Nomination interview

ILHunter92 said:
What about for a Summer Seminar application interview at my ALO's house? Would a nice pair of khakis and a polo shirt work? Or would you recommend a shirt and tie?
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Well for the big USAFA ALO interview that I had in my home over the summer, I wore khakis shorts and a polo. It has a pretty warm evening, but i did wish i wore something a bit more formal. I had and still have a pretty good relationship with my ALO, and have had my appointment for a little over a month now, so it worked out i guess. as stated above, just make sure you feel comfortable with that you wear; not only physically, but also mentally. if that makes sense at all...
 
dont be like me. I didnt know the meeting with my ALO was my interview (we had a couple meetings previous that were casual) and I wore semi-casual clothes. I don't think it went bad.

Good luck to all
 
flieger83 said:
The ladies that interviewed with us this year were typically in a slack suit or dress. Mind you, this is Arizona; it was very temperate here. However...weather is a factor. I thought the "fanciest" looker was in a darker pants suit, very feminine, but also very "sharp."

She already had 2 LOA's when she interviewed with us; again, as others have said: attitude, confidence, etc., are all VERY important; it's not really about appearance provided that the appearance is "professional."

Does that make sense or am I rambling in my post New Years Day steak dinner?

Steve
USAFA ALO
AFA '83
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no you are not rambling.... LOL. D has a few pairs of slacks and even one dress... BUT getting her to wear them is like a fight.... she is not a girly girl as she would prefer to wear shorts, sweats or jeans.. ((she is a athlete all school year, so she is always in a sports uniform)) The basketball coach requires the team to dress up on game days, so if nothing else I know she dresses up in slacks and a sweater atleast during bball season... LOL


Her MOC interview is on Jan 14th... she's pretty nervous. The MOC has 24 interviews (5 with students in prep schools), the interviews were suppose to be two weeks ago, but they rescheduled due to inclement weather.

here is a question.. I have seen that some Senators post a newspaper story with the names of their nominees, but in all the searching I havent seen anything in our Washington papers.... Isnt that all public info? It would be intersting to see how many nominations were given to each SA and by which MOC.
 
Each ALO and interview are totally unique. For my son; his ALO scheduled him to do his CFA on a Friday afternoon. She did the CFA for him. Immediately after the CFA, she invited my son to come to her office and do the official interview. So, he did it in set of sweat pants and a t-shirt. In the middle of June. Matter of fact; while they were interviewing, I went to burger king and brought them both back some burgers and cokes. But of course, the ALO decided on this. With her schedule being so busy; and my son just getting back from Summer Seminar and getting ready to go to a football camp and other summer appointments; she figured this would probably be the best time being they were both together already. Plus; I know that she likes to interview the "REAL PERSON" and not so much a well rehearsed prepared person with canned answers. But again; her call.

If it's a "Scheduled" time and place, then I most definitely recommend the more traditional interview. Now I know this sounds a little weird, but ALO's are actually people. The are usually active/retired military officers. You can actually speak to them. Some ALO's have conducted interviews at the local coffee shop, BK, etc... If you are in doubt about the "Proper Attire", there is nothing wrong when you talk to them to say something like; "Excuse me Ma'am/Sir; I normally go to interviews in a jacket/Tie - Dress/Skirt; is that OK by you or do you prefer a different presentation?" They won't hold that against you. They might just tell you that a pair of jeans/slacks/polo shirt, etc... is fine. But if you don't ask; or they don't tell you; or you haven't spoken with them enough times to feel comfortable asking such a question; and the interview is a scheduled appointment; then I suggest playing it safe.

1) Dress in "Business Attire"
2) Bring a folder with copies of ANYTHING you think might help display your accomplishments.
3) Have a written list of all your accomplishments; educational, volunteer, athletics, leadership, transcripts, etc... BASICALLY WRITE AN ACTUAL RESUME
4) Bring a pen/pencil and small notebook
5) LEAVE THE DAMN CELL PHONE IN THE CAR. (NOT NEGOTIABLE)
6) Leave your WATCH there also. Don't need to be looking at your watch. people do it and don't realize it. Makes the interviewer believe that you'd rather be some place else.

It's totally OK to write down suggestions, points, dates, and other information the ALO mentions in the interview. It's also OK when they ask you a question that you can't quite remember; such as a date, place, etc... that you say something like; "I can't quite remember exactly, but I have it right here". That's why you have this folder with info.

This folder and such is also a good idea when it comes time for a MOC nomination interview; job interview; etc... It's a good practice for any type of interview. Best of luck. Later... mike....
 
All great suggestions from Christcorp for helping to make that good "first impression" (he's obviously one pretty smart cookie, or at least he's been on a few interviews in his lifetime! :smile:)

One other thing to consider besides your appearance and demeamor, and it's been mentioned before: display confidence! And what is a good way to be comfortable in the interview? (well, at least as comfortable as you can be in that high intensity situation :frown:) Practice! Get with a trusted adult (not your parents, the emotions would be too high ("Dad! That's NOT what they're going to ask! I hate you! You're always against everything I want to do", storms out of the room... :shake:). Ask a guidance counselor, your CAP commander, a friend's parent you trust, or someone you know already in the military, and have them do a mock interview with you. Have them ask questions they would expect you to be asked in this type of interview ("So, why the AF Academy? What do you want to do in theAF? Tell me about what you expect to do?, etc") If they are unfamiliar with the process or the military, supply them with some starter questions and let them go from there. Be sure to include some "tough questions" that they think would make you think on your feet. Have them take notes on you, your answers, and the way you handled yourself. Only AFTER you're done, have them go over how you did (instead of interruppting after every answer to go over each question, which would ruin the pressure situation.

Am I telling you to go into your actual interview with practiced and rehearsed repsonses? No. The Board will see right through that if you're giving rote answers, and will hold that against you or try harder to trip you up. Instead, you should be prepared to confidently act on your toes. Some answers you should be ready for, but you should be able to handle yourself if that "So, how will yo feel knowing you may bomb civilians?" question pops up.

Most of all, RELAX (they ain't going to bite your head off), show some confidence, and KICK BUTT! Good luck! :thumb:
 
To add to what Christcorp and Bullet said...

I interviewed without practicing for my first MOC. I didn't do so hot. I felt like my responses were not good enough, and did not get my points across. Before my second interview, I had a practice interview with my guidance counselor, my Physics/Calc teacher (Navy nuclear sub engineer and XO at one point, sat on interview boards for other things, and went to MIT), and finally my principal. They ask me questions, gave me suggestions, and asked more questions.

Needless to say, I aced the second interview. Five quick minutes in a practice interview can help a ton (20 minutes would probably be best though).

I got a nomination from both MOC. I think my LOA made up for my poor performance in the interview, but I didn't want to rely on that for the second. I never interviewed a third time, since I already had an Offer of Appointment in hand from the USAFA.



Edit: for my ALO interview, we met at a Starbucks, since the Borders was so busy. I wore pants, a button down shirt and a tie, he wore his uniform. For the MOC interviews, I wore a suit complete with jacket. The tie and shirt were blue, of course...

Relax, they know they are interviewing a 17/18 year old, and they know they are going to be nervous. This is the interview of their life. That fact actually gave me MORE confidence. I knew how nervous everyone else would be.

Edit Edit: Found my old thread from the "other forum"
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com...rado-springs/581749-nomination-interview.html
 
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They can nominate up to ten people for each slot they have open.
 
J Collins said:
Her MOC interview is on Jan 14th... she's pretty nervous
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Dont sweat it, thats my birthday, so its proven that great things happen then :D :D

Haha jk, but seriously, I wasnt nervous and I did great :D People around me were nervous >.< Idk how they did, but I was much more comfortable than them because I wasnt. I just thought to myself give it your all and if they pick you, your in, if not theres always next year. :thumb:
 
seriously, if you're in CAP or JROTC or any other uniformed-type service, wear your uniform with all ribbons, awards, cords, badges, etc.! i think that's what helped me the most in my interviews. shined shoes, high and tight, shaved (or perked up if you are female). also be sure your gig line is aligned, and stand tall and sit tall with confidence. what better thing to wear than a military uniform for admission into a military institution. besides, if you are in CAP or JROTC, and they know you are but you don't wear your uniform, i would hate to be asked why i'm not wearing it...

also, bring a folder with some blank paper, pen, at least 5-6 copies of your resume, updated SAT/ACT scores, and maybe recent updates from the academies (like an LOA). they may or may not ask you for updates that you brought with you. i didn't get that question until my third interview where i brought a recently received LOA from West Point. good luck to all! may the force be with you! :thumb:
 
bigcox said:
what better thing to wear than a military uniform for admission into a military institution
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Hmmm, I'm not sure about this. I am in AFJROTC, an I would consider my uniform rather decorated. I did not wear my uniform to any of my interviews. I was never asked why I didn't wear my uniform. A couple reasons is because, even though you want to look confident, you don't want to appear as someone who is going to flout their success to the interviewers. The next is that despite the fact that JROTC has provided me with immense preparation for the academies, it is not the only thing that has benefited me.

So, it pretty much is your call. Just trying to illuminate some thoughts...
 
Bigcox; you bring up a very interesting point. I am definitely NOT going to say that wearing a military style uniform; CAP, JROTC, etc... is a bad idea. I'm also not going to say that it's a good idea. Personally; if it were me; and I REALLY REALLY WANTED to wear such a uniform; I think I might ASK my ALO what they thought of wearing it to a MOC interview. If I was going to an ALO interview; I might "Indiscreetly" drop a line to the to the ALO; (Sort of BS); and say; Sir/Ma'am, I have a CAP/ROTC function, bla bla bla, scheduled on the day of our interview. Is it alright if I wear my uniform or would you prefer I bring a change of clothes/suit?

I am about to say something here that I know 100% is going to be taken the wrong way by someone. So please, try and understand my intent and don't read into it too much. There is a fine line between being "Proud" of wearing a Military Uniform, and appearing "Ate Up"; "Gung-Ho"; "Kissing-Up"; etc... Remember; all of us who are/were in the military were very proud of our uniform and our service. But we WERE ALSO HUMAN BEINGS. We don't sleep at attention in camouflage underwear of pajamas. Also; you will find a big different between wearing the "Military Uniform" and wearing a "Cap" or "JRotc" uniform. Definitely don't read into this too much; but there are times where such activities appear to many as "PLAYING" military. Certain activities such as CAP/JRotc/etc... are definitely things you don't "Brag" about when/if you actually get into the academy. Again; don't read too much into this.

I guess my ultimate question to those considering wearing such uniforms to an interview, because you are proud of such an activity, is this: Should the person is extremely proud of achieving the goal/rank of Eagle Scout (Which they should be proud of); wear their Boy Scout uniform to the interview??? Should the person who is proud of their years of marching band activities and all the awards they may have received (And they too should be proud); wear such a uniform to the interview???

I guess what I'm saying is; Civil Air Patrol is NOT THE MILITARY. JRotc is NOT THE MILITARY. Scouts is NOT THE MILITARY. Don't PRETEND that you are in the military or somehow EQUAL to the men and women who DO WEAR THE UNIFORM. Again; I know this all will be taken the wrong way by some as a means of degrading CAP/JRotc/etc... It isn't, nor intended as such. And I won't say emphatically to NOT wear such a uniform. But I do suggest that if it's for a MOC interview; check with your ALO on what S/He thinks. If it's for the ALO interview; see what one of the other ALO's on this forum thinks. If I was the ALO or MOC; I might look at it as a little "PRETENTIOUS". later... mike....
 
I have a question about the ALO interview. Do they want every thing to be recorded in detail like I did this volunteer work on this day from here to here and do you need to have something signed saying that you did do this volunteer work or do they just want to know that during the summer I participated with this volunteer group for about say 50 hours and usualy worked with them on tuesday and thursday. and second do they just want to hear about the high school years or is it okay to talk about how in my 8th grade year i used to go to the nursing home once or twice a month for a couple of hours. I mean when i discovered the AFA the summer before 8th grade i knew this was where i wanted to go and i jumped on any volunteer work i could find. does all of that go down the drain.
 
First of all; realize that the Air Force; academies; and military in general is a place of HONOR. It is a place where your word means something. Where integrity is one of the most valued traits of it's members. As such; the ALO will probably "Trust and believe" what you say. However; I most definitely suggest that in the folder that you bring along to the interview; that I suggested previously; that you list as many accomplishments as possible. Academic, Sports, volunteer, etc... And if you have any documentation such as a letter of appreciation, varsity letter announcement, etc... that you have it with you. You don't know what the ALO is going to ask you. If they ask you something and you have it documented on you at the time; then they know that you "Probably" didn't just make it up. Hence, your integrity level goes up in their eyes. But to answer your question directly; with the exception of transcrips, standardized tests, etc... most of what you write on your application is believed and a matter of trust. later... mike...
 
sorry, i only stressed the wear of a uniform because it worked pretty well for me. actually, in my ALO interview, he mentioned that the nomination interview was the "big one" and hinted at me to wear the ole uniform. so, each person and his/her ALO needs to make the judgement call.
 
waiting and waiting and waiting

I'm looking online and it looks like my States Congressman waits until the ending of January or early part of Feb. to announce their nominees...also, I rec'vd a letter from USNA stating that I am "qualified" academically...soooo I guess thats nice to know. But no LOA, anyway...how does my resume look gang.... Class Pres...3 years...Varsity Football 3 years...NHS 3 years, 3.49 GPA honors track...CFA...18 on pull ups, 75 push ups, only did 60 sit ups though, 7:39 on the mile run...78 ft. on bball throw. 7.15 shuttle: ACT Math 33, Verbal 29 Reading 25, SR 28 During the interview...i was asked what SA preference...AFA for me...but USNA is definitely tops for me too...either way...I replied that that I hoped to be a principal nominee in the AFA or USNA To tell you the truth...i get nervous as each day goes by...my back up is a NROTC scholarship to UW though.
 
Just gonna throw in my 2 cents here, I am not involved in any jrotc or cap. Christcorp makes a good point about wearing these uniforms.funny you would ask that hypothetical question about wearing a marching band uniform to an interview. I am in marching band and a band that is extremly succesfull and have certain ways to treat our uniforms. We do not disrespect it and can and cannot do certain things whenvin uniform. I am proud of our accomplishments but u would not wear this to an interview LOL it would be funny though.

Now active or reserved enlisted folks taking this, I see no problem in wearing the uniform since they are actually in the military, but most Of those guys just get noms through their CO's u believe
 
Falcon Freak said:
I have a question about the ALO interview. Do they want every thing to be recorded in detail like I did this volunteer work on this day from here to here and do you need to have something signed saying that you did do this volunteer work or do they just want to know that during the summer I participated with this volunteer group for about say 50 hours and usualy worked with them on tuesday and thursday. and second do they just want to hear about the high school years or is it okay to talk about how in my 8th grade year i used to go to the nursing home once or twice a month for a couple of hours. I mean when i discovered the AFA the summer before 8th grade i knew this was where i wanted to go and i jumped on any volunteer work i could find. does all of that go down the drain.
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Hi!

Here's what I tell my candidates when "setting them up" for our first meeting or interview.

a. Please write a "I love me" paper...it's not an essay, rather, its a listing of EVERYTHING you have done since the first day of 9th grade
b. NOTHING is too small for the "I love me" paper
c. Leave out NOTHING
d. When you're not sure you should include it, you should!
e. Come loaded with questions; the only dumb one is the one you don't ask
f. I am NOT the enemy...my goal is to HELP YOU!
g. RELAX...we're gonna have fun!

So far...it's worked with over 100 candidates in 14 years!

Steve
USAFA ALO
AFA '83
 
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