Etiquette and Interview Questions

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CaligulasHorse

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Hi all,
Can someone give me a rundown on general military etiquette as it relates to the ALO interview?
Some background: I am not from a military family, town, or background and don't interact much with those in uniform. Because of this, I'm not sure of a few points, such as:
How should I address the ALO doing my interview? In all my emails, I address them with their title and last name. Does that carry over for in person interviews? I can't used their first name and Mr. XXXX feels incorrect.
What should I wear? I've read some people saying a suit is necessary, and others say a collared shirt will do.
How much prep do people (you all who have done these interviews) do? Is this more of a conversation or a test? Should I write out answers to common questions ahead of time?
Answers to any of these would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
 
Well, it's definitely not a test. It is good to have answers in mind for common questions just as you would in any interview. You might also have an "elevator pitch" as a very brief introduction of yourself. Wear what you think is neat and appropriate while being comfortable. Business casual, or slacks and sports coat, or a suit is fine. It's what works for you.

As far as addressing him Mr Yadayada works fine. If he wants you to call him something different, he'll tell you. You can also refer to the ALO as sir or ma'am. The point is to be respectful and remember he's not someone you're familiar with.
 
Here's my advice from some who's both a military brat and a candidate.

1) Mr. Xxxx would be the best shot if you don't feel comfortable doing the following: Ask them what they would prefer you call them. Simply "hello sir before we begin is therr a specific way you would like me to address you?"

2) they get a lot of non military kids. The only question they care about is not that you don't have any back ground from parent about have you done your own research, something which ALO will as subtly ask of the military brats too.

3) practice with you Mentor ALO dress in what you are comfortable yet still professional in. Ask them in beginning of this would be recommended. This is also a chance to find out what kind of questions are asked so you have an answer for next time. My mentor recommend I have a situation in mind or thought process for each question so I can calmly adjust as needed and sound more natural avoiding word for word answers.

4) definitely a conversation, just a formal one and should be treated as such. They want to see who you really are. Do what you've wrote high light you? Or something your parents wrote for you?

5) you'll do great.
 
I’m also from a non military family and was very nervous for my ALO interview. I spent a few hours the week leading up to the interview writing down stories and examples of my life that I thought would be good examples of leadership, character, perseverance etc. Refreshing yourself on stories of your accomplishments and finding a way to articulate them in a way that shows you have the right characteristics to be a cadet at USAFA is good prep before the actual interview. I also asked my parents to ask me some questions I found on this forum and some other common interview questions so I could practice some answers. It’s important to have an idea of what to say but make sure not to sound really rehearsed at the interview; don’t read from a script.

My interview was sort a mix between an interview and a conversation (it is over an hour so you most likely won’t be drilled with questions for the duration). My ALO asked me a lot of questions but told me her story and experience as well.

I never had to address my ALO by name, but I did make sure to be respectful and said yes/no ma’am when appropriate. To be quite honest I was nervous saying ma’am at first and was worried I would sound awkward because where I’m from if you call someone ma’am they yell at you for “calling them old.” But this is the military so it’s definitely the way to go.

Good luck with your interview I hope this helped!
 
Do not stress about your ALO interview. Generally ALOs are trying to find ways to guide you and get to know you. Be respectful, professional and courteous - basic social skills you would use in any interview - they are not looking for someone to impress them with military formality. Being stiff and nervous does not help make your case.

They are just people who have been where you are. They have been through similar interviews and review boards and know all the techniques, tricks etc, so don't bother with those things - they will see through them and you will just be wasting time. Just be your authentic self. Be able to discuss who you are, what makes you - you, what your motivations are, what your goals are, why do you think USAFA helps you get there. And ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask them bout their experience in USAFA and USAF.
 
I used to do civilian Alumni Interviews.
Address the person as Mr. So and so...they will tell if they want something more informal.

What you dress in should not be distracting...I think a suit may be a bit too much say in the summer, but a t-shirt is not enough. An oxford type shirt ,may be with a tie, and pants that are not jeans would be good for a male.

Definitely search this site for possible interview questions and think about answers. Maybe practice saying them out loud. Also think about what you want to portray and what they are looking for.
For example, you say you are not from a military family. You don't need to go on and on about how you are not familiar with the military. But you don't want to act like you know everything either. You want to show that you are learning and researching and are open to knowing more.

Definitely have 2-3 questions prepared if they say "do you have any questions". .
 
Contrary to many posts above, if you know that that interviewer has a military background and you know the rank, use that.
Major Jones, Commander Smith, etc will generally be well received and if they prefer the Mr or Mrs, they will tell you but
in any case at least starting with the rank will not be held against you and will reflect that you paid attention to their own
background.

Also, have questions ready to go and make them meaningful. Since not all will necessarily be alumni of USAFA, you can try to
make them more about the post-commissioning time in the service. Questions about different career fields usually go over well.
 
^^^ Agree.

For your own questions, avoid ones you can easily research yourself.

Ask questions that increase your understanding apart from what you can read on official sites.
“What reasons helped led you to you choose X service over any other?”
“How did your service academy experience prepare you for your own service?” (For the ones you know attended an SA)
“What factors went into your decision about what warfare community/branch/specialty to pursue?”
“What was the most rewarding aspect of your military career?”
“What did you find most challenging or unexpected at (service academy)?”

Those kinds of questions to help increase your own understanding. And, people who volunteer their time to do this generally have had good experiences with their time in service and sincerely want to help others on this path, and talking about their own experience is usually enjoyable.
 
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