Interview Question: What were the last three books you read?

NJROTC-CC

NJROTC-CC

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I told my DS to be prepared to answer this question and to discuss what he got from each book. If I were preparing for an interview I know I would be prepared to answer this question. How many of you have asked or been asked this question.
 
I just asked my DD of she was asked anything similar in her PMS interview. She was asked what her favorite recent read was. When he was unfamiliar with the title, he asked what it was about and why she liked it. (It was Code Name Verity, a WWII YA fiction.)
 
My kids weren’t asked that question. I think the interviewer could come up with a more applicable question though considering that these kids are reading a lot of books in school and casual reading is probably the last thing many want to do.
 
EDelahanty said:
I believe the correct response is: "Does that include manga and anime graphic novels?"
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Ha ha. LOL. Despite their reputation, even the Marines would not want to hear that you are reading only comic books. I sent my son the Commandant’s reading list and suggested he pick some. Whether he follows my advice, is another story
 
I didn't personally get it, but one of my friends was asked a similar question during her congressional interview for the academy.
 
ghostwritergirl said:
I just asked my DD of she was asked anything similar in her PMS interview. She was asked what her favorite recent read was. When he was unfamiliar with the title, he asked what it was about and why she liked it. (It was Code Name Verity, a WWII YA fiction.)
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Excellent book! Love the writer.
 
High school students have a lot going on and if they don’t have time for leisure reading, it’s fine. But, at this point in their lives they know what book sticks out or resonates with them. Reading and professional education is a big part of being an officer. It’s a great habit to pick up regardless of career. It’s probably even more encouraged in my company than it ever was while in uniform.
 
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OldRetSWO said:
Personally I have never asked a question liked that nor heard another interviewer ask it.

But maybe I'll start. . .
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I actually ask this question a lot during interviews. It gives me a chance to get to understand the person a bit. I was told I won a position because of my answer and the 10 minute convo that followed about the book.
 
I like that interview question and it could spark some very interesting conversations. In general, young people may not read as much as the pre-internet gen's, but many are voracious podcast and streaming media learners. My DS is constantly listening to history podcasts and audio books . He listens at 1.5 or 2-times speed -- he says he has gotten used to it.

I think @NJROTC-CC makes a great suggestion regarding the Commandant's reading list CMC list
2020 update -- Starship Troopers is no longer on the list! Task and Purpose
 
NavyHoops said:
I actually ask this question a lot during interviews. It gives me a chance to get to understand the person a bit. I was told I won a position because of my answer and the 10 minute convo that followed about the book.
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What was yours? Trying to broaden my horizons when my free time vastly increases in about 3 weeks
 
I wouldn't expect "name the last 3 books" you read, though interviewees should prepare for anything, but I wouldn't be surprised at "what is the last book you read" or, more likely, "what is your favorite book and why?". My DS's friend was asked "what is your favorite song and why" at an Army ROTC interview.
 
KingZunzie said:
I wouldn't expect "name the last 3 books" you read, though interviewees should prepare for anything, but I wouldn't be surprised at "what is the last book you read" or, more likely, "what is your favorite book and why?". My DS's friend was asked "what is your favorite song and why" at an Army ROTC interview.
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Agree 100%xm. I would never ask the last 3 books. But I would ask what is your favorite book and why. I really don’t care if they tell me James and the Giant Peach from 3rd grade. I am looking for them to answer the question asked and how articulate they are. I have had kids tell me they don’t read a lot outside of work and tell me all about a graphic novel they love it just read. I was fine with that answer.
 
NavyHoops said:
Agree 100%xm. I would never ask the last 3 books. But I would ask what is your favorite book and why. I really don’t care if they tell me James and the Giant Peach from 3rd grade. I am looking for them to answer the question asked and how articulate they are. I have had kids tell me they don’t read a lot outside of work and tell me all about a graphic novel they love it just read. I was fine with that answer.
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Good call. I would think the response would also give some insight into their creativity and personality.
 
I think my DS was asked that in one of the interviews for MOC along the way. Speaking of books, I just read this and enjoyed it. Giving it to DS to read tomorrow. Read it in about 5 hours.

Amazon.com: No Time For Spectators: The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing eBook : Dempsey, Martin : Kindle Store

No Time For Spectators: The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing - Kindle edition by Dempsey, Martin . Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading No Time For Spectators...
www.amazon.com
 
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