Need Advice-Visiting ANG unit

[flylike44]

I'm going to be visiting an ANG unit next month before interviewing. Any advice on what to do/what not to do. Questions to ask...Appropriate attire....etc...

Any advice will be much appreciated...


Thanks in advance....

 

[greaser]

Best advice, just be yourself.

I dressed appropriately in casual business attire and acted in a professional matter. They want someone who is serious about the position and who would fit in with the unit. I went on an invite and an arranged tour so I was expected and had a good chunk of time set aside for the visit. It was laid back and they made me feel relaxed. It seemed hard to ask any questions because they did a great job of telling me about everything and the whole process, almost like a pre-interview briefing. I'm sure every unit may be different but from my experience, they really took the time to inform me and make me feel comfortable. Not only did they answer any questions I may of had, they were also interested in getting to know me and my interests in the unit. So be prepared also to answer questions. But like I said every unit may be different.

The visit was the best thing I did, and I believe it helped me get the slot. Some people on the interview board already had an idea of who I was because I had already met them. Don't stress about it, just be yourself, be professional, and have fun.

That was my experience, others may be different.

 

[flylike44]

thanks for the advice...couple more questions...i hear that sometimes you'll be asked to join some of the unit members for a social type thing...to drink or not to drink? what if they're really going hard, do you join them?

 

[MarineGrunt]

Relax

Be yourself. Remember, they will be trying to judge you the second you walk in the door. Here's a few tips for the visit and the interview:

1) Clean your car! I've heard of places that send someone out to your vehicle for a peek to see what your organizational skills are like.

2) Dress appropriate. If just for the visit, be casual, but professional (ie, a polo shirt and kakis) for the VISIT, not the interview

3) Relax and be pleasant. When these guys look at you, they want to know if youre the kind of guy they want to work with. You will spend endless amounts of time on deployment with them and they want someone who is fun, but still a PROFESSIONAL. Smile a lot, joke a little, be gracious. Thank them for allowing you to visit.

4) When you walk into the interview room, HAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. Greet them, shake ALL of their hands and say "Sir/Ma'am" until told otherwise. Some places like that, others will have you call them by first name. After the interview, thank them again! Shake all their hands AGAIN. (work on your handshake too)

5) Use key words during your interview. "Leadership, Service and they like hearing the phrase 'lifetime committment." Don't over-do it, but let them know that you want to be an officer and a LEADER, not just a pilot. Use your leadership skills as your selling point. Be a team player. Let them know you can work excellent in a team. Use examples of your leadership and teamwork abilities (ex- we're you a team captain for football, or some kind of military leadershp).

6) Be prepared to sum up your life story in a few minutes. I was asked that question on both interviews I've been to.

7) Don't "think" you are ___ or want to be ___ , KNOW it. If you "think" you're not sure. Be very firm in yourself, but dont be a cocky ass.

8) Don't tell them how good of a pilot you are either. All I did was mention that I have a great passion for flying. Talking about flying isn't bad, but remember, they want officers FIRST. They know you want to be a pilot, or you wouldn't be there.

9) If you have a military history, sell it as much as possible!!!

I will add more advice if I think of it. Here of some of the questions that I remember from my last interview:

"Tell us about yourself" (sum up lifestory, include aviation and military history.)

"We are on the way back to X and the wx is way below minimums. I happen to have a prior engagement. I tell you that we are going to land even though the wx is bad. What would you do?"

"Describe a time when you had a disagreement with someone and how you were able to solve the situation." (they want to see how you can solve problems and deal with others! Make sure it's a positive outcome!)

"Define leadership in your own words."

"Have you thought of going active duty?" (this is a big question. Say YES and you still are considering it. Assure them you want to try with their unit first. If you say "no" then they may think you are using the Guard as a cop-out. Let them know that you're not afraid of the commitment.)

"Do you know the mission of (insert type aircraft here) and/or the history of our unit?"

"How would your family (and you) deal with extended deployments?" (make sure 'significant others' know what is required of you as a pilot and officer. Let them know that you and your family would miss eachother, but everyone understands the importance of your job and support you fully)

Thats all I can think of now. PM me if you have more questions. Good luck!

 

[MarineGrunt]

what if they're really going hard, do you join them?

Just let them know you like to have fun and still be professional. Don't jump in and start telling about the times when you passed out and pissed on your neighbor's couch...

 

[T1bubba]

Re: Relax

1) Clean your car! I've heard of places that send someone out to your vehicle for a peek to see what your organizational skills are like.

Don't know if that's true or not, but I really don't think I'd want to be in a unit that inspects your car. You better make sure that not only do the guys in the unit like you, but that you like them too. You're going to be flying with them for a long time.

Other than that fantastic post; great advice for anyone interviewing anywhere.

T1

 

[MarineGrunt]

Re: Re: Relax

Don't know if that's true or not, but I really don't think I'd want to be in a unit that inspects your car. You better make sure that not only do the guys in the unit like you, but that you like them too. You're going to be flying with them for a long time.

Other than that fantastic post; great advice for anyone interviewing anywhere.

T1

Yeah, I'm not sure either, thats just what I heard. It would be a good idea anyway. I don't think it would be too good if you get out of your car and wrappers, pop cans and papers fly everywhere. Also if you show up and they notice your car is well kept (clean and waxed) that will show good attention to detail.

I also know of someone (first hand) that drove to his interview, got out of his car and while walking toward the building saw a piece of trash, picked it up, and put it in the garbage. Evidently, the person doing the hiring saw him do this and hired him on the spot. I guess that says something about someone...