What to bring to nomination interviews

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llama2.2

USMA'28
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Nov 14, 2023
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Is it plausible that I bring printed out stapled copies of my resume, 3Q letter, rotc scholarship, LOE, etc. and hand them out to each of the panel members before the interview starts? or do i just mention it verbally?
 
llama2.2 said:
Is it plausible that I bring printed out stapled copies of my resume, 3Q letter, rotc scholarship, LOE, etc. and hand them out to each of the panel members before the interview starts? or do i just mention it verbally?
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My son brought copies of his resume and sent in his 3q letter to be added to his file. They already had copies of both, so he just left them on his chair before going into the interview. If they had you send in your resume as part of the packet, I wouldn't worry about it. You could email them your 3q letter and LOE and see if they will add it to your packet.
 
navy27hopeful said:
I brought copies of my resume and the panel was extremely impressed, said I was the only candidate that thought to bring them. Couldn't hurt
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Proof that every panel is different. Always be prepared, I guess.
 
When I sat on these boards I was always pleased when a candidate came with a fresh, updated, resume "just in case." It showed they were proactive and thinking ahead.

All the members of our board (USAFA) agreed that was a good thing to do.
 
My DS took 3 report cover folders filled with page protectors that included his resume, 3 different letters of recommendations (that were the same as was sent in his online application), copy if SAT repot and current copy of his High School transcripts. One senator email specifically said DO NOT bring any copies so he didn't. But the other two interviews (other senator and Congresswoman), he took them and offered it to the panel at the start, they were very impressed with the professionalism and it even sparked additional questions about his transcripts and grades (as he had a D in French 2 during his 1st semester of his sophomore year, during COVID when he was doing online classes). That grade definitely stuck out from all the A's and B's. He was asked about it and got to explain how hard it is to learn a foreign language (as it was his 2nd year) online. He got to explain the struggle and how he overcame it and got an A in his 2nd semester. Usually, the transcripts are not provided to the MOC panels, so it was definitely unique and left a solid impression. He knew the D would stand out but he was prepared to discuss it, but also a bit fearful it would look bad. He ended up getting all three nominations.They also gave him back his 3 report folders at the end of each interview, didn't keep them.
 
My DS brought copies of his resume. In all three interviews, he was asked about ROTC, and he used that as an opening to mention he had been awarded AFROTC and AROTC scholarships. We learned this week he received noms to USMA, USNA, and USAFA from one MOC; waiting to hear from Senators. I'd take the resume. Good luck.
 
An engaging smile.
Eye contact.
A firm handshake.
Steady bearing.
Authentic answers.
Thoughtful pauses.
A grasp of your resume.
Easy confidence.
Neat, tidy appearance.
A gracious close.
 
Strangely, right now I'm taking a short break from reviewing my pre-read binder for the MOC interviews that I'll be doing on Saturday. Of course, every MOC does things their own way but for what I'm seeing, bringing copies of your resume would be a good thing.

Also bring readiness to talk about what you DID as team captain, club president, etc.
 
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Rugbydad said:
My DS brought copies of his resume. In all three interviews, he was asked about ROTC, and he used that as an opening to mention he had been awarded AFROTC and AROTC scholarships. We learned this week he received noms to USMA, USNA, and USAFA from one MOC; waiting to hear from Senators. I'd take the resume. Good luck.
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Same, my DS brought updated copies of the resume and a senior class list, because I don't think that was requested in the app packet. He wanted to them to see him still going 100% until the end of senior year with challenging classes. They were appreciative of the copies. This was the Rep interview and 10 days later, had noms on his portal for 3 SA's.
 
DS took copies of resume, any LOA's, project plan and photos from his Scout Eagle project, and examples from his service learning work.

From my experience of conducting interviews for many years in the corporate world, walking into an interview with a folio or binder with material to illustrate a particular point or achievement always gives an appearance of preparation and poise, and I tend to remember those candidates.

Final note - if you are nervous just having a folio/binder to hold onto to stop your hands from fidgeting could also be of benefit!
 
Copies of your resume is probably a good idea. You can ask if the panel members would like a copy at the start of the interview. I would not bring binders full of papers, no one is going to want to look at them and could be a distraction during the interview. You aren't there to make a presentation, but to answers the questions asked by the interview panel. If you have to spend time looking for something in a binder could make you look unprepared during the MOC NOM interviews.
 
I brought (and will bring to my Congressman interview) copies of my Resume, HS Transcript, and LOA. Should I bring a copy of my AROTC scholarship letter for my West Point nomination interview? (USNA is my top choice, but I am applying to USMA and USAFA as well, and my Congressman is having three separate interviews for the three academies).
 
OldRetSWO said:
Strangely, right now I'm taking a short break from reviewing my pre-read binder for the MOC interviews that I'll be doing on Saturday. Of course, every MOC does things their own way but for what I'm seeing, bringing copies of your resume would be a good thing.

Also bring readiness to talk about what you DID as team captain, club president, etc.
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Just received mine yesterday. Read a few while I ate lunch today and was marking the pages up for questions and what food out.
 
smokey% said:
I brought (and will bring to my Congressman interview) copies of my Resume, HS Transcript, and LOA. Should I bring a copy of my AROTC scholarship letter for my West Point nomination interview? (USNA is my top choice, but I am applying to USMA and USAFA as well, and my Congressman is having three separate interviews for the three academies).
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Showing your commitment to serve and willingness to do so regardless of pathway can be important. One way to drive the point home and to be sure it doesn't get lost in the conversation is to have a document that highlights the issue. But, it is certainly not a necessity to bring it.
 
Eaglehurst said:
DS took copies of resume, any LOA's, project plan and photos from his Scout Eagle project, and examples from his service learning work.

From my experience of conducting interviews for many years in the corporate world, walking into an interview with a folio or binder with material to illustrate a particular point or achievement always gives an appearance of preparation and poise, and I tend to remember those candidates.

Final note - if you are nervous just having a folio/binder to hold onto to stop your hands from fidgeting could also be of benefit!
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Oh yes, I forgot to add that my DS sent pictures of his completed Eagle Scout project to the staffer. She made copies and added it to his file for each panel member. My DS saw the photo on their table and they asked questions related to it as well. I think that was a good way for him to stand out among applicants.
 
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