wearing a kilt to a fire Dept. interview

**Mattg** · 14th July 06, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Robert Lamb

I personaly belive, It depends on how homophobic you think these people are.. If you think they are open minded enough "go for it" if not, as Blu said get the job first then do the kilt later.
Robert "the kilted" Lamb

It's got nothing to do with "homophobia" It's just a matter of people "accepting" the kilt or not.

**kilted in kleaveland** · 14th July 06, 02:19 PM

I believe that when Riverkilt inteviewed for the city board of directorshttp://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ighlight=board Things worked out well for him. Leave an impression. Firefighters from the midwest have a deep conection to celtic heritage. Don't know how they are around you but as you have been part-timing in firehouses around the area I'm sure you have an idea as to how people feel. I hope you go for it!

**bubba** · 14th July 06, 02:42 PM

Worn with the proper shirt, tie and jacket I don't think it;ll be a problem. You might let them know you're also a piper (which they'll likely ask you anyway) and it might be a positive thing for you.

**GMan** · 14th July 06, 03:11 PM

First off good luck on your process!

As you are probably aware organizations exist that are founded by active and retired police and firefighters. My case in point is the Colorado Emerald Society. If Tuscon (or Arizona) has an organization like that you could probably find out about its proper attire in that case first, and go from there.

However getting the job is the number one priority, and not wanting to do something wrong may or may not get you employment.

Again good luck!

**David Thornton** · 14th July 06, 04:00 PM

No, no & no. Interviews are won or lost in the first few seconds. You have no possible way to know who is on the other side of the desk or their attitude to kilts. I wear my kilts WHEN I know my audience. I would not let an employee go on any first meeting in a kilt.
Now, don't think I'm anti-far from it. I found kilts for everyone that would wear one to our golf outing.
David

**pdcorlis** · 14th July 06, 05:36 PM

First I think you need to decide just how much you want/need this position. Second, I think you also need to understand if kilt wearing on the job is a deal maker or deal breaker for you. Wearing a kilt will certainly leave an impression - now just what that means depends on you - and the folks that interview you. Interviews are interesting event. Assume that everyone who makes it to the Q&A stage has roughly the same skills and abilities - at this point the chief and others are trying to decide if you will "fit" in the department and of course you are trying to decide exactly the same thing.

There are lots of books and websites that will give you tips and offer you techiniques for successful interviewing. My personal opinion is that after you get past the "stand tall, walk straight, and look people in the eye" part, lots of the rest is about gamesmanship in the interview process. My advice is... be yourself. After all that's all you really can be.

You may have noticed I haven't given you an opinion on wearing a kilt. Afterall, you are the only person in the world that can really make that decision. I will give you one small suggestion... to thine own self be true.

Good Luck no matter what you decide!

**SB996** · 14th July 06, 06:41 PM

Dealing with these organizations frequently they are all about conformity and the team. So then how do you be part of the team and make yourself standout from the rest of the candidates. A kilt can be a great first impression. It could also tell the panel that you are to much of an individual for there department. As you know form being a volunteer the officer that interviews you has his own set of prejudices. Interviews are supposed to be about equality and finding the best candidate but fire departments dont always work that way. I would think long and hard about this. As for not having a suit. Most fire guys are not suit guys either but they probably came up with one to interview. Good luck

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 14th July 06, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by pdcorlis

... to thine own self be true...

KFP, you have received some very good replies. Some people come down on the more conservative side and others come down on the do what you like side. I have to say that I agree with Phil on this one. No matter what everyone here counsels, it all comes down to you. You can be yourself, no matter what that means (i.e. I am a kilt wearer that understands when I should/should not wear a kilt, or I must wear a kilt regardless of what happens), or you can present a mask. I am facing that same issue with a client presentation next week. I wear a kilt to work everyday, since September of last year. But I find myself worried about a client's perception of my company, not me, if I attend a meeting with them kilted. Not rational, and my company probably supports me, but we are talking about a potential client that could easily bring multiple millions of dollars into our coffers.

I know I am rambling. I thought I was on cloud nine by being able to wear a kilt everyday, but I am realizing that there are situations in business where you have to suppress your own desires for the good of the business. Unless you don't really like that paycheck anyway...