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Z-man, are you sure you weren't a bull major?
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<p>QUITE certain! ;)</p>
<p>I just know how to sling it with the best of them! :D</p>
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Our B&GO told the tale of the fellow that greeted him: Hey Dude!
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I bet that interview was short! ;)</p>
<p>Everyone - thank you for your wise and thoughtful counsel....my son read through everything!!<br>
nbg</p>
<p>This is the best thread I have read on this whole website.</p>
<p>I have my interviews approaching shortly and have been asking myself many of these same questions. </p>
<p>Thank You</p>
<p>-Mike</p>
<p>i just now recieved a letter that confirms one of my interview dates for my congressman. one thing that struck me was the bold portion of the letter, saying "Please be prompt. The interview will last approximately 15 minutes." What the heck, 15 minutes? How are they gonna get to fully know me in just 15 minutes. This is ridiculous.</p>
<p>Of course it is. They're politicians and their minions. Whadya expect? :confused:</p>
<p>But they's playin' and you're dancin' ... dude! ;)</p>
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How are they gonna get to fully know me in just 15 minutes. This is ridiculous.
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<p>No, it's reality. Aside from the fact that Whistle Pig is right, what do you expect them to do, spend the day with you?</p>
<p>Also, you'd be amazed just how quickly a person can make a decision about another person in these circumstances. I've interviewed dozens of people for jobs, and I can say that 95% of the time, my decision was made almost before they sat down. That first impression (already mentioned above) is BEYOND CRUCIAL in these circumstances. </p>
<p>I remembered a few other points: </p>
<p>Never, EVER say, "That's a good question." Well, no duh. Thanks for the compliment. Are you suggesting all the questions up until now where you HAVEN'T said that were stupid and a waste of your time? NEXT!</p>
<p>If your watch has an alarm on it, either get a watch without one or MAKE SURE THE ALARM IS OFF. That includes the hour and half-hour chimes. I know of one story of a job interview where an applicant's watch alarm went off. The person doing the interview said, "Well, obviously you need to be somewhere else. Good day." Sure, the guy was a butthead, but he could AFFORD to be. YOU CANNOT AFFORD ANY MISTAKES.</p>
<p>Wear a WHITE T-shirt under your dress shirt. I don't want to see your favorite rock band through your clothes.</p>
<p>Bring a pen. Make sure it writes. In black. Bring two.</p>
<p>Shower, shave, and brush your teeth. The fact I'm reminding you is proof that some people don't. Nothing worse than having to air out your office after an interview. :mad:</p>
<p>Go to the head BEFORE you get to the interview. In fact, make your head call before you walk into the MOC's office areas. For you landlubbers, the head is the bathroom.</p>
<p>Don't fidget. Don't cross your legs like you do when watching the football game; do it like girls do. Yes, friends, MEN DO CROSS THEIR LEGS THAT WAY IN POLITE COMPANY. This is not a time to allow foolish teenage stereotypes to mess you up.</p>
<p>Speak as if you have a brain between your ears doing more than keeping your heart going. They want candidates with intelligence and who can communicate clearly and intelligently. No one wants Beavis and Butthead as Division Officers.</p>
<p>I'll keep thinking of others....</p>
<p>Well, thanks for your advices. It make sense that they don't have alot of time to spend with me, thus it's general election going on in our state right now. Plus, he's running for governor. I doubt I'll even be interviewed by him, more like his committee or whatever. Anyways, thanks for all your tips!</p>
<p>In most cases, especially with Senators or in densely populated districts, you WON'T be meeting with the MOC. Most MOCs use citizens' panels made up of people who: </p>
<p>(1) Volunteer</p>
<p>(2) Usually have some relationship with some SA (not necessarily a grad and not necessarily the SA to which you're applying)</p>
<p>(3) May or may not have similar political views as the MOC.</p>
<p>One reason the interviews may be short is that there is a shortage of volunteers and a lot of people to interview. Having done this myself, I will tell you that the interviewers (and there are usually at least 2) usually have formed an initial impression of you based on your paperwork. However, as we all know, paperwork isn't everything. Thus, the 15-min interview may be just enough time for them to confirm (or rebut) that initial impression.</p>
<p>I suggest reviewing what you submitted to the MOC before the interview (including re-reading your essay(s), if any were required). </p>
<p>(1) Is there anything that might need explanation (for example, that D you received in Trig)? If so, be prepared to explain it BRIEFLY. BTW, the correct explanation is NOT -- "the teacher didn't like me" or "the teacher was terrible"; rather, "my math study skills weren't great my freshman year. That grade served as a wakeup call. I got a lot of extra help that year and had tutoring over the summer. As you can see, I've been getting Bs or better in math courses since."</p>
<p>(2) Is there anything really interesting that they might ask about. I once interviewed someone who'd biked cross country for charity. I thought that was neat. When I asked her about it, she said, "Yeah, it was okay." Period. If you don't think something is interesting or important, you shouldn't put it on your resume.</p>
<p>These tips, BTW, work for when you do job interviews as well.</p>
<p>As in any interview, try to turn it into a conversation. Don't monopolize every minute -- be sure to keep your answers short enough that the interviewers can ask their next question. </p>
<p>They may ask if you have any questions. I'd try to have one -- but it's tough. You might ask a procedural question "When does the Senator usually notify students if they've recevied a nomination" -- IF this information hasn't already been provided. </p>
<p>Or, you could turn it back by saying, "Is there anything else that I can tell you that would help with your decision?"</p>
<p>I'd stay away from obsequious questions such as "Why did you decide to attend USNA." There isn't really time for a good answer and the interviewer knows that you don't care what the answer is anyway.</p>
<p>Great advice, thanks all.</p>
<p>Another piece of advice, something that I discovered yesterday as I was interviewed for my MOC nomination:</p>
<p>Humor isn't a bad thing, if it's slipped in very subtly and in good taste. In other words, avoid anything that could offend the Eskimos that lived two hundred years ago. I found that by being very honest and poking a little bit of fun at my rebellion as a kid, I was able to elicit some quiet laughter from the interviewers. Also, they found my comments about how challenging it is to work with middle school kids, and how I was probably reaping my own seeds of attitude and rebellion, very funny. So don't be afraid to lighten up a little, but not more than once or twice. Just enough to show you're human.</p>
<p>I have my BGO interview today. The interview's going to be at my home (an apartment); I plan on meeting him at the front door (so he doesn't have to buzz up) and I'm going to wear khakis and a Navy blue polo (does that sound formal enough? I would feel out of place getting really dressed up in my own home...)
If anyone has any extra tips, they would be greatly appreciated! this thread's already been a great deal of help.</p>
<p>Great plan. Sometimes individual apartments can be difficult to locate for those who are not familiar with the numbering system. If there is somewhere you can locate yourself that he can not slip by, get as close to where he will park as possible. Good luck.</p>
<p>FWIW, I might suggest a long-sleeved collared shirt, unless you live someplace where long sleeves look weird (i.e., Hawaii), if the temp outside is more than 100 degrees, and/or you don't have AC. I think a tiny bit of formality is a good thing and, as a BGO, I appreciate it. That said, a collared polo shirt shouldn't be a negative.</p>
<p>Every candidate to USNA has three opportunities to "Wow" the congressional and/or senatorial boards. I would say that you will encounter different styes at each interview, so do not panic.</p>
<p>My first interview went very smoothly. Round table with MOC in attendance. There were no "tough" questions. Just eased in, made them laugh a few times and tried to prove why I belonged. The boards know that we know all about the Academy, mostly. They are not going to waste time asking you Academy trivia or anything like that. They are going to ask why you need the Academy and why THEY need you.</p>
<p>I found my roughest interview came from a MOC from my own city with different political views. I didn't get a nomination from his staff because many of the questions were centered around applying to other service academies, my financial situation, and NROTC.</p>
<p>Advice: Even if you are nervous, don't appear flustered. Good body language and poise are key. They know you're going to be nervous. Just try to think clearly and answer every question as honestly as you can.</p>
<p>Totally agree:</p>
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....They know you're going to be nervous. Just try to think clearly and answer every question as honestly as you can.
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<p>They know you are in h.s. and this is probably one of (if not your first) 'formal' interview. I am sure they can immediately spot the people who come off as phony or overly coached.</p>
<p>Being nervous is normal, you will gain self-confidence as the interview progresses, just focus on what you do best and be yourself.</p>
<p>Thought I'd get this thread back into circulation- there is some great advice!</p>