Congressional nomination interview

2

2024srv

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Apr 12, 2019
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Hello
In about two weeks I have a Congressional Nomination interview and I wanted to ask if anyone can give me tips and details on how I can prepare for this
Thank you!
 
Lots of older threads on this subject as it comes up each year.
 
There is an entire forum here, devoted to nominations. There are multiple threads there, describing everything you should do and not do, wear and not wear, etc.

It is entitled the Nominations Forum.
 
A lot of general interview advice applies. Dress sharp, be confident.

Have strong answers prepared for expected questions: Why you’re applying, why you choose Navy over other services, why you think you’re a good candidate, etc.
 
See if your counselor can set up a mock interview panel. Be personable and relatable. Make eye contact and be confident.
 
2024srv said:
Hello
In about two weeks I have a Congressional Nomination interview and I wanted to ask if anyone can give me tips and details on how I can prepare for this
Thank you!
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1. It's a conversation not a gotcha 2. Practice with someone who will be objective. 3. Look at the interviewer(s), don't fidget, use um too much if not at all and listen to the entire question. Reply back to it by staying on point. (if you are not sure ask for clarification or to repeat the question) 4. Enjoy this part as you have worked so hard to get here and be excited. 5. Visualize yourself sitting around a table having the conversation. Laughter and humor in good taste is OK so be relaxed, your resume has already told them who you are. SHINE THOSE SHOES! Too many men and women dress for success but their shoes look like sh%$ and ruin it :) Good Luck, you'll be fine!
 
I was recently at Congressional sponsored Academy Day and was chatting with one of the Congresswomen's panel of interviewers. One thing he mentioned was to be prepared to talk about which community you are interested in joining (i.e, Surface Warfare, Special Ops, Nuke, Submarine.) I never thought that would be important at this stage, but I am just telling you what he said. Also, don't talk about what you want to do after you finish active duty. They are looking for people who want to be career Naval officers.
 
Don't "talk around" a question if you truly don't know the answer. Nothing more annoying during an interview then someone giving a long-winded reply who talks for a long time in attempt to obscure the fact they don't know something. Even if you know the subject, give BRIEF answers. No need to ramble on in an effort to impress the panel with your extensive knowledge of whatever the subject is. Also don't try to be a politician and give both yes/no replies to a specific question. Probably mentioned elsewhere, but leave your cell phone in your car. Last thing you want is having your phone ring during the interview.
 
Take a moment to think about the purpose of the interview. In many jurisdictions, there are more (or far more) qualified candidates than there are nom slots. The committee is trying to decide whom to nominate. They have the paper you submitted. Now they want to learn more about you as a person. So, you want to make yourself standout and be memorable, in a good way. Think about why YOU they should nominate you over the many other well qualified candidates who "want it really badly."

First, be very familiar with the package you submitted. Reread any essays you were asked to write. Review your "resume" or similar document. If you've been asked to select one SA or to rank SAs, be prepared to discuss your decision. Display a good understanding of what the SA and the military are about. Think about what makes you a great candidate -- and walk the fine line between confidence and braggadocio.

Also, there likely will be a few "off the wall" questions. There is zero way to predict them. Some examples are "What are three adjectives that best describe you?" "What is the last book you read and why did you choose it?" "Who is your hero and why?" And on and on. As noted, there is no way to predict those questions because they are up to the individual interviewers. Just take a deep breath and answer to the best of your ability.

Finally, never disparage another service. Don't even joke about it. You never know the backgrounds of those on the interview panel and "dissing" another service is generally frowned on by all who have served.
 
Are interviews with one candidate at a time or 'panel interviews' with multiple candidates taking turns to respond? I know it would be different per each MOC, but I was wondering what is out there?
 
Hopeful Plebe Mom said:
Are interviews with one candidate at a time or 'panel interviews' with multiple candidates taking turns to respond? I know it would be different per each MOC, but I was wondering what is out there?
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There are 535 possible answers to this question. Each MOC is free to establish their own process. If you want to know before you show up, I would recommend calling the MOC office, speak to their Coordinator, and they will be happy to help. (That said, if you call ..make a positive impression and ask intelligent questions; they old adage "there is no such thing as a dumb question" is not necessarily true, and the MOC staff can have a lot of influence on the process).
 
dah19 said:
My DS's interviews were always only him and the panel.
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That is good to know! MOC's can have a LOT of people to interview, so in the back of my mind I was wondering if they did group interviews. Anyone applying for a job in my school district goes though a panel interview, with each of the four people being interviewed taking a turn to answer a question first. It is a horrible process to have to listen to three other people answer the same question while formulating your own answer!!

DS's MOC interview is next week. :oops:
 
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