wearing a kilt to a fire Dept. interview

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 14th July 06, 10:08 AM

I just started the process to join a fire Dept. in Tucson ( NOT tucson fire)

it basicly goes like this

written test, physical agility, fire skills practical , medical skills practical, oral boards( 3 high ranking officers asking you ?'s ) and Fire Chief interview

so my question is .......
for the Oral boards , and Fire Chief interview....should I wear a kilt?
I dont really have any suits, or bussiness type outfits....I'm a kilt and je@ns kinda a guy so what should I do?

I dont know how this dept would react to a kilt .....but it would sure make me stand out against a bunch of suits!!
of course thats IF I make it through the first 4 stations
any thoughts?

I have been reserving ( read part time ) for a few depts. since I got back to Tucson and this job will be a full time benefited position so if I get on..... well lets just say I'll be able to buy a few more kilts by next year

**Kilted KT** · 14th July 06, 10:14 AM

I personally would wear it so long as you can wear it formally. t-shirt and boots won't cut it. Need to look sharp and professional. I think you will definitly leave a huge impression on the interviewers..

good luck!

**cavscout** · 14th July 06, 10:15 AM

One tactic might be to kilt up and go by one of the stations as a "curious citizen" or a "fellow fire fighter from another city" and jsut strike up a conversation about the job. Get a tour, see how the kilt is received, and maybe meet someone who can put in a positive word for you.

I'm assuming you play the pipes, so you could even be offering your services as a piper if they ever have an event they would like to have a piper for.

This doesn't help with the people you'll be interviewing with, but you might get some good intel on the type of department is in that city.

But as KT said, if you wear it wear it properly and you will make an awesome impression.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 14th July 06, 10:42 AM

Will the kilt have anything to do with your work?
Will you be wearing the kilt to work?
Will the kilt be of some benefit or advantage to you at the interview?
Will the kilt express something of value that's important to the job?

Get the job first... worry about kilts later.

.

**Mattg** · 14th July 06, 10:44 AM

I think Cavscout's idea is good. That way they'll know you and your kilt...but I would say go for it, if you can wear it formally.

**Robert Lamb** · 14th July 06, 11:47 AM

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

**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.

**Scottish Chi** · 14th July 06, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

Will the kilt have anything to do with your work?
Will you be wearing the kilt to work?
Will the kilt be of some benefit or advantage to you at the interview?
Will the kilt express something of value that's important to the job?

Get the job first... worry about kilts later.

.

Good questions to ponder and good advice. It's nice to have principles and stand up to your convictions but there is also the consideration that you could be shooting yourself in the foot. Like it or not kilts are not mainstream and could be looked upon in the same way as large exposed tats, or dredlocks in a conservative dark suit accounting firm. It's nice to stand out from the crowd when interviewing for a job but not if it has the potential for a negative response. Keep in mind that you are the one wanting the job and they have the luxury of selecting from a number of applicants.
If you are concerned about not having a nice sportcoat for the interview then I would suggest looking at *bay or good will, etc. I have purchased a few very nice and expensive jackets for work for $20 including shipping.
If you want the job you need to make a good first impression. Once you have the job then you can slowly acclimate them to the benefits of wearing kilts.

What ever your decision I wish you the best of luck. We need more good men and women like yourself that have a good heart with a desire to serve and protect.

Cheers! Bill

**Riverkilt** · 14th July 06, 12:08 PM

Can't see how they wouldn't recognize the juevos it takes to wear a kilt to the interview. Would certainly keep you in their minds. Up in Phoenix the process is multiple attempts before making the department. If you didn't get on this time, they'd sure remember you each time you come back.

You know that up at Phoenix Fire Dept. Chief Brunacini wears aloha shirts to work and that aloha shirts are the "unofficial" uniform of the PFD. No reason this Tucson area dept can't stretch a little too.

Firefighters depend on each other for their lives. I think a kilt shouts "JUEVOS AQUI!" louder than anything else.

Hope you go for it.

And, you gonna trek up to Flagstaff this weekend for the games??

Ron

**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!