it will be a good icebreaker and will provide a great starting point for discussing your experiences as a FS. Many moons ago when I interviewed for med schools, wearing my SDB's made the interviews a slam dunk. Multiple acceptances from top tier schools. The way I look at it, what's the risks versus the benefits? The benefits have been discussed. The risks - afraid of standing out too much in large group of your peers?? That's a risk? Also, what if you run across the program director or staff member who's a "flaming liberal" and the uniform tends to antagonize them? Well, for me, I would have to question my desires to spend 3-5 years working with that person.

Some advice: Be prepared to answer the question "So why did you choose to wear your uniform since you'll soon be out of the Navy anyway?". Avoid politics. Period. Don't fall into an interview trap of Bush bashing or lambasting liberals. And finally, try your best to relate your experiences as a FS and how that will translate into your chosen specialty. Be creative, but realistic at the same time.

You'll crush the interviews. Good luck.

A fellow Navy FS

 

[militarymd]

It could go either way. Wear what you are comfortable with.

 

[R-Me-Doc]

Okay, here's the deal. I have am applying for a civilian residency (in preparation for my transition out of the Navy). I'm applying to a competitive specialty and have already received multiple interview offers. When I interview, I want to set myself apart from my competition.

I think my Navy Dress Blues uniform is an X-factor to set myself apart from the competition. Additionally, my flight surgeon wings and ribbons will attract attention and be a good "ice-breaker" for the interviews. I am thinking of wearing my Navy Dress Blues to areas of the USA that tend to be conservative and pro-military (eg. The South and Mid-West states). I am thinking of wearing a plain, regular suit at more liberal areas of the country (eg. North East and West).

What do you guys/gals think? Do I have a good plan? Should I wear my Navy Dress Blues to some civilian residency interviews? Or does my plan suck and you think I should ONLY wear a regular suit and tie for ALL my civilian residency interviews? Tell me what you think 🙂

I would say "no" to the uniform.

#1, they've seen your resume/cv and already know you're in the Navy.

#2, putting myself in the place of an interviewer, if I was interviewing someone I knew was military and who was wearing a suit, it would never really occur to me to ask "gee, I wonder why he didn't wear his uniform?" But if someone showed up in full dress, I have to admit I'd kind of wonder "what's up with this guy?"

#3, it is your clinical experience, not your clothes, that are going to impress the interviewers and put you way ahead of the competition.

For what it's worth, I just finished up fellowship interviews for my post-army life. Went to interviews in civvies; there was really very little discussion of my military experiences. Mostly focused on future professional interests and plans.

Best of luck whatever you wear.

PS: I have to admit, Navy uniforms ROCK compared to the crap we have in the Army!

RMD 0-8-5

 

[swampthing]

I'm in a similar situation too. Would you recommend wearing Navy Dress Blues for civilian Dermatology Interviews? Derm is so competitive that setting myself apart by my navy flight surgeon experience and gorgeous uniform may help. But I don't want to piss anyone off either and screw my chances.

I believe the surgical specialties will like the Navy Dress Blues. Surgery is mostly made up of men and has a machismo feel about it. The military is very machismo. Both surgery and the military like to attack problems with "surgical precision". Therefore, if you're applying to one of the surgical specialties (eg. Ortho, ENT, Urology, Plastics, Gen Surg), then wearing Navy Dress Blues is icing on the cake!

But Derm is not a machismo specialty. Females now make up the majority of derm programs (approximately 50 - 60% of the faculty and residents). Females are not very machismo. Although Derm has some surgical procedures, it also has an Internal Medicine and Pathology feel about it as well. Knowing this, would you recommend wearing Navy Dress Blues for civilian Dermatology Interviews?

 

[GMO2003]

I tend to agree with MilitaryMD.

I would honestly feel a bit uncomfortable wearing my uniform. I think it would give the impression that I am "trying to hard."

On the other hand, if you feel comfortable and confident with your uniform on, then go for it, be proud!

 

[Homunculus]

It could go either way. Wear what you are comfortable with.

i agree. high risk, high reward. you may run into an anti-military liberal hippie who despises you, or you may run into an ex-military doc who appreciated the extra work you've been through and the understands the sacrifices you've made. i tend to think the latter would be more common, and would probably have more influence.

good luck

--your friendly neighborhood army green caveman

 

[bobbyseal]

If you're currently active duty, I think wearing your dress blues is fine. It would be kind of weird for an HPSP student to do it on interviews for a civilian program.

But, again, if you'd feel self conscious the entire time you're at the interview because of what you're wearing, it may be better to be like everyone else in a dark suit. However, if you feel empowered wearing the uniform with all your medals, etc., leading to great confidence, and nailing the interview, go with the dress blues.

 

[foil]

I have performed several interviews at our apprenticeship program. ( electrical trade)
So, perhaps I can shed some infinite wisdom.
You need to completely set yourself apart from the others. You need to perminately stick in their brain...........Interviews last all day, for several days, and the interviewers get burnt out.
Having said that, wearing the uniform is just the start.........there will be others in uniform competing for the same position.
You must go in with an aura of high energy, that will infect the interviewers. Be an energy giver , not an energy sucker. This will perk them up and help them remember you.
Have a well rehersed opening and closing statement, that details your professional accomplishments. Understand that others will basically be saying the same thing, so you bettter be that bright diamond in a field of gems. The uniform you are wearing will have to be backed up with soild facts, no balooney, no bull hash. Consistantly stay professional.
At the end of the interview they may not say, do you have a closing statement...........but they will say something that could be equated to one.........grab it and leave that lasting impression.
There is a guy named Robin R. Ririe.
He spent a few years interviewing interviewers all over the country.
Produced a six cassette lecture on "how to interview your way to the top"
It helped me several times, it has helped others I know.
He's at (626) 284-1724


Foil

 

[Spang]

No way would I wear my uniform to a civilian interview. Your military stuff is on your application and probably alluded to in your personal statement. Talk about it if asked or work it into your answers, but I would not wear a uniform, even if you do have wings and ribbons. (Maybe if you have a CMH!)

spang

 

[wife4josh]

Maybe my reply comes a bit late, but just for the future reference I wanted to share my opinion with you. I think that a person definitely shouldn't wear a uniform when separating from the military and applying for a civilian job. Somehow it's like wearing a Walmart tie while applying at K-Mart - a logically thinking person would never do that, even if this person was a Walmart employee of the year. Acting that way seeds doubts about the honesty of your commitments. People start questioning your definition of loyalty. You have decided to separate honorably from the military, so you don't have the right to use the uniform as your business card, even if you are still on active duty right now. If honor means something to you, you certainly shouldn't use a symbol other people earn through their service. You have had the right before and you should certainly put it on your resume/CV, together with all the recognitions and distinctions you have earned, but in my eyes a man of honor would certainly show up in a civilian suit on a civilian interview. It's all a matter of respect - the more you show it, the more you will get it back!

 

[s42brown]

If honor means something to you, you certainly shouldn't use a symbol other people earn through their service. You have had the right before and you should certainly put it on your resume/CV, together with all the recognitions and distinctions you have earned, but in my eyes a man of honor would certainly show up in a civilian suit on a civilian interview. It's all a matter of respect - the more you show it, the more you will get it back!

WOW- 😱 -you're an Idiot 😡

Dude, you have busted your ass for the past however many years you've been in the Navy. Now you're getting out and interviewing for a civilian spot with a bunch of applicants who just moved out of mommy and Daddy's house. Wear your dress blues and show them they'd be ******ed not to take you. You EARNED those dress blues and your service to this country is a part of your finer qualities. SHOW IT! 👍

 

[GMO2003]

WOW- 😱 -you're an Idiot 😡

Dude, you have busted your ass for the past however many years you've been in the Navy. Now you're getting out and interviewing for a civilian spot with a bunch of applicants who just moved out of mommy and Daddy's house. Wear your dress blues and show them they'd be ******ed not to take you. You EARNED those dress blues and your service to this country is a part of your finer qualities. SHOW IT! 👍

🙄

I think less is more. Standing out and making an impression is one thing. However, being overly blatant and wearing your military service record on your sleeve like a banner of self righteousness will probably raise some eyebrows and come off as being ostentatious and very pretentious

 

[s42brown]

wearing your military service record on your sleeve like a banner of self righteousness

I just don't see it being self righteousness. 👎

 

[chopperdoc]

My thought is this -- don't wear your uniform, but take every oportunity to talk about your military experiences. You could wear your uniform, but then you would probably want to tone down the talking about your experiences. I think the worst case would be wearing your uniform and spending too much time talking about the military -- it may make you seem one dimensional, or may be percieved as arrogant. By not wearing the uniform you give yourself the license to talk as much about the military as you would like without seeming like you're going overboard. I used this strategy when applying to med school after having just returned from Afghanistan and Iraq. I was able to talk about my experiences, of which all my interviewers were greatly interested in, while still appearing humble and modest. On the flip side, if you don't have many military experiences to talk about, then wearing the uni might be a good idea.
Regards,
CD

 

[GMO2003]

I just don't see it being self righteousness. 👎

Let me rephrase this...people in the military understand the meaning of selfless service and dedication...there are others that use their military service to meet their own needs and agendas..in fact the military is chock full of these types...if you are prior service prior to being direct commisioned as an officer you would know exactly what I am talking about

 

[FliteSurgn]

if you are prior service prior to being direct commisioned as an officer you would know exactly what I am talking about

I have prior enlisted service and I don't know what you're talking about. If you do have prior service, you've definately earned the right (not righteousness) to wear the uniform.

 

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

I think my Navy Dress Blues uniform is an X-factor to set myself apart from the competition. Additionally, my flight surgeon wings and ribbons will attract attention and be a good "ice-breaker" for the interviews. I am thinking of wearing my Navy Dress Blues to areas of the USA that tend to be conservative and pro-military (eg. The South and Mid-West states). I am thinking of wearing a plain, regular suit at more liberal areas of the country (eg. North East and West).

Stick it to the "blue staters" and wear the Navy uniform. If they hold that against you, they are unpatriotic un-americans who you don't want to associate with anyway..

 

[Mumpu]

I'm a humble civilian but since I'm lurking in this forum... I think most intelligent people (which hopefully includes most physicians), liberal or conservative, are able to separate their thoughts about politics and government from the people with enough personal fortutude to serve this country. Amongst my decidedly civilian friends, there is overwhelming respect and support for the military personnel if not for the government. You have absolutely earned the right to wear your uniform if you feel comfortable doing so. In addition, this is a significant experience that, if you are like every other veteran I know, has had a big impact on the type of person you are. I don't know if the military dress code allows it, but can you compromise and wear your flight surgeon wings and/or ribbons with your civilian clothes? When I was growing up in the former Evil Empire, I remember seeing a lot of Great Patriotic War vets wearing their ribbons or medals on their suits for special occasions.

I'm probably a big dork for this (suprise, I know) but I wear a firefighter and EMT pins on my white coat and I'm very likely to put it on my suit for interviews. It is something I'm proud of having done in my life and yes, it is a great ice-breaker.

 

[GMO2003]

I have prior enlisted service and I don't know what you're talking about. If you do have prior service, you've definately earned the right (not righteousness) to wear the uniform.

I guess it's hard to convey what I am trying to say...I feel that the military uniform should be worn in certain situations when it is warranted and meant to be worn...IMHO, if the guy is on his way out and will be attending the residency program as a civilian he should dress in his civies..this is just my opinion.

 

[edinOH]

I think you should wear it. It tells people who you are and what your experiences have been. It will remind them that they think they've seen some **** but that you have too. Don't go in there as mister Devil Doc or what ever. Just be yourself and carry yourself the way an officer would

It will get people's attention and help conversation.

For those that don't know, I'm a former acitve duty navy corpsman. I didn't wear mine becaue I had been out of the navy for four years before residency. One of our new interns this year was just finishing up his GMO tour with the marines in Afghanistan and was able to get over from CP for the interview. He was in dress blues. I though it was totally appropriate. It says "This guy's got his **** together", the rest of these clones are just wanting to know who here has the highest Step one score.

But then again my program is pretty heavy ex military, especially Navy, with a few brownwater snake eaters thrown in. But they tuck their trousers into their boots.

By all means you shouldn't be embarrased or ashamed if that is a worry for you. You won't find many ass-holes.

 

[GMO2003]

I think you should wear it. It tells people who you are and what your experiences have been. It will remind them that they think they've seen some **** but that you have too. Don't go in there as mister Devil Doc or what ever. Just be yourself and carry yourself the way an officer would

It will get people's attention and help conversation.

For those that don't know, I'm a former acitve duty navy corpsman. I didn't wear mine becaue I had been out of the navy for four years before residency. One of our new interns this year was just finishing up his GMO tour with the marines in Afghanistan and was able to get over from CP for the interview. He was in dress blues. I though it was totally appropriate. It says "This guy's got his **** together", the rest of these clones are just wanting to know who here has the highest Step one score.

But then again my program is pretty heavy ex military, especially Navy, with a few brownwater snake eaters thrown in. But they tuck their trousers into their boots.

By all means you shouldn't be embarrased or ashamed if that is a worry for you. You won't find many ass-holes.

hmmm...I'm finishing up my last year (3 years total) as a GMO as well...I'm at doing an overseas billet with an MTOE unit...not in southwest asia but still in a hostile territory as well...what do you guys think about showing up in your class A?

just some more food for thought.