Son has back to back interviews this weekend, advice? NJ-02

WienerDog

West Point Class of 2018
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My son has two interviews this weekend. Saturday with Congressman Lobiondo and Sunday with Senator Lautenberg. In the 2nd District in NJ.

Any suggestions or advice in regards to questioning, attire, and replies would be greatly appreciated.

Good luck to everyone!
 
Suggestions:

Sunday best.
~ Khakis, buttoned down shirt, dress shoes; boat decks are fine, no sneakers. Wrinkles from sitting is fine, wrinkles like they pulled it out of the hamper, not fine.

Groomed hair
~ He doesn't need a military cut, just don't enter looking like it is not kept. DS did not have a buzz cut, his hair was close to touching his shirt collar. He got every MOC nom. It just looked like it was kept.

Current events
~ Be prepared for off the wall questions, i.e. what do you think about Benghazi, should the military have been involved

Academic questions
~ We see you have an A in AP Calc, but got a 650 on the Math SAT, why?

Be prepared for off the wall questions, such as favorite book never assigned to read for school.

Most importantly as a parent, our DS did a shut down mode during the drive. He listened to his Ipod. We didn't pepper him to prepare for the interview. They know what is at risk, you know your kid. If he wants to talk, talk, if he wants to be silent, be silent. Follow their lead.

One last thing we did was made a day out of it. We took DS out for lunch to his favorite choice, pre-determined. We also decided to hit up Best Buy because Santa had already come, and use his Xmas gift money. In your case, use it as an early holiday shopping spree.

We did that so he felt less pressure about the interview, more about the joys afterwords, regardless of how it went.

You just need to show it is just another day. No biggie. If you can manage that he will be that great kid the school, coaches, friends all talk about! This is more about your attitude and how you handle than you know.
 
Suggestions:

Sunday best.
~ Khakis, buttoned down shirt, dress shoes; boat decks are fine, no sneakers. Wrinkles from sitting is fine, wrinkles like they pulled it out of the hamper, not fine.

Groomed hair
~ He doesn't need a military cut, just don't enter looking like it is not kept. DS did not have a buzz cut, his hair was close to touching his shirt collar. He got every MOC nom. It just looked like it was kept.

Current events
~ Be prepared for off the wall questions, i.e. what do you think about Benghazi, should the military have been involved

Academic questions
~ We see you have an A in AP Calc, but got a 650 on the Math SAT, why?

Be prepared for off the wall questions, such as favorite book never assigned to read for school.

Most importantly as a parent, our DS did a shut down mode during the drive. He listened to his Ipod. We didn't pepper him to prepare for the interview. They know what is at risk, you know your kid. If he wants to talk, talk, if he wants to be silent, be silent. Follow their lead.

One last thing we did was made a day out of it. We took DS out for lunch to his favorite choice, pre-determined. We also decided to hit up Best Buy because Santa had already come, and use his Xmas gift money. In your case, use it as an early holiday shopping spree.

We did that so he felt less pressure about the interview, more about the joys afterwords, regardless of how it went.

You just need to show it is just another day. No biggie. If you can manage that he will be that great kid the school, coaches, friends all talk about! This is more about your attitude and how you handle than you know.
Thank you. Great advice, exactly what I was looking for. One more question...how long after the interview will you be made aware of their decision?
 
My interview with the staff of Senator Nelson and Senator Rubio also included hypothetical "What if" questions dealing with potential honor code violations and character issues.

My advice on those cheating room mate questions -- remain loyal to your friends, classmates, roommates, shipmates, etc - but not at the expense of your personal honor.

My Rubio interview was on 11/10, and I just got a nice letter from Senator Rubio today (11/30), so you could hear backpretty quick. Your Senators' website might have a schedule for announcements. Senator Rubio said he would have given me a nomination, but deferred to the NJROTC nomination + LOA I already had on the books to give another Florida candidate a shot. Good call.
 
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My son has two interviews this weekend. Saturday with Congressman Lobiondo and Sunday with Senator Lautenberg. In the 2nd District in NJ.

Any suggestions or advice in regards to questioning, attire, and replies would be greatly appreciated.

Good luck to everyone!

DS had interview with congresswoman's board 2 wks ago and had interview with one of the senators yesterday. MOC was not present in either meeting. DS plus all the other candidates were dressed in suit and ties as were members of board. There are good interview pointers posted here which I had DS read. Also had him review his resume, essays on the drive to interview. I stayed in car during interview. Both boards asked him current events question. DS received nom from congresswoman and since other interview was yesterday, have not heard from senator's office. Senator's interview lasted 10 mins. with 12 questions. Very much rapid fire approach. Congressional interview was 20mins and more relaxed. Surprisingly DS thought he did better with senator's board.
My advice is to stay calm, and speak slowly, clearly, make eye contact and smile! Best wishes on a great interview.
 
My son was told he had the highest score of all those interviewed by our MOC and he was the only one of the 29 interviewed that shook the hand of everyone on the panel. I would highly suggest shaking hands either while entering or leaving.

Good luck!
 
My son was told he had the highest score of all those interviewed by our MOC and he was the only one of the 29 interviewed that shook the hand of everyone on the panel. I would highly suggest shaking hands either while entering or leaving.

Good luck!
 
Here are a few examples of questions that DS was asked at congressional interview last month:

1) Tell us about a time you failed at something and how did you respond?
2) As captain of the swim team, how did you specifically demonstrate leadership?
3) While you were at NASS, what did you learn about teamwork?

We live in Southern California where it's not unusual to see tennis shoes, jeans (even shorts) at church, so I was quite surprised at how dressed-up the candidates were for their interview. Suits (with jacket), ties and shiny dress shoes were worn by almost all the boys, only saw one candidate who did not wear a jacket and tie. The only girl was in skirt and blazer.

DS drove himself to MOC's office. I came to office after work and he was already in interview. The boys that were waiting were unaccompanied. I think son preferred being able to go in alone, but I have to say it helped that I was there when he came out of interview, because DS mentioned panel wanted copy of letter from remedial doctor by the next day. Son thought he had to go home, get letter and drive back, I was able to remind DS that he actually had a copy of the letter in the binder he brought, so he was able to provide letter to secretary before we left.

Interview was Nov. 5, 2012 and received letter from MOC with nomination on Nov. 17, 2012. Turn-a-round time was pretty fast, athough USNA CIS does not reflect nomiation received yet.

Wishing your son the best!
 
Look them in the eye - shake every hand - wear a suit and tie - smile! Be confident, but not cocky.
 
Just a few questions,
Upon entering the room should I introduce myslef and shake everyone's hand? And exiting as well? And in regards to personal struggles so to speak - do they consider them? And no, not getting a car for your 16th birthday isn't what I'm talking about - divorce, cancer, abandonment, etc,etc - will they take it into consideration?
 
With respect to shaking hands . . . you need to play it by ear. If they stand up, it may seem natural to shake their hands. If the committee members remain seated, it could be awkward.

You want to exude confidence without getting cocky. Do what feels right in the moment.

As for wearing a suit . . . as someone above said, dress nicely which does not necessarily mean a suit. A coat and tie should be fine for most. In some cases, a collared shirt and tie may be more than adequate. Rarely will a candidate be dinged if he/she is neatly dressed -- not everyone owns a suit.

As a general rule, I would avoid jeans, shorts, sweats, athletic shoes, torn clothing, T-shirts, wrinkled or stained clothing, ball caps etc. For women, skip short skirts, super high heels, revealing clothing, too-tight clothing, gaudy jewelry, etc.

Also, from a BGO interview today . . . leave the gum at home!
 
My "Naval Colleague" is dead-on accurate!!! :thumb:

GUM...HUGE HUGE HUGE no-no!!!

The rest..."perfectly stated above!"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Chairman, MOC Nom Board
 
Anyone have anymore specifics on where the Main Hall Lot #5 is for tomorrow's interviews at Middlesex County College for Lautenberg? -- hoping we don't have to search too long upon arrival, but arriving early enough in the morning to search if necessary -- not familiar with the area -- going to bed -- check back in the morning.
 
Main Hall

Flyboy - easy to find

Obvious entry for Middlesex County College on Woodbridge Ave. Just follow that road around and parking lot 5 is well marked. It's a low building, the only one adjacent to lot 5 but the entrance faces lot 4. Go straight down the hallway past a bunch of classrooms and hang a left. The main lobby will be down that hall and you check in at a table where the staffers are set up.

Interview commitees were a pair and assigned on the spot rather randomly. The style of the interviewers varies a lot. I'm going back tomorrow but not till the afternoon. Best of luck!
 
Flyboy - easy to find

Obvious entry for Middlesex County College on Woodbridge Ave. Just follow that road around and parking lot 5 is well marked. It's a low building, the only one adjacent to lot 5 but the entrance faces lot 4. Go straight down the hallway past a bunch of classrooms and hang a left. The main lobby will be down that hall and you check in at a table where the staffers are set up.

Interview commitees were a pair and assigned on the spot rather randomly. The style of the interviewers varies a lot. I'm going back tomorrow but not till the afternoon. Best of luck!

Thanks - very helpful - on the road soon!
 
With respect to shaking hands . . . you need to play it by ear. If they stand up, it may seem natural to shake their hands. If the committee members remain seated, it could be awkward.

You want to exude confidence without getting cocky. Do what feels right in the moment.

As for wearing a suit . . . as someone above said, dress nicely which does not necessarily mean a suit. A coat and tie should be fine for most. In some cases, a collared shirt and tie may be more than adequate. Rarely will a candidate be dinged if he/she is neatly dressed -- not everyone owns a suit.

As a general rule, I would avoid jeans, shorts, sweats, athletic shoes, torn clothing, T-shirts, wrinkled or stained clothing, ball caps etc. For women, skip short skirts, super high heels, revealing clothing, too-tight clothing, gaudy jewelry, etc.

Also, from a BGO interview today . . . leave the gum at home!
Well, better to be overdressed than underdressed I guess...
 
Just returned from interviews. All your advice was outstanding, thank you all who replied. There were a total of 180 interviews this weekend and that doesnt count last weekend. That number only reflects the 2 Senators. It was pretty intimidating for all. He felt he did very well and left all interviews very confident.
 
Just returned from interviews. All your advice was outstanding, thank you all who replied. There were a total of 180 interviews this weekend and that doesnt count last weekend. That number only reflects the 2 Senators. It was pretty intimidating for all. He felt he did very well and left all interviews very confident.

Just got two questions...

Hand shakes? Yes, No?

And where do you live that there's 180 interviews?
 
New Jersey is where we live - hand shakes are always good, but agree it can depend on the situation - if you're forcing someone to stand to shake it might not be good timing. At the interviews in NJ today the interviewers were meeting the applicants at a central desk and walking with them to the interview room - in our case a firm handshake and greeting were definitely appropriate.
 
NJ

Crazy competitive right? Around 350 people asking for nominations from 2 Senators. I bet at least half of them are for USNA. The other half share USAFA, USMA and USMMA. At our congressional interviews, I don't think there was even one USAFA request. Anyone have a guess as to how many nominations each senator has in NJ?
 
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