Face to face with senators and congressman

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CessnaEnthusiast04

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One of the things I was hoping to gain a leg up with was my social skills. I was hoping that I would be able to meet with my senators and congressmen (or their staff) in person for an interview. I perform well in social settings like that, but I just can't convey the same thoughts through writing in the covid-induced "written interviews" that have taken over the nomination game. Anyone else feel similarly? I was hoping to at least have a video call, but everything is in essay question form now.
 
Have your MOCs specifically said they won’t hold interviews? We held them last year in person with social distance, no hand shakes, sanitizing seats, etc. Essays are usually a part of the MOC interview packet. Completing the packet is the first step to getting an interview or being considered for a Nom. Some MOCs will select who grew interviewed based upon the packets.

To note… most MOCs do conduct interviews. Most MOCs use a panel process that they do not sit on. It’s usually made up of staffers, community members, vets, alumni.
 
brewmeist said:
It was just a matter of time...

There I was at the grocery store yesterday, wearing a USNA shirt, and I could see a guy at the other end of the aisle with his "Army West Point" shirt. When we passed, I gave him a smile and pointed at my "USNA."

Did it again the next aisle, and then the next. He didn't react at all.

I saw him again at the dairy section. He finally asked me why I kept on pointing at my shirt and smiling. I told him, "What do you mean? Army? Navy? Rivals?"

He said, "Dude.... I have no idea what are talking about. I bought this shirt the other day at Boscov's because it was on the clearance rack."
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A1Janitor said:
I read her context as MOCs are doing the interview process despite Covid.
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What I meant, but good point of clarification for those new to the process.
 
I worked with two MOC's and one USS for over 10 years (USAFA Board Chair). The USS never came to any of the interviews. The MOC's both would come early and cater a breakfast for the board members. We'd sit for a couple of hours before the first interview and just get "down and dirty" about politics, DC, the candidates, etc. They both were VERY interested.

When the first candidates arrived, they'd usually shock them and their parents by greeting them in the office lobby, chat with them, do pictures (kids are dressed to the nines, both of these guys came on Harley's, jeans, t-shirt...just down to earth) but they'd leave soon after. They both said "we don't want anyone to think we have favorites."

The interviews are almost universally done by boards of individuals selected from the community by the MOC/USS's staff. They end up making the nomination recommendations and the staff presents them for approval.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
CessnaEnthusiast04 said:
One of the things I was hoping to gain a leg up with was my social skills. I was hoping that I would be able to meet with my senators and congressmen (or their staff) in person for an interview. I perform well in social settings like that, but I just can't convey the same thoughts through writing in the covid-induced "written interviews" that have taken over the nomination game. Anyone else feel similarly? I was hoping to at least have a video call, but everything is in essay question form now.
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"My office does not conduct in-person applicant interviews. We believe our rigorous and thorough application process provides a fair and unbiased evaluation of all applicants."
Clarification: Both senators do NOT conduct interviews, however my congressman does.
 
Then that is the process. Write your best essays. Submit the best packet you can. A huge part of the military, and the SA process, is learning to follow instructions. The military has an order or directive for everything. Also, essays, haven’t taken over the nomination game. Interview or not, nearly every MOC requires. I haven’t seen one yet that doesn’t (I am sure there is one out there).

Your best shot for a nom is always your MOC. Also, social skills are one thing. Interview skills are another. I have interviewed 100s of kids for MOC noms. I have seen those with LOAs crush interviews and absolutely be terrible. I have seen kids interview amazingly, yet their stats were not even close to SA material. Bottom line, your app is what will tell them if you have the stats to get in. The interview is what can set you apart. Good luck.
 
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One senator does interviews, and one doesn’t, in our state. Some MOC’s do and some don’t. It is What it is.

EVERYONE is interviewed is some way for their respective SA, I believe.
 
I’ll just add also that while public speaking skills are incredibly important for officers, writing skills are just as much so. You can literally break or make people’s careers with the way you write evaluations, awards, random memos asking people to do things for you, etc. Look at it as opportunity to work on improving how you communicate yourself for your future hopefully profession
 
Do you have an English teacher, retired teacher, homeschool mom who teaches English at the co-op, anyone like that in your life? I know personally, I was amazed at how much an English teacher who was working as a tutor helped me get my thoughts onto paper in an organized fashion.
If you can do the face to face the thoughts are there. Seek out help to get it on paper. If you can't find anyone through your school then ask people not currently involved in education, they may have more time, your great Aunt, grandparent, people at church, for sure someone has friend who is a retired English teacher.
 
Casey said it so well! This: "I’ll just add also that while public speaking skills are incredibly important for officers, writing skills are just as much so. You can literally break or make people’s careers with the way you write evaluations, awards, random memos asking people to do things for you, etc." is SO on-point.

Maybe that's why my students refer to me as the "grammar nazi."

Steve
 
flieger83 said:
Casey said it so well! This: "I’ll just add also that while public speaking skills are incredibly important for officers, writing skills are just as much so. You can literally break or make people’s careers with the way you write evaluations, awards, random memos asking people to do things for you, etc." is SO on-point.

Maybe that's why my students refer to me as the "grammar nazi."

Steve
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I can't agree with this enough. Written and oral communication skills have been absolutely vital to DS's career.
 
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