Panel interview

[armypanda_]

How does the panel interview work? Do you stand in front of the panel or sit at the same table as them? Should you shake all of their hands and address all of them or only the “main” one? How do you know who is the “main” one? Should you introduce yourself first - like give a “my name is x and I go to y…” - or do they get straight in to it?

 

[OldRetSWO]

No two panels are run the same way but I can't remember ever making the interviewee stand.

Handshake is usually at the end IF they offer their hands to you. Address all of them, there might or might not be a "main one" but
know that they are all making/writing an appraisal of you so you need to not focus on just one. In my experience, each member will
ask questions.

They will welcome you and ask questions.

 

[armypanda_]

Thank you! One more question: will you know who they are in advance, or will there be name tags and they’ll introduce themselves?

 

[justdoit19]

The whole ‘shaking hands’ tradition is slightly wonky and awkward these days amidst Covid. Do I? Don’t I? High 5? Fist bump?

Watch for cues and follow their lead. I’m not even sure what’s considered status quo, or rude these days….

As far as panels go, *most likely* you won’t know who they are. But Nomination sources can do it however they want, so perhaps yours will provide that info. Another thing, is to also be respectful to staffers. Who are welcoming you. Or accepting your packet. Or whatever. Any sort of interaction is an opportunity to present yourself and leave a good (or bad!!) impression.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

How does the panel interview work? Do you stand in front of the panel or sit at the same table as them? Should you shake all of their hands and address all of them or only the “main” one? How do you know who is the “main” one? Should you introduce yourself first - like give a “my name is x and I go to y…” - or do they get straight in to it?

Use eye contact and start by speaking direct to the person asking the question, then briefly look at one or two others on the panel. Practice is a good thing to do. Try not to be nervous...most people will want you to do well and succeed (that's important for you to realize). If you can show you're relaxed and confident...it will go a long way in your favor. Thank them for their time and service as most are volunteers.

 

[usna1985]

Keep in mind that the person who appears to be the "leader" may not be. So treat everyone the same. Also, NEVER EVER denigrate another service or SA, even in jest. For example, if you're applying to USNA, don't say negative things about USMA or the Army Two reasons: talking trash about a fellow service /SA doesn't go over well and the people on your panel may have served in another service or have a relative / friend who does.

Years ago, my parents were on our MOC's SA panel for USMA. I was at USNA at the time and my dad was a retired USAF officer. So you never know.

Keep in mind that they will interview a lot of folks in the course of a morning / evening. You want to make yourself stand out -- in a good way. Ask yourself (because they may well ask you): There are lots of terrific candidates being interviewed today: Why should they choose me?

BTW, there is no "right" answer to this question. Take the time to think through it -- because the panel will be doing just that. If you know the answer to that question, it's essentially becomes your "elevator speech" (a very short one).

 

[Capt MJ]

I often use this site as a resource when I’m coaching clients transitioning from the military in my volunteer career mentor role.

5 Tips for a Successful Panel Interview

Meeting with one interviewer is tough enough, but four? It hardly seems fair. But since these panel-style interviews are not uncommon, we've got you covered with some pointers for winning everyone over.

www.themuse.com

Some of it is not directly applicable, but do read the body language part. The atmosphere will likely be more relaxed and welcoming than a job interview, but the goal is the same - to get a feel if you are a good fit. Make steady eye contact with everyone as you answer, moving your gaze at natural points in your reply.

Do not make put-down jokes about other services, if you are all in for 1 SA and decide you want to impress people. You have to be in the club before you get to kid around about other services, and you don’t know who is on your panel and their backgrounds. They may have gone to USMA but their daughter is at USNA.

Do have questions ready to go if asked. You can always ask them for their thoughts, opinions and advice.” “What do you think is the most important factor for me to consider if I am fortunate enough to have to choose among service academies?” (If you’re applying to more than one.) What factors influenced you in your choice for service and officer career specialty?” “If I am fortunate enough to be offered an appointment, what is your top piece of advice before I would report in?” Topics in that vein. Don’t ask about things you can read on the website. You probably have several decades of military experience seated right in front of you.

5 Tips for a Successful Panel Interview

Meeting with one interviewer is tough enough, but four? It hardly seems fair. But since these panel-style interviews are not uncommon, we've got you covered with some pointers for winning everyone over.

www.themuse.com

 

[armypanda_]

I often use this site as a resource when I’m coaching clients transitioning from the military in my volunteer career mentor role.

5 Tips for a Successful Panel Interview

Meeting with one interviewer is tough enough, but four? It hardly seems fair. But since these panel-style interviews are not uncommon, we've got you covered with some pointers for winning everyone over.

www.themuse.com

Some of it is not directly applicable, but do read the body language part. The atmosphere will likely be more relaxed and welcoming than a job interview, but the goal is the same - to get a feel if you are a good fit. Make steady eye contact with everyone as you answer, moving your gaze at natural points in your reply.

Do not make put-down jokes about other services, if you are all in for 1 SA and decide you want to impress people. You have to be in the club before you get to kid around about other services, and you don’t know who is on your panel and their backgrounds. They may have gone to USMA but their daughter is at USNA.

Do have questions ready to go if asked. You can always ask them for their thoughts, opinions and advice.” “What do you think is the most important factor for me to consider if I am fortunate enough to have to choose among service academies?” (If you’re applying to more than one.) What factors influenced you in your choice for service and officer career specialty?” “If I am fortunate enough to be offered an appointment, what is your top piece of advice before I would report in?” Topics in that vein. Don’t ask about things you can read on the website. You probably have several decades of military experience seated right in front of you.

5 Tips for a Successful Panel Interview

Meeting with one interviewer is tough enough, but four? It hardly seems fair. But since these panel-style interviews are not uncommon, we've got you covered with some pointers for winning everyone over.

www.themuse.com

Would it be appropriate to ask something like: “Can I have a moment to think about this question?” If so, how much time would be appropriate to think? I’m assuming no longer than a few seconds.
Also, would it be appropriate to ask something like, “Did you find or learn what you were hoping to in your experience serving?” or would that be too personal?

 

[AN21]

I've been through nom interviews twice, and my best advice is to relax, think about what you're going to say, and don't be afraid to say the wrong thing. The panel isn't going through a checklist to see if you say the "right" things; it's much more important that your answers are true to you. They expect you to be nervous - just don't let it get the best of you. Take a deep breath before it starts, and take some time to think about what you're going to say so you don't blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. It's okay to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts.

Would it be appropriate to ask something like: “Can I have a moment to think about this question?” If so, how much time would be appropriate to think? I’m assuming no longer than a few seconds.
Also, would it be appropriate to ask something like, “Did you find or learn what you were hoping to in your experience serving?” or would that be too personal?

You can also generalize this question to something more along the lines of "what did you learn from your time in the armed forces?" or something like that. (In my BGO interview, I asked him what he wished he had known as a junior officer/what lessons he'd learned as a junior officer that stuck with him throughout his career.) Don't spend too much time asking the panel questions, but if you've got a minute personally I think it's okay to ask them about their experience. Wiser members of the forum may weigh in on this one.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Thank you! One more question: will you know who they are in advance, or will there be name tags and they’ll introduce themselves?

This all can depend on the district/state. My district gets a LOT of applicants so there are a number of interview teams and which one will interview a particular applicant does not firm up until close to interview day. We always introduce ourselves to each applicant.

 

[time2]

Would it be appropriate to ask something like: “Can I have a moment to think about this question?” If so, how much time would be appropriate to think? I’m assuming no longer than a few seconds.

I would not ask them to give you more time to think about your answer. Honestly, it you don't have an answer, thinking about it for another 15-30 seconds isn't going to suddenly result in coming up with a better reply. Also don't congratulate the person who asks a question by saying something like 'that is a very good question', tends to come across as condescending, stalling for time to create answer and/or makes you seen nervous or unprepared. The panel isn't going to ask 'bad' questions. The other thing to avoid is trying to be a comedian. You should treat the interviews seriously and not be looking for ways to seem clever/witty or cracking jokes, since that can certainly make you stand out in a bad way.

If you honestly don't have an answer to the question, avoid a rambling reply that fools no one and simply shows you didn't know the answer. Generic interview tips may/may not be helpful for your MOC panel interview. You won't know the panelists ahead of time and even if you did, it isn't like you would give a different answer based on who that person is. Typically, they will be interviewing a large number of applicants and have their own routine of how they conduct these interviews. IF they ask you for any questions you might I have, I would avoid trying to ask an important sounding question. While this is an example of something you might think about ahead of time, your question to them may also relate to something discussed during the interview, but you have no way to know that ahead of time. Focus less on how to impress the panel and more on how to prepare for the actual interview.

Every MOC panel is different, so you really have no way to know exactly what it will be like ahead of time and what a specific MOC did last year may not be what they do this year. Prepare prior to the interview by thinking about the common questions they might ask and how you would reply. Listen closely to the questions being asked, so you are clear on what they are asking and don't try to memorize replies to things you THINK they might ask. That never goes well during any interview. Don't try to reinterpret the question to fit an answer you have previously prepared.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

If I was interviewing someone for a job and I asked them the type of question that virtually all get asked in a job interview and they said——-let me have time to think about that before I answer——I’d be thinking this interview is over.

Take as much time as you need and think before you speak but dont ask for more time

 

[armypanda_]

If I was interviewing someone for a job and I asked them the type of question that virtually all get asked in a job interview and they said——-let me have time to think about that before I answer——I’d be thinking this interview is over.

Take as much time as you need and think before you speak but dont ask for more time

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[armypanda_]

I would not ask them to give you more time to think about your answer. Honestly, it you don't have an answer, thinking about it for another 15-30 seconds isn't going to suddenly result in coming up with a better reply. Also don't congratulate the person who asks a question by saying something like 'that is a very good question', tends to come across as condescending, stalling for time to create answer and/or makes you seen nervous or unprepared. The panel isn't going to ask 'bad' questions. The other thing to avoid is trying to be a comedian. You should treat the interviews seriously and not be looking for ways to seem clever/witty or cracking jokes, since that can certainly make you stand out in a bad way.

If you honestly don't have an answer to the question, avoid a rambling reply that fools no one and simply shows you didn't know the answer. Generic interview tips may/may not be helpful for your MOC panel interview. You won't know the panelists ahead of time and even if you did, it isn't like you would give a different answer based on who that person is. Typically, they will be interviewing a large number of applicants and have their own routine of how they conduct these interviews. IF they ask you for any questions you might I have, I would avoid trying to ask an important sounding question. While this is an example of something you might think about ahead of time, your question to them may also relate to something discussed during the interview, but you have no way to know that ahead of time. Focus less on how to impress the panel and more on how to prepare for the actual interview.

Every MOC panel is different, so you really have no way to know exactly what it will be like ahead of time and what a specific MOC did last year may not be what they do this year. Prepare prior to the interview by thinking about the common questions they might ask and how you would reply. Listen closely to the questions being asked, so you are clear on what they are asking and don't try to memorize replies to things you THINK they might ask. That never goes well during any interview. Don't try to reinterpret the question to fit an answer you have previously prepared.

Thank you!

 

[Candd82026]

The interviews for Senatorial noms MAY still be by zoom (virtual), esp if your location is far from the big city. The MOC staff will let you know. If so, setup your video conferencing ahead of time using two devices (one as your actual login and the other to simulate the interviewers) to see how you'd look like and sound like. Adjust video and sound, room lighting. Decide where you'd be during the call.
DS chose his bedroom so it's quiet and private. He closed the door during his interviews.

Regardless of in-person or zoom, dress to impress.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

The interviews for Senatorial noms MAY still be by zoom (virtual), esp if your location is far from the big city. The MOC staff will let you know. If so, setup your video conferencing ahead of time using two devices (one as your actual login and the other to simulate the interviewers) to see how you'd look like and sound like. Adjust video and sound, room lighting. Decide where you'd be during the call.
DS chose his bedroom so it's quiet and private. He closed the door during his interviews.

Regardless of in-person or zoom, dress to impress.

Good advice. Also, check how the lighting and sound presents to the viewer. Make sure your background is appropriate for the interview. If there is a glitch in the electronics during the interview...be ready to not let it shake you...show confidence. Most interviews actually want you to do well!