Need advice on "Officer Interview" for NROTC 4-yr scholarship

I am scheduled for an Officer Interview for an NROTC 4-yr scholarship. I was wondering if anyone had advice for me on how to maximize my effectiveness?

So far, the only advice I've been given is from my Navy Junior ROTC Commander. She recommended that I not wear my NJROTC uniform to the interview as the officer conducting the interview might judge me more strictly if I was in uniform rather than just wearing my street clothes.

Anyone have any advice on how a girl should dress to an Officer Interview? This one will be conducted at the officer's home.

What and how should I practice? What are the typical questions?

Thank you!

Dress like you would for a job interview. A real job, not McDonalds.

And please, listen to what advice you have asked for, unlike some other poster who thought he was smarter than those who have been there and done that, and wore jean shorts and a USMC Sweatshirt to a similar interview for Canoe U.

Apparently, shorts and a sweatshirt are appropriate for some other members of this forum. I would advise against that.

I would suggest a skirt/slacks with a blouse. Think going out to a nice restaurant that doesn't require a jacket/tie for gentlemen...

Khaki or dark blue trousers. Clean. Pressed.
Light colored long sleeve shirt with button down collar.
Sweater (optional)

dark socks
Dark colored shoes, preferably leather or something that looks like leather.
Belt that is same color as shoe, or close.

Shower.
Shave.
Comb hair.
Brush teeth.
Clean fingernails.

Good handshake, look him in the eye when talking.

Don't slouch.

Well, Bob, I try to come in the side door and I'm at least 15 minutes late...


Be on time. Be confident.

When I did mine I did collared long sleeve shirt, khakis, nice shoes, belt tucked in. Be confident that is important. I was talking to a PO1 and then all of a sudden boom a chief comes in and starts rattling questions off at me, no introduction just bang. I was not ready for that so my advice is be ready for anything, be calm, and answer. I studdered around a bit. I think that hurt me. Try to know something about the Navy because you might be asked, "what rank will you be if you commission." "what might you want to do in the Navy." stuff like that. Good luck.

Nose said:

Khaki or dark blue trousers. Clean. Pressed.
Light colored long sleeve shirt with button down collar.
Sweater (optional)

dark socks
Dark colored shoes, preferably leather or something that looks like leather.
Belt that is same color as shoe, or close.

Shower.
Shave.
Comb hair.
Brush teeth.
Clean fingernails.

Good handshake, look him in the eye when talking.

Don't slouch.

Click to expand...

Umm, yeah - didn't you notice she said "how should a girl dress?" I don't know that the interviewer is going to check to see if she shaved her legs and/or pits. Women also call them slacks and blouses... I stand by what I suggested.

Hozer said:

Well, Bob, I try to come in the side door and I'm at least 15 minutes late...

Click to expand...

Yup, that's my life right now. It sucks.

I helped out w/ these type of interviews last summer when I was stashed at NRD Chicago. All the previous advice is outstanding. Do your best to look smart.

Be confident in your responses. They aren't trying to grill you about anything, but to get an idea of your background. Answer smartly and use "sir/ma'am" with your responses. Also, try to eliminate things like "year" and "umms". Little things like that make a great impression.

Any questions, feel free to shoot a PM.

Have fun with it, it's a great experience.

As a girl, just dress as if you were going to a nice dinner, ie dress pants and a blouse. Collar not necessarily required, but err on the side of nicer if need be. I wore navy blue cord pants and a wool sweater to mine in Dec '03.

Ok. So I will wear a dark skirt suit with a light colored blouse and black low heal pumps with pantyhose. I'll put up my hair in a tight french twist. No makeup and trimmed but unpolished fingernails. I may carry a small portfolio to make myself look more professional, although I don't know why- the only thing I have to bring to her is the interview form and an envelope.

One small question- I have a small US Navy commemorative pin. Unofficial of course. Can I wear this on the lapel of my suit, or would that seem too pretentious?

In terms of topics- I was was officially ranked 8th nationally in a particular martial art. Should I talk about this or will it seem too much like boasting and not very humble?

Also, one of the questions on the interview form is about athletic appearance of the candidate. How can I be sure to appear athletic if I am wearing a suit?

DSL1990 said:

I was was officially ranked 8th nationally in a particular martial art. Should I talk about this or will it seem too much like boasting and not very humble?... How can I be sure to appear athletic if I am wearing a suit?

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Kill two birds with one stone and demonstrate some of your mad martial art skills! That'd impress the hell out of me if I was interviewing you .

I'd leave out the pin - showing support outside of the interview is fine, but I think it'd be a little much. Wouldn't be a big deal either way, I'd say.

I'd mention the martial arts achievements as a part of your extracurriculars. As for appearing athletic - I think that'd just be standing up straight and not looking like a sack of crap.

The portfolio is a good idea - he/she might give you papers, and it's a good idea to have somewhere to keep them as opposed to trying to jam them in a pocket. Bring a pen, too. A nice one, if you've got it.

Google things like questions an interviewer will ask. "What will you bring to the Navy?, What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? (take something and turn it into a strength) Do you want a career (20+ years) or do you want to serve your minimum obligation? (Good answer is "Well of course, I want a career in the Navy, the reason I want to join is for the oppurtunity to serve my country, be a leader, and make a difference. Of course life situations can change, but as of now I want a career.")

Dress like you're going to a job interview...'cuz you are. You're trying to convince the US Navy that you're a good job prospect, worth investing a fair chunk of change.

Look professional and squared-away. Don't sweat your "outfit" too much - he's not going to be casting a critical eye on your fashion sense or anything. He knows you're a teenager. But you'd be amazed how much you'll stand out from the dozens of other teenagers he's probably interviewed if you at least try to act professional. Say "sir", shake his hand firmly (I know you're a girl, but limp-fish handshakes are always a negative), look him in the eye. The lapel pin is fine, if you want to wear it. Nothing real gaudy, something tasteful and generic Navy, definitely not a set of wings.

Bringing a small portfolio isn't a bad idea, even if all that's in it is the letter you mentioned. And as schwarti says, he'll probably have some paperwork for you.

An athletic build is noticable even if you're wearing a suit.

Don't try and use any military slang, or tell sea stories from JROTC. You're trying to show him you're mature and professional, not a wannabe or groupie. There's a fine line between confident and arrogant, clueless tool.

And don't be that kid who showed up to his interview wearing shorts and a sweatshirt. All that says is, "I either don't know how to be a grownup or I don't give a shit."

Sea stories from JROTC?