<p>Hi guys, I just recieved an email from my academy Liason, I am supposed to have an interview with him by august 20th, what kind of things should i expect and how can i be prepared for it? Also does anyone have any sample questions. Thank you</p>
<p>I haven't interviewed yet, this is just from what I have heard from past forums. Make sure to come on time or a little bit early and to have a professional look. He is most likely going to ask you questions about why you want to go to the academy and why you want to be an Air Force officer. Also, he may ask you about what you want to do in the Air Force and also about school and the e.c. that you do (clubs, sports, community service, etc.) Just think out these questions ahead of time so when he asks you, you don't sit there saying ummm and thinking of an answer. Also, from other interviews that I have done for jobs and things, make eye contact when you are answering a question or when he is talking to you. Shake his hand before you sit down and thank him for his time when you are done. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Do some searching; there's a ton of info on these boards on this topic. My two cents: One of the biggest red flags they look for is to see if you're doing this to please your parents. Those who are, generally wash out very early in the process. Your interviewer will look for this. Another bad answer to the question of "why the AFA?" is "to get a free education." It's not free. In addition to serving, you may even have to make the ultimate sacrifice... Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Other common questions...what "sparked" your interest in attending the Academy (another way to determine what's motivating you), describe how you have been a leader or have displayed leadership, and how you have overcome a difficult situation or obstacle. Be familiar with the USAFA website, including the honor code.</p>
<p>where does the interview usually take place? do you decide on a meeting place or does the ALO have an office? also what would u all recommend as good attire, since I don't hold up very well in the heat I would hope a polo shirt is ok or would a dress shirt be more appropriate? khakis or black pants?</p>
<p>Our son's interview took place in a room reserved in a public library. First impressions do matter, and our cadet showed up wearing a suit on a very hot July afternoon. The ALO thanked him for wearing proper attire and she said you would be surprised to see what kids wore. I would recommend that you wear the same thing you would to a nomination interview. You going have to learn to "take the heat" to be successful in life.</p>
<p>here's my answer to someone else's interview info request:</p>
<p>It was really thorough - lasted about 1:45 and I thought it would never end. </p>
<p>We covered everything from school to family, from past, present and future expectations. I was asked things like "Describe a time when you worked hard for something you really wanted, but were disappointed or just couldn't do anything more to affect the outcome" and of course "What do you plan to do in the Air Force?" We discussed the CFA and nomination requests, along with my reasons for interest in the Academy. I felt like it was somewhat of a recap of my entire life all packed into just under 2 hours... </p>
<p>Oh yeah, remember eye contact. Look him in the eye every time he talks to you or you're talking to him. I got a big plus on that. Make sure not to look too sloppy, and act professionally. Good luck!</p>
<p>Our DS had a great ALO. They met at the library and it lasted about an hour. He then met him @ every other week for the rest of the summer working on his essays and taking him to Daedalian dinners.</p>
<p>The one thing to realize is the ALO's will write a recommendation that is submited and scored by the board. This will become a part of your WCS. Also understand many ALO's will have more than 1 applicant, ours had 7!</p>
<p>My formal is this thursday. I met with my ALO yesterday as kind of a pre-interview. It was very helpful. I went from not liking my ALO to liking him a lot. I feel pretty prepared.</p>
<p>ALOs are not your enemy they want you to succeed, they have experience about the military and the AFA. They can enlighten you on what you will be in for. Look at them as your friend and proponent. They want you to be successful and are the biggest supporters of the academies. Walk in and sit down with them like your favorite school teacher who will write a glowing rec. Believe it or not they are not looking at your faults, they looking at your positives and how to get you in!</p>
<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I'm the Deputy Liaison Officer Director for my state...in other words, I'm an ALO on 'roid's...</p>
<p>Okay, quit laughing.</p>
<p>Seriously, I've been an ALO for 13+ years and have literally interviewed several hundred young men and women. Ahh...the feeling of power, the strength, the killing power...</p>
<p>Have you figured out yet that I really love what I do and enjoy silly humor? </p>
<p>DO NOT FEAR US! WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY!!!</p>
<p>In my 13+ years as an ALO I have told the AFA NOT to accept exactly ONE candidate. That's it. When I interview a candidate, I'm assuming a couple of things:</p>
<p>a. They wouldn't be a candidate if they weren't qualified for admission
b. The academy is interested in them, or they wouldn't be a candidate
c. They wouldn't be a candidate if they weren't interested in the USAF</p>
<p>That's where I start from.</p>
<p>I could go on and on and on...if you wish, I will. But suffice it to say, your ALO can become a good friend. I've been honored by past candidates of mine and have commissioned them when they graduated. I still keep in touch with most of them. It's been my great honor to help them on their way. Hey...I've been wearing this uniform for 25 years as an officer and 29 since I became a cadet. I love what I do.</p>
<p>So...any questions, please please please ASK! Either here or privately!!! I promise to answer!!!</p>
<p>Steve</p>
<p>How many candidates does each ALO typically get assigned to each year?</p>
<p>The number of candidates "assigned" to an ALO "arbitrarily" is zero.</p>
<p>ALO's are assigned to schools. IF one of their schools has a candidate, then that candidate will be "assigned" to that ALO. But the academy doesn't take a list of candidates and "divvy them up" for us.</p>
<p>So some years, I've had one candidate...and some years I've had 10 or more! It can be very very busy!</p>
<p>Steve</p>
<p>I can't say more how important first impressions are: appropriate attire is a must. Twin1 met his ALO in a restaurant and he wore dress slacks with a shirt and tie (no jacket); Twin2 met his in the mall food court (see a trend here? haha) and both were in similar clothing. Firm handshake and look you ALO in the eye! </p>
<p>You are being trained not just to fly a plain or be a "rocket scientist", but are being trained to lead. You ALO should see you have the appropriate skills that way too - or at least, something that the Academy can work with!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>A plain? How about a plane? ;) lol</p>
<p>I actually met mine in a food court while wearing shorts and a T-shirt. He specifically told me not to dress up lol.</p>
<p>hornetguy: why are you picking on an old lady who was typing with no glasses on? Heck! I couldn't even see the screen! But you are right, bad spelling is inexcusable.</p>
<p>The guys each had a different ALO and each one said specifically "dress appropriately." When the B&G officer came to the house for the USNA interview, S wore khakis and oxford shirt, no tie.</p>
<p>Oops, hope I didn't misstate what I meant. If the ALO doesn't specify, definitely dress up! If he says otherwise, follow orders! :)</p>
<p>Let me just say first, OMG are we really talking about 2013 already? It seams (for hornetguy and fencersmother) that only yesterday that our cadets were asking these questions.
That being said, Buckaroo met her ALO in a local cafe and dressed in "smart casual"(dress slacks and nice shirt) which is a stretch for her since she ALWAYS wore jeans. The questions I think mirrored the questions for the nomination and the USAFA app.
Also, she went through about 3 different ALOs before the interview because they kept retiring or moving.
Good luck 2013!</p>
<p>Is wearing a suit too dressed up? That is what I was planning on wearing to mine. Also, I was wondering if anyone else can remember some of the questions that they were asked....I just want to be adequately prepared.
Thanks.</p>
<p>Wear what you are comfortable with, and think would be appropriate for the location. In many ways this is a job interview. If you think slacks and a polo are appropriate go for it. If you want to wear a tie and jacket feel free. If your ALO gives you some specific instruction "Dress casually" follow his/her lead. </p>
<p>Daughter had a friend who is at USNA now. All through high school he had his own personal uniform (school didn't wear uniforms). You could always ount on him being in pressed Khaki slacks with a polo, or a suit and tie. point is he was comfortable and that is how he dressed. A little strange and uptight looking back, but he is a good kid.</p>