Nomination

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tiger8

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What should I do to prepare for my nomination interview? I realize that the interview is a little late compared to other districts but our MOC holds them the first Saturday in January and everyone else already having one is making me a little antsy. What types of questions will be asked? What types of people are usually there? And what types of questions should one ask back if they give the candidates time to ask questions? I also Coe from a very small district, about 15 applicants this year.
 
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I should tell you that I’m not super knowledgeable about this process so I’m hoping others will chime in, but I can tell you my son’s experience this year. His first interview was at an armory with a panel of military people chosen by the MOC. He wore a suit even though his friend who had gone through it the previous year said khakis and a polo were fine. My son was glad he wore it because they commented on it. They asked him questions about his leadership experience—-what was a challenge he faced in leading people and how did he overcome it. They asked where he got his sense of responsibility or something like that. His other interview was by two staffers of the MOC and it was very brief. I think it was anticlimactic after the interview at the armory.
 
Hoosiermom18 said:
I should tell you that I’m not super knowledgeable about this process so I’m hoping others will chime in, but I can tell you my son’s experience this year. His first interview was at an armory with a panel of military people chosen by the MOC. He wore a suit even though his friend who had gone through it the previous year said khakis and a polo were fine. My son was glad he wore it because they commented on it. They asked him questions about his leadership experience—-what was a challenge he faced in leading people and how did he overcome it. They asked where he got his sense of responsibility or something like that. His other interview was by two staffers of the MOC and it was very brief. I think it was anticlimactic after the interview at the armory.
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. Im the first in my family to ever apply to a SA and we're all feeling our way through this process.
 
Had my three interviews last month, be prepared to explain anything you wrote down on the nomination packet you submitted, if you have any correspondence from West Point (LOE, LOA, 3Q) bring it with you. Also bring extra copies of your resume. For my senators, I had two people interview me, 2 Navy Grads for one interview and 2 West Point Grads for the other. For my congressman, I had a panel of three interviewers, one active duty marine, a field force officer, and a retired army. Also memorize the honor code and be able to explain what it means to you. Shake each of their hands when you walk in, and you can never be wrong with a suit. When you ask questions, ask questions that require more than a one word answer, such as how to balance mission priority and platoon safety. Also be able to talk about why you are applying. The worst thing that could happen is you go into the interview and you can't answer why you are even applying. Be confident and respectful, sirs and ma'am when talking to them. I know this is a ramble, but this is me trying to get as much across to you.
 
Thank you, nk. I was planning on wearing my coat and tie beforehand and just got it back from the cleaners. Thank you for the question suggestions and the honor code suggestion. Ive also committed part of the Mission Statement to heart. And I appreciate the ramble because all information is welcome
 
tiger8 said:
What should I do to prepare for my nomination interview? I realize that the interview is a little late compared to other districts but our MOC holds them the first Saturday in January and everyone else already having one is making me a little antsy. What types of questions will be asked? What types of people are usually there? And what types of questions should one ask back if they give the candidates time to ask questions? I also Coe from a very small district, about 15 applicants this year.
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My congressman prodded me a bit about current events. It wouldn't hurt to know just a wee bit about what's going on as far as where our military is and what we're doing. He didn't do it too much, just more of a simple nudge but I don't know how your congressman will be. Always look sharp obviously. Just answer each question with confidence and "with a purpose" as the Army would say and you should be fine. The important thing is to just always have an answer. Knowing the honor code and why you want to go are both good basics; I'm sure every interview ever asks the candidate why they are applying in the first place. Just relax, be calm, collect your thoughts, and don't get intimidated by having a panel of people in front of you and you'll be good.

I'm assuming most panels aren't out to get you, they are just trying to get a feel for what kind of a candidate you are - they don't want you to fail, they're just asking simple questions. The interview actually solidified my desire to go in the first place because it's usually the first time you'll ever actually say out loud why you want to do what you want to do.

Now of course, I ain't in yet so this might be the complete opposite of good advice, but I got my nom from my congressman so I'm assuming it's worked out thus far.

Good Luck!
 
Agree with the others above:

Also, there are numerous threads on the forum regarding the topic.

Here are but a few:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...nation-interview-questions.58038/#post-573951
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/congressional-nomination-interviews.349/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/nomination-questions.14897/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/nomination-interview-questions.18922/
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/moc-interview-questions.23192/

My favorite tips:
  • Dress suitably for the region.
  • Use good posture.
  • Know a bit about the Academy.
  • Role play some questions at home, especially if you have never been interviewed for job etc. before.
  • Be prepared for a large panel interview (Most MOC's use a committee interview)
  • Listen to each question and take a moment and think before answering.....don't blurt.
  • Prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewer(s) ahead of time.
 
Lots of good answers above, as well as this:
Don't start of your answer to their questions with or ever say,
Umm
 
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