Why exam preparation should include a suit
First impressions
A lot is riding on how you first present yourself – especially to an examiner. No pressure. 😂
After seeing your face for less than one-tenth of a second, a person starts to form an impression.
Once that impression is created, it is really tough to change…. hence:
Why what you wear & how you “look” is so important.
(still not as important as rules, lights, buoyage!)
I know you could start to argue here. ––I can hear it now, “it shouldn’t matter,” or “don’t judge a book by its cover!” But everyone does and I am only trying to put the odds in your favour, - so don’t shoot the messenger!
I think first we have to get into the psyche of an MCA examiner to start asking questions like:
What would the examiner like in a candidate?
What would an English person from an older generation expect you to wear?
What type of boats would he/she have worked on?
Does it have a hierarchy/structure?
What was his/her interview like all those years ago?
What would he/she have worn?
Did he/she wear a uniform/suit? Yes!
I once had an examiner tell me, “I hate rock star yacht deckies,” and I don’t blame him.
Dock walkers used to turn up to our boat in their swimming costumes and fancy shades; Emma used to tell them to come back once they were appropriately dressed. (She can be scary).
So be presentable and make sure you look like an OOW/Captain.
Keep your skinny suits, flashy pink ties and crazy hairstyles for another day; that’s not the crowd you’re marketing yourself to for this exam.
So what should you wear?
A suit. I am stating the obvious because when I did my OOW, no one told me, so I only wore trousers and a dress shirt. Yes, I still passed, but I instantly felt awkward when I saw another candidate coming out of his exam in a beautiful suit and I don’t want that to happen to you.
The general rules are:
Guys: Lounge/business suit – Dark blue/grey are preferred with black shoes and a belt.
(No black suits or ties - they are for weddings/funerals)
Gals: Etiquette-wise, there’s no official rule, but it still has to be business-like and smart, –closed-toe shoes, hair up, etc.
How much should I spend?
Don’t spend a fortune on a suit, especially to the OOW’s.
Two reasons:
You’re not yet on a big salary.
Cheaper suits can still look good if appropriately fitted.
Hate to say this, but …you’re going to get bigger and then you will have to buy another one for your Master.
The secret to looking good in a suit is having it fitted correctly. There are some great suit bundles/packages out there. For example, www.slater.co.uk suits start at £69 and do free fittings/alternations.
Then once you have your suit, wear it. Feel good in it! Ensure you have everything: socks, shoes, belt, tie, cufflinks… be organised.
Do I need to wear a suit, even if it’s online?
Yes! Full stop. End of story.
Under the online oral examination - The candidate's code of conduct states:
“1.5 The candidate is expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Business formal attire is the dress code for exams”.
Still not sure what type of suit?
Look at all our past students celebrating their passes in their suits.
Or send us a picture/video – we love a fashion show 😁
