Acceptable for an INELIGIBLE person to visit a recruitment office?

[HappyWarror]

Hello everyone,

Delighted to be here. This is my first post. I'd just like to get an opinion on something.

As you can see from the title, I am ineligible to join the CF right now. I moved over from the UK a few years ago and am still awaiting my Citizenship status. I am around two years away - which I see as a great opportunity to prepare all I can for when my light goes green.

I've got a series of questions that I'd like to discuss and get answers to (how my UK qualifications compare, a few questions about my background, how I should maximize the next two years to improve myself and my credentials etc). I'd like to take these directly to the DND recruiters.

Is it acceptable for a non-Citizen to visit a recruitment office for this reason? I certainly don't want to waste anyone's time if visiting for the above reasons isn't recommended.

If it is, can anyone shed any light on the below? I'm a HUGE believer in first impressions (I currently run my own business and my ability to read people within the first minute has never let me down to date. Hence, I want to help myself all I can):

1. Can I just walk in, or am I expected to make an appointment via telephone?

2. How should I dress? I know a tuxedo and top hat would make me look like a penguin, but I certainly don't want to roll in wearing jeans and a sweater if it is not advised.

3. Would I look like a total wally if I took a notepad and a small list of questions? This has always proven the best way to stay on track and come away with solid, written answers.

4. Being British - although we are not all like Hugh Grant - we do have a cultural tenancy to introduce ourselves, make eye contact and extend a handshake to all people we meet for the first time (excluding bus drivers, people in the street, passing drivers, etc). Is that an acceptable 'entrance' to make when sitting down with the recruiter? I may not yet be ready for the NHL draft, but I do want to make sure I am following Canadian cultural protocol.

Many thanks in advance for any answers to the above. In the meantime, it's about time for Afternoon tea...

Best,
Happy.

 

[JorgSlice]

There's no restrictions as to who can and cannot enter a Recruiting Centre or speak to Recruiters. If you're ineligible to apply and enrol in the Canadian Forces, that's all it means. Just a waiting game.

Welcome to Canada and thank you for your interest in the Canadian Forces!

To answer your questions:

1. No appointment required. CFRC's are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

2. Dress however you wish (preferably not in a tattered Led Zepplin shirt and beat up Levis), if you're not there for testing or interviews... it won't affect anything.

3. Absolutely not! I had tons of questions the first time I went into a CFRC and the staff there were more than happy to answer them.

4. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Cheers

 

[brihard]

There's no restrictions as to who can and cannot enter a Recruiting Centre or speak to Recruiters. If you're ineligible to apply and enrol in the Canadian Forces, that's all it means. Just a waiting game.

Welcome to Canada and thank you for your interest in the Canadian Forces!

To answer your questions:

1. No appointment required. CFRC's are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

2. Dress however you wish (preferably not in a tattered Led Zepplin shirt and beat up Levis), if you're not there for testing or interviews... it won't affect anything.

3. Absolutely not! I had tons of questions the first time I went into a CFRC and the staff there were more than happy to answer them.

4. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Cheers

I'll second all of this. Nothing wrong with any of what you're proposing.

 

[HappyWarror]

Thank you for your prompt response. Much appreciated.

I'll visit tomorrow and try to make best use of the opportunity.

Best,
Happy.

 

[JesseWZ]

3. Would I look like a total wally if I took a notepad and a small list of questions? This has always proven the best way to stay on track and come away with solid, written answers.

This is a good habit to get into, as on basic training and throughout your career it is good practice to have a notepad and pen handy at all times.