fencersmother

Son's nomination interview is set for Wednesday afternoon with Senator Arlen Specter. Suit is ready to go, nice tie, etc. We've been practicing questions and demeanor for a while now, so I think he'll do well.

The congressman for our district has his candidates prepare a talk to give before a same-service board (so son will have 2 of the same talks in one morning) in December. This year's topic: homeland security. The candidate may speak on any aspect of it - the war, airport security, border issues, etc. The MOC actually stated in his letter that the content is not as important as the actual presentation and states that the candidate is encouraged to be creative. Yikes! That's a "pandora's box" topic!

Anyway, I'll let you all know how things go after S meets with Senator Specter. (I just hope he doesn't say something like, "Well, Senator, refering to old Scottish law..." {from the Clinton impeachment hearing}).

GreatAmerican

^^^^^
If I were going to this interview, I would prepare a slick multi-media power point presentation. It sounds like your MOC is more interested in the sizzle than the steak. Substance doesn't matter in this case.

Profmom2

^^^^^Absolutely. They really are more interested in how you present: i.e. as GA says the sizzle rather than what you actually say.

After sons interview with one of our very conservative senators (son leans to the left so to speak) When he was being walked out - one of the board members even said it was all about the style and presentation of self.

Remember they are looking for leadership potential - not necessarily what you have to say about hot political topics, after all you don not know who will be sitting on the board so speaking only to your MOC's persuasion may not be the wisest thing to do. Speak from your heart - that is what they are looking for. Quick thinking, thinking ahead while your are speaking so that you don't have long pauses, carry yourself with your convictions. Be very confident in your demeanor and spoken word.

They have seen your grades and most likely your EC's and honors. This is your time to show off your confidence and leadership potential.

Zaphod

Maybe your son should point out to the esteemed Congresscritter that he (your son) is applying for a real job, not for Congressman, and that substance actually DOES matter more than presentation in the real world.

Yeah, yeah. I know. Me being cynically realistic again. Sorry.

If you can't dazzle 'em with dexterity, baffle 'em with bull$hit, right? OK, then I agree with GA on the multimedia presentation. Just bring your own laptop and hope to hell MS Windows doesn't decide to crash halfway through...

I would offer you a few things for your son to say to/about Senator Specter on my behalf, but that wouldn't be to your son's benefit.

One thing he needs to remember is to RELAX. I recognize it is going to be high-stress, but he needs to relax. If he sweats like a pig, stumbles over his words, and gets flustered, it won't matter if his PP presentation is worthy of an Oscar. The folks sitting on the board put their pants on that morning just the same way he did, and very likely have gone through a similar screening process. If they passed and got worthless jobs working for a politician, your son can bloody well do better than they did and earn a far more important and prestigious accolade.

Victory is the only option. Best of luck.

kpmom06

When s went to Specter's interview (6 years ago now!), the Senator was not there at all, only his designated panel. Can't remember how many there were interviewing him though.

For the congressional presentation, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and practice some more. It should be as smooth as possible.

Good luck to your s!

Zaphod

You know..... you may want to practice in front of grownups OTHER than your parents. Any chance you could schedule something with a principal or some teachers? Maybe a minister or members of your local church or club? What about your BGO?

Just a thought...

Christcorp

Zaphod; I agree that in the real world that substance matters. This however isn't the real world. I don't think it's realistic to expect a 17-18 year old to have anything other than a basic opinion on any serious world affairs. In this case, they are looking to nominate individuals to the academy. A place where confidence, leadership, communication skills, etc... are not only important, but essential. Chances are, just about every applicant the MOC gets will probably all be academically stellar. So, what makes them different. Do you really want to nominate someone who won't look you in the eye; give their opinion in a passionate manner; have a well thought out presentation; etc...? I think that this is definitely one of those times where presentation is more important than substance. As they mature, they will be able to add more substance to their opinions and positions.

Of course, if you are the typical 16-18 year old, then you already know just about everything. At least that's what most of them believe. (So did we and every other teen throughout the ages). If I was the MOC, I would specifically ask questions that are impossible to have a correct answer. e.g. Abortion, religion, presidential election, etc... I would ask questions that there's no way they could prepare an answer for. I would want to see how well this young person can think off the cuff. How confident they are in speaking to strangers. How respectful they are of other's opinions. And so on. But alas; I am not a congressman or senator.

Zaphod

Of course not. After all, we're dealing with Congress.

I'm not certain I agree. While we certainly can't expect them to have as deep an understanding of real life as someone with many more years under their belt, I don't think it's fair to sell them short, either.

Throw them the curve and see if they hit it. These are supposed to be the best and brightest. Let them show it!

Interesting way to do it, for sure. Probably would say a lot more about the candidate than a presentation, too.

But hey, I'm not a Senator either. I have standards.


All joking aside, the three most important things are to RELAX, BE YOURSELF, and TELL THE TRUTH. Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, will ruin your chances faster than being a nervous wreck or (even worse) lying or coming across as putting on an act. Some people can pull it off, but even then it comes back to haunt them. The rest of people simply can't pull it off that well, and it just comes across entirely negative.

Relax, be yourself, and tell the truth. Repeat as necessary.

Profmom2

Must agree with Christcorp - it is about thinking off the cuff, how fast and confident can you deliver your answer and how well it is formulated to prevent rambling. This interview is not about substance it is about showing who the individual is in terms of confidence, leadership, compassion, and respect.

The boards are not made up of staffers - at least not here in Georgia. They are business leaders, academics both college and high school level, and former or reserve Military personnel. At the banquet we went to hosted by the MOC's for their academy appointees, the boards were present. Did not meet one staffer who sat on a board. These people are used to interviewing people - they want to see the real you, they may have a pressure type set up - you alone sitting in front of the board with questions firing at you (Chambliss) or a more relaxed atmosphere where it is a round table and they are looking at your interaction around the table (Isakson and our Congressman) Be prepared for either type of setting.

Zaphod

Agreed.

FWIW, my congressman had a senior member of his staff interview me one-on-one. It all depends on the MOC in question. Fencer seems to have the benefit of knowing the format in advance, but be prepared for surprises.

Again. Relax, be yourself, and tell the truth. Do that, and no matter what they throw at you, you'll be fine.

xchefmike

Son went to Columbus last Saturday to meet with the committee that Sen Voinovich had selected. Committee was chaired by CAPT. Michael Crites USN (ret) USNA and 3 other Retired officers, 2 I think were also USNA Alum. Asked the why's How's and what is the career path foreseen. Then asked for backup plans, ROTC and career selection backups. went by in 20 minutes everyone was great, came out and said he was an outstanding candidate( I think they all are at this point) and we were on our way.

I dont know which is better, the gauntlet or the casual interview. I have hired many people in my life and always want the STEAK. The sizzle is for used car salesman and politicians IMHO>

The thing that struck me most as I posted elsewhere was that S was great and I was a wreck. They all make us parents proud. I have met many candidates in the last few months and I think as long as this country still makes em like that we have a bright and shining future.

fencersmother

Son back from nomination interview. It was not with Senator Specter, but in front of a board of AF officers. Rapid fire questions:

If you could spend an evening with anyone, who would it be and why?

What is the major social problem in the country today?

Why should the US government and its taxpayers pay for YOU to go to the Air Force Academy?

When should authority be disobeyed?


What are your eventual career goals?

What's the most important thing in life?

Name your favorite interests? Why? How do you accomplish these?

S said there was no lag time between questions at all; the point was to get him frustrated, to answer off the cuff or without consideration, to fluster and shake him. He maintained his calm the whole time! Maintained eye contact, and gave considered, intelligent answers.

Total interview time: less than 15 minutes. Said S will know their decision by Dec. 15, which is the day he has two presentations in front of our congressional rep. (I hope he gets the nom letter next week, so we can all relax!)

I did see the young man who went before my son, and the next two young men who followed. First young man came out in tears... obviously shaken up (my heart was in my throat at that point). He was so obviously unprepared and "not ready for prime time." The next young man was very composed, very articulate - maybe too self-assured? But he looked like a man who knew what needed to be done. His mother was very confident in him too. My s was the only one there so far this year (or so said the colonel who interviewed S) to come in with an early LOA. Last young man seemed extremely nervous - but he could easily calm down.

One thing I noticed, the Board members were all in their Sunday best (uniforms, suits, etc., all sharp.). The one boy had on a tie with his shirt, and a sweater, not a jacket, but he had on sneakers!!! That very much surprised me.

Christcorp

Excellent info Fencermother. Hopefully others can benefit from it. The main thing is to get the applicants to remain calm, composed, and confident. Unfortunately, every MOC will probably have a different way of doing it. In our state, the 2 senators have their staff narrow down the list and decide which ones will get an interview. After the staff gives their blessing, the senators will interview them personally. Sometimes with additional panel members, sometimes not. Our house Rep does it similarly.

All 3 of our MOC put a lot of importance into the letters of recommendation. We are a physically large state, but we have the lowest population of all 50 states. As such, just about every applicant knows someone who knows the MOC personally. I've worked with our House Rep personally. Members of my wife's law firm have personal relations with the 2 senators. Matter of fact, my wife, son, and I recently attended a personal party for Mit Romney where my so got to chat with the senators personally. But even with that familiarization, most of the other applicants have similar relations. Therefor, the interviews are done on a totally different basis.

The point is, whether you know know the MOC and have met them personally, or whether you can't even remember their names and will be in front of a panel of misc. people; the key is to stay relaxed and confident. That is the ONLY advice I can think of giving to candidates.

Luckily for us, my son doesn't have to go through the MOC nomination process. FWIW; according to my son's ALO and the counselor at the academy; while the senators and rep get to put a nomination list of up to 10 individuals, the REP's top 2 on their list are pretty much always shoe in's assuming that they qualify in the application process. Which they would almost have to for the Rep to put them on their list. let alone the top 2. In other words, if you can ACE the Rep's interview and get on the top 2, then you are pretty much in. For your son this isn't that important. Having an LOA, he just needs to be anyplace on their list. But for others who are interested, if you haven't gotten an LOA yet, then realling impressing the House Rep and getting on their top 2 slots will really help get you in. The senators don't have a top 2. Matter of fact, if you have an LOA, the house Rep will many times put you at number 3,4,5, etc... on purpose. This way he/she get's their top 2 as an almost shoe in, PLUS they get you because you already have an LOA. This means they get 3 in under their stats. They want the most they can get.

Anyway, good luck to those going to their interviews. Relax, be confident, be articulate, look them in the eyes, dress well, and ALWAYS say "YES SIR, NO SIR, YES MA'AM" etc... This is the ultimate "Job Interview". Good luck.

fluty

Thanks to all who are giving suggestions about the interview process. My son will have 3 interviews over the next few weeks. Your comments will be very useful as we prepare. As we are new to this process, I am trying to understand some of the abbreviations used in these discussions (i.e. LOA (Liason Officer ?, etc...) Also, my son has been entered into a JROTC nomination process because his school's unit is a "unit of distinction". Does anyone have experience with this process? Will there be an interview just as with the Senators and congressmen?

Christcorp

ALO=Academy Liaison Officer
MOC=Member of Congress
LOA= Letter Of Assurance (You are assured an appointment IF you get your nomination and/or medical review passes.
CFA= Candidate Fitness Assessment

It's actually much easier if you aren't SHY and just ask. Effective Communications is the answer to most of the worlds problems. If you ask, then you'll learn. Then others will ask questions and they too can learn. That's what this and other forums are for. So you can learn. Even in school you are expected to ask questions.