Nomination Interview

You

Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2020
Messages
107
What are some the weirdest, most random questions that you were asked at an nomination interview? How did you respond? If you cracked a joke, did it go over well?






(P.S. A little question of my own for the people who worked in admissions... When I get really nervous, I slip into a western accent (I work on a ranch and usually only get to talk to the cowboys). Will this put me at a disadvantage? I know it takes most people a little while to get past the twang, and I just wanted to know the interviewers might respond.)
 
What are some the weirdest, most random questions that you were asked at an nomination interview? How did you respond? If you cracked a joke, did it go over well?






(P.S. A little question of my own for the people who worked in admissions... When I get really nervous, I slip into a western accent (I work on a ranch and usually only get to talk to the cowboys). Will this put me at a disadvantage? I know it takes most people a little while to get past the twang, and I just wanted to know the interviewers might respond.)
I don’t know what you consider weird but an SA applicant recounted to me that a MOC interviewer asked, “Why does racecar, spelled backwards, spell racecar?” He couldn’t give a valid explanation. The second off the wall question was, “Why do Midshipmen park in a driveway and drive on a parkway?” Stumped. He settled down when asked, “Why do you want to attend the Naval Academy?” He had done his research, knew of the demanding nature of SAs and the various opportunities available after graduation. This impressed the committee. He was asked a question on what made a successful leader. Nailed that question. There were similar questions which he handled with aplomb. He understood the serious nature of the interview and did not joke or attempt to tell a joke. It just wasn’t the time or place. It was all business.

The applicant got nervous just like anybody else because it was his first real interview and the first time wearing a suit. His accent, or lack of, was pure heartland middle America. It didn’t put him at a disadvantage because the West Coast interview committee was composed of Americans. They understood English and equally understood that young adults were going to be nervous. Twang, drawl, Valley accent - it didn’t matter. He did well in the interview because he prepared like the dickens. His goal of attending the Naval Academy and becoming a Naval Officer was evident. He earned a nomination.

Good luck.
 
What are some the weirdest, most random questions that you were asked at an nomination interview? How did you respond? If you cracked a joke, did it go over well?






(P.S. A little question of my own for the people who worked in admissions... When I get really nervous, I slip into a western accent (I work on a ranch and usually only get to talk to the cowboys). Will this put me at a disadvantage? I know it takes most people a little while to get past the twang, and I just wanted to know the interviewers might respond.)
You have to know the room to crack a joke. It’s serious business in an interview. Let them take the lead on setting the tone.

As for slipping in and out of accents, that may be distracting and detract from what you are actually saying. These are human beings. It’s a conversation designed to help them get to know you. Own your nervousness and dig deep to find your confident self.
 
Nomination Interviews are often very time constrained - much more so than my BGO interviews.
I really do enjoy joking around and will often start it but I'm not there to be entertained and we're in
a bit of a hurry. If your interview is like the Senatorials and Congressionals that I've done, there are
a whole bunch of areas that we have to evaluate you on and a pretty short timeframe to do so. Spending
too much time joking might cost you the time needed to tell us more about your Eagle project, etc.
 
I will add, resist the urge to talk smack, even jokingly, about one service or academy over another. You don’t know who is on your panel, and you are not “in the club” yet and have standing to do that.
 
I don’t know what you consider weird but an SA applicant recounted to me that a MOC interviewer asked, “Why does racecar, spelled backwards, spell racecar?” He couldn’t give a valid explanation. The second off the wall question was, “Why do Midshipmen park in a driveway and drive on a parkway?” Stumped. He settled down when asked, “Why do you want to attend the Naval Academy?” He had done his research, knew of the demanding nature of SAs and the various opportunities available after graduation. This impressed the committee. He was asked a question on what made a successful leader. Nailed that question. There were similar questions which he handled with aplomb. He understood the serious nature of the interview and did not joke or attempt to tell a joke. It just wasn’t the time or place. It was all business.

The applicant got nervous just like anybody else because it was his first real interview and the first time wearing a suit. His accent, or lack of, was pure heartland middle America. It didn’t put him at a disadvantage because the West Coast interview committee was composed of Americans. They understood English and equally understood that young adults were going to be nervous. Twang, drawl, Valley accent - it didn’t matter. He did well in the interview because he prepared like the dickens. His goal of attending the Naval Academy and becoming a Naval Officer was evident. He earned a nomination.

Good luck.
This will be my first official interview too, so it's comforting to know that there are others like me. Thank you so much!!!
 
You have to know the room to crack a joke. It’s serious business in an interview. Let them take the lead on setting the tone.

As for slipping in and out of accents, that may be distracting and detract from what you are actually saying. These are human beings. It’s a conversation designed to help them get to know you. Own your nervousness and dig deep to find your confident self.
Alright, will do! Thanks for your help!
 
Nomination Interviews are often very time constrained - much more so than my BGO interviews.
I really do enjoy joking around and will often start it but I'm not there to be entertained and we're in
a bit of a hurry. If your interview is like the Senatorials and Congressionals that I've done, there are
a whole bunch of areas that we have to evaluate you on and a pretty short timeframe to do so. Spending
too much time joking might cost you the time needed to tell us more about your Eagle project, etc.
Yes, I've heard that nomination interviews are really short and occasionally a little rushed. Thank you for your input, I'll definitely take your advice!
 
What are some the weirdest, most random questions that you were asked at an nomination interview? How did you respond? If you cracked a joke, did it go over well?






(P.S. A little question of my own for the people who worked in admissions... When I get really nervous, I slip into a western accent (I work on a ranch and usually only get to talk to the cowboys). Will this put me at a disadvantage? I know it takes most people a little while to get past the twang, and I just wanted to know the interviewers might res
"What's cosine 2 pi?"
If you're slow, you admit you don't know.
If you're quick but not quick enough, you guess either 1 or 0.
If you're quick you say 1.
That was the thinking of a guy I know of who would ask that question to every candidate at the end of the interview.
 
Back
Top