ALO Interview this Thursday

<p>Hey guys. So I have my ALO interview this thursday during school. Apparently my ALO called me and scheduled it during class. Hurray, I get out of class. Not like it matters anyways. But, since it’s going to be at school, do I still need to dress up or so? I asked if I should bring a resume of myself, and he said that it’d help him a bit. So, should I just wear my regular jeans and a t-shirt to school or what.</p>

<p>I would say at least wear a polo or something, maybe some khaki shorts. At least wear a polo.</p>

<p>Your ALO has a lot of say as to whether or not you get accepted here. I would recommend looking nice, but not extremely dressy. You want to make a good impression. Make sure you act professional, and bring a decent resume. My word of advice is don't freak out about it, just think about your answers and make sure you sound intelligent when you respond. My interview was fairly simple, but that was because I had met my ALO several times prior. Good luck.</p>

<p>Smart Casual would be best. I wore Jeans, a long sleeve button down with an A&F Sweater to mine. As long as you look professional.</p>

<p>I didn't have my ALO interview at school, but I just wore a nice skirt and blouse. For guys I would assume that nice slacks and collared shirt would do the trick. You could always bring a change of clothes if you don't want to wear that all day at school. You want your appearance to reflect how much you care about getting an appointment. Good luck! Don't worry too much about it; my ALO was pretty relaxed, and the interview ended up being fun.</p>

<p>It depends...I had several different interviews. One was at my home with my Army ALO, and I wore khakis and a button-down. One was over the phone, and that was with my AF ALO. My last one, my Navy ALO interview, was actually kinda funny...he was the one who administered my CFT, and then he just asked me to sit on the grass over by the track and gave me my interview right then and there. :P</p>

<p>Dress appropriately, but don't go crazy.</p>

<p>would some dress slacks, a button up dress shirt and a tie be too much?</p>

<p>Nope. The tie you could ditch if you want, but its your call...either is good. If you've met your ALO and know what he's like, base your choices of clothing off of that. Otherwise, fall right in the middle between a suit and casual.</p>

<p>What do you look good in? Many guys overlook that. A polo with khakis is a whole lot better than a poorly fitted sport coat with a tie and slacks that are the wrong length. How's your hair? Remember, your ALO likes SHORT. Frankly, your best friend's parents may give you your best advice about what you look best in. Don't ask your friends. Your ALO is not seventeen years old. Your own parents will think you look cute however you're dressed. Above all be sure you dress in a way that your ALO will focus on and remember YOU - not your clothes. You will probably get your best advice from mature conservative people who have a lot of life experience. They're the ones who interview other people and are able to make quick accurate judgments based on first impressions. Good luck and go for it!</p>

<p>i wore khaki pants, button down shirt, and a tie to mine</p>

<p>RTBdad has some good advice, but I wouldn't go for a "high and tight" haircut...that might be a bit too much.</p>

<p>I too agree with RTBdad. Along with the hair cut, don't overlook a clean shave and fresh breath (no gum during interview). Relax and be yourself. This interview is an opportunity for the ALO to get a taste of your personality. Your body language speaks volumes!<br>
My son's interview was at our home at 1:00 pm on a Sunday after church.<br>
My husband and I were in the livingroom with his ALO for the first 20 minutes.
We stayed in the kitchen or familyroom for two more hours. I remember hearing my son laugh from time to time. My son felt very comfortable talking about funny experiences that occured during a youth group Summer Work Camp. Let your personality shine.<br>
Best to you!</p>

<p>Well one thing's for sure -- feel free to ditch the tie if you end up with a phone interview (like GuyforChrist did)! ;) Seriously, a relaxed, confident, inquiring candidate will be remembered much more than the look -- unless you really dress down way too much. I actually asked my sons's ALO last year what he remembered about his candidates and it was never what they wore, it was the impression they gave that he had in his mind.</p>

<p>How did your interview go?</p>

<p>it was pretty good. i think. after a good 30 minutes, we both relaxed a bit and started to just talk comfortably. other than that, i really don't know what to say. a bit nervous, but my ALO was pretty cool. gave me alot of more insight on the academy, and just really wanted to know what i was getting myself into.</p>

<p>did he tell you if he was going to recommend you? cause mine didnt say either way.</p>

<p>i asked at if i had a chance, and he said "everyone has a chance. it's just a numbers game."</p>

<p>not sure if he said so or not. but, he told me that he's the only person that i'm going to have direct contact with that's in the Air Force. Either way, he's gonna write me a letter of recommendation. All of your ALO are required to write a LOR I think. Some will just put more effort into it than others will, depending on how swell your interview goes I guess.</p>

<p>Each ALO rates their candidates. He was spot on when he said it is a numbers game. They usually take the top candidate in each district. Exactly how you get rated is partially a secret and partly subjective. Your ALO, congressional staff, and the academy's admissions department all help to determin who the top candidates are.</p>

<p>I'm really glad it went well for you. I don't think they're supposed to give away what they think of you and what they're going to write in your recommendation, so don't worry. My ALO started to tell me that I interview really well and that he would write me a strong recommendation, but then said, "Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell you that." So I'm assuming that they aren't supposed to give you a firm answer either way. I don't know, that's just the impression I got. ;)</p>

<p>"They usually take the top candidate in each district."</p>

<p>Just one? Is this the congressperson's primary nominee? How many nominations can they give out to USAFA? How many people come from each region? Does the MOC narrow it down and then the academy chooses one from that group?</p>