AFCO Filter interview

[scottyhs]

Ok so ive got my AFCO fliter interview for a 6th from scholarship coming up soon, looking for some advice on questioning really...

I understand (read on another forum) they want to know you had a stable upbringing, how far does this travel, i mean my mum dies when i was 11 does that mean they wont accept me??

Also can anybody give any ideas of ways to impress and set questions??

Really appreciated guys thank you very much!

Scott

[Wyler]

The tragedy of losing your other at 11 will certainly not lead to refusal.
Put yourself in their shoes. They need to be convinced that you are a worthy investment. They want to see character, understanding, energy and ambition. Bone up on world affairs, if you are in to sport you can talk about that. Any travel would be of great benefit and your plans to better yourself i.e Duke of Edinburghs etc. Most of all, be yourself. They can spot a phoney.
Best of luck to you.

[scottyhs]

Thank you,

I was told current affairs isnt on our filter interviews for 6th form scholarships. I mean my current activities include:
.being a flt sgt at my cdt sqn
. Being at Flight Staff Cdt at 9AEF RAF Church Fenton
. Playing football and cricket for out of school and cadet teams
. Attending a month long expedition to the grand canyon (hence completing the gold d of e expedition section)

Is this all stuff i should rattle on about or answer when spoken to if you catch my drift?

[RileyDove]

Scott - In fairness to yourself a large number of children have somewhat turbulent upbringings due to divorce and sadly in your case the death of your mother. The case by the sound of it is that you delt with it - you never get over it and nor should you.
Any interview should be an exploration of your character and potential ability - I wouldn't worry about your family background affecting it.
As for your activities - all of it puts a positive light on you - by all means let the interviewer know about your interests but it might be the case that he or she asks specifics or asks you to give a picture of your activities . Depends on the interviewer -
I don't think you have much to worry about - be yourself.

[Wyler]

Perfect. Your work in the cadets shows commitment and you will be familiar with military life etc. Don't dismiss world affairs, there's a lot going on and there is no reason why you could not bring it up.
You just need to convince them you are a good chap. Taking the time to come on here and seek advice shows initiative and character. Nothing in life is guaranteed but I think you will certainly have a good shot at it. Be confident, be yourself and enjoy the experience.

[scottyhs]

Again thank you,

My post above wasnt a sympathy vote i want you to understand but when i did read that i was slightly concerned about the whole background issue, however that is something i cant change.

I will do some research into current affairs any particular areas anybody can reccomend, or any questions i should know. Im fairly gen'ed up on the RAF structure, aircraft etc... any little tricks they have??

[Wyler]

The special relationship with America is a goody. Current activity in Iraq etc. Just to show you understand the job you may be called upon to do and why. They may ask your personal opinion. Be honest.

Got to sign off now. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

One other point if I may. After what you ahve been through, you are entitled to a sympathy vote. It is, however, a very personal matter so do not feel you have to talk about it at the interview if it makes you upset or uncomfortable. They will understand.

[scottyhs]

Thank you i will do its a week on monday, but we were all told because its a 6th form intervies its not as "aggressive" so to speak as the normal interview but i will try. Its all i can do, and if theres one area they cant fault me on its enthusiasm lol! :D

[joe2812]

Scott,

Have a look here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=166273&highlight=OASC) and go through the various posts which have been raised before, they could be of some benefit for the AFCO and later OASC should you be fortunate enough to go there.

Best of luck, be yourself and you'll do fine. For someone still at high school you seem pretty clued up!

Enjoy! :}

Joe

[scottyhs]

I'd like to think so i really would but im not taking anything for granted, to me this is sort of one big competition and you have to be the best to get accepted, thats what im aiming for!

[Rakshasa]

Good Luck, Scott. Just be yourself and be honest about what you know and what they ask you. Best way.



(Y'know, maybe we should put together a little OASC FAQ?)

[scottyhs]

Lol but is being honest the best policy on some aspects??

I mean ive been reading around and it seems people lie about frugs, the police and is that what they want to hear?

[joe2812]

There is only one answer to the drugs question - No. Are you in a position where that question will pose a problem? If not then you're not lying anyway!

It's a case of being yourself but knowing what it is they're looking for will help you no end.

Browse this forum, it's helped me tremendously. People here do the jobs you and I are looking to do in the future and can give you the real gen, not the spam you hear at the AFCO.

[scottyhs]

well no i wouldnt say it is a problem for me but it was more of a generalisation question but i think i know the areas where no to get too involved lol! I think ill try and keep the conversation centred around the activities areas etc...

[Angels 99]

Scotty - when are you next working with the AEF at Fenton? Don't intend to blow my ID but if the UAS studes are about come into the crew room and have a chat, obviously quite a few have been through all you're heading for recently and will no doubt be happy to talk, there's also a couple of folders with various bits and pieces to help you prepare for the AFCO and particularly OASC.
Pop up a reply on here if you like saying when you're next about.

[Twonston Pickle]

Scott,

As someone who conducts Filter Interviews, I may be able to help.

First of all, previous posters are spot on when they tell you to be yourself.

Secondly, don't lie; we will find out one way or another! (Think security check, references etc)

Thirdy, don't worry about Current Affairs at this stage and just concentrate on your knowledge of the RAF and your chosen branch(es).

Fourthly, the background issue is just to find out a little bit more about you as an individual and whether there is anything in your (recent) past that may prevent you from completing, or distract you from, training.

Finally, you appear to be doing the right things and should make sure you sell yourself but without being too big headed.

Good luck and remember to practise.

[scottyhs]

Thank you TP Much appreciated!

Yeh i wasnt intending to lie, dont really think i have anything to lie about to be honest...

Yeh i will get some practise in before monday.......*lil bit nervous now*

[joe2812]

Visit the library (yes these places really do exist and as students we really should make more of an effort shouldn't we!) and see if you can get a book on interview technique to brush up on any areas you're unsure of, maybe that'd help?

I've done a fair bit of prep for OASC as I was unsure whether or not i'd go to Uni after college. If you want to know what I did then feel free to drop me a PM.

Don't worry about being nervous, everyone going for it will be... I get terrible nerves and become a sweating wreck usually! :} No doubt you'll handle it better than me!

:ok:

[VigilantPilot]

I wouldn't be too nervous - although I was at the time. Made a big faux pas though by removing my suit jacket and hanging it on the back of the chair before the interview. The interviewer wasn't impressed!

About interviews - the more you do, the better you get. Like anything, experience counts for a lot. Between filter interview and OASC, I'd put yourself a plan of action together including getting as much interview experience as possible. You might find friends/family can help you out with this. For example, I had a contact at a PR company who put me through a few interviews and gave me good debreifs on what they thought. Its worth going out of your way for!

[scottyhs]

Right thanks guys... i was told about some things like dont sit until your offered a seat...dontremove your jacket unless you are prompted to... etc...

Angels99 im at Fenton next saturday..dont really fancy walking into your crewroom though not really a place for me id feel a little bit unwanted lol! Might ask the CO though

[joe2812]

Scott,

PM sent, hope you find some of what I did relevant!

:ok:

[Angels 99]

I should be about Sat morning, I'll grab five minutes to come and find you. Assume your the chappy who's normally found in the Hi-Viz escorting cadets about?

[scottyhs]

yeh thats me :D

i will either be in the cadet crewroom or on the flight line!!

[scottyhs]

infact can you give me a pm so i know who im looking for??

thanks

[scottyhs]

Ok, so ive just been informed by various other people going for the 6th Form Scholarship, that current affairs is on the interview, event though TP had said it isnt and i thought it wasnt on the filter interview....so in other words i dont know anymore?

**slightly confused**

Any tips on affairs i should know somehing about just incase something does pop up?

[VigilantPilot]

Its not that onerous or time consuming to read the news and keep abreast of developments, so I'd do it anyway. At some point you are going to have to learn current affairs, so the sooner you get into the habit the better.

I'd recommend reading the BBC News website. It has a good library of past articles and background material. The other recommendation would be something like an up to date Microsoft Encarta - a good investment anyway - I bought it (about 40 quid - maybe cheaper on ebay) for my preparation and still find use for it three years later.

When I went for all my interviews, I'd done a fair amount of bookwork and could tell you about some pretty obscure affairs from strange places. I'd assumed they were going to say "Tell me about issues in South America" or something like that. In hindsight, I went a bit too far - in my experience you get to steer the conversation by briefing them about what you know and then going into details on your opinions on the issue.

[airborne_artist]

Get down to a library that has back copies of The Economist (think it cost to read online) and pick some topics, eg oil, globalisation, human rights etc., and read through picking up some points.

They are not expecting a 15 minute off the cuff presentation on the German elections, but you might be expected to know that they have had them recently, have a high rate of unemployment etc.

[scottyhs]

Ok thanks i like to think im a well read and informed person anyway but it wasnt so much current affairs more specific areas they ask... I.E Balkans etc...

[VigilantPilot]

Middle East, Afghanistan, economy of argentina, balkans etc. All worthwhile having good knowledge of the current situation and a background of the history. The way I learnt stuff was to put together little fact sheets for myself from information from both the Internet and Encarta.

[teeteringhead]

And it's been recommended here before, but try "The Week" a (funny old thing) weekly magazine that has extracts from all newspapers, arranged in just the way that you'd find useful staying up-to-date in selected areas. Probably only costs about the same as 2 or 3 proper papers..... and you only have to buy one once a week!

[joe2812]

I subscribe to the Week and find it a great help in keeping on top of current affairs.

It also gives a more rounded views as individual newspapers can usually lean towards one particular political view/party.

[Twonston Pickle]

Scott,

I can assure you that Current Affairs is not, or should not be on the AFCO Filter Interview (I teach the recruiting course). You should, however, start preparing yourself for the OASC current affairs questions as suggested by many here. If you do get asked current affairs Qs at the AFCO then PM with the details and I will re-educated the appropriate person.

[Spaceballz]

Hi Twonston Pickle,

Can you check your PM's?

Cheers
Spaceballz

[Bob Viking]

Don't worry about your background mate. If you're right for the job it won't make the blindest bit of difference.
I know people in this job from wealthy families and I know guys from poor (and broken)families, and they all do the job equally well.
BV
PS. Don't be down hearted if you don't get it. You're still pretty young with plenty of time to get in.
I didn't get a 6th form scholarship. I then didn't apply till my fourth year of uni and got in straight away, despite many nay-sayers along the way trying to tell me that you have to be a demi-god to get selected. Just stay keen and don't let people get you down. Despite what all the whingers on this forum say it's still a bloody great job and I wouldn't change it for anything.

[scottyhs]

Well thanks to all your advice has really helped, and hopefuly will stand me in good stead for the interview on Monday. just got to remember the basics not get too nervous (although i probably will) and hopefully get my way through it, i mean i have a friend whos got his tommorow..got some wierd idea about taking his electronics project from year 11 in with him to show them, now to me thats not a good idea at a formal interview but oh well... lol!

[joe2812]

As a wise man said to me not that long ago... worry about yourself and let them worry about them. :p

Best of luck for Monday, don't get nervous, it's not the be-all-and-end-all.. it'd just be nice to get.

You'll do fine.

[scottyhs]

Lol very good piece of advice that, makes me wonder about other people sometimes....ah well can do that after monday lol!


Yeh ill try to relax probably will do once im in im just playing what im going to do in my head over and over again! Hopefully getting some advice on saturday up at Church Fenton from a few people!

[scottyhs]

Well got my interview in a few hours so id just like to say thanks to all those who've helped ill try and use your advice to the best of my ability.

Thanks again guys!

[Wyler]

Scott,
Don't forget to update us mate.

[scottyhs]

Had the interview, wasnt as bad as i thought actually more of a formal chat really then an interview and most of the questions i knew i was going to get asked anyways!

Still i was well nervous waiting outside though! lol but the Flt Lt was saying that the applicatiuon now goes to the MOD and they decide (which im not sure if that means i passed and go to OASC next) but she also said that if i dont get it, dont be too upset as it is highly competitive, so im not sure if that means ive failed??

I find out in 7-10 days any road, unfortunately i will be on my flying scholarship those 2 weeks but i will try and get on to post!

[Wyler]

Good lad, fingers crossed.

[joe2812]

Well done Scott... now perhaps it'll settle your nerves slightly for any future RAF-related interviews!

Good on you and hope the decision goes your way.

[Twonston Pickle]

Scott,

Well done on getting through the interview. Don't read anything into the departing comments; the time delay for decision by MOD and the competitiveness are standard phrases used.

[scottyhs]

Ah right fair enough, i was told to watch for the departing comments as a sort of indication as to how well id done, she was smiling and seemed fairly chatty with me, we eve got talking about my school and what i had planned for the rest of the day which seemed a nice diversion (still kept up the good presentation though :ok: ) But yeh 6-10 days now left til i find out, hope the MOD see its a good thing for me to be in the air force!!

[VigilantPilot]

I think it depends on the interviewer - you cant read anything into it and you will just have to wait for the letter. Mine told me that he would put me forward. I think usually they dont tell you anything because it is OASC who invite you for selection not the guys at the AFCO.

[scottyhs]

Ta guys,

Lemme guess your an VGS Staff cdt then who flies GIC trips??

[VigilantPilot]

Might be....


.....yeah, you guessed right. :ok:

[scottyhs]

Lol thought so.

[scottyhs]

Just a quick update, the application was sent off to the MOD (i think thats where it went) and then to cranwell and accepted so now cranwell are looking at it and deciding when and if they want me for selection!

Again thanks!

Scott

[Matrix Marauder]

Scott,

One step done many to go, natural ability aside you seem like just the right sort of guy to join the military. Good attitude and prepared to do some work.
Good Luck.

[alexmac]

Scott,

Like you I have gone for 6th form sponsorship; hopefully for ATC. My interview was on 9th November if I recall correctly and still waiting for OASC to get back to me.

Two other cadets have dates for OASC in Feb; one for pilot & one for Med. Getting a little nervous that I haven't heard! :\

Best of luck - and you never know - may end up at Cranwell together :p

[scottyhs]

HaHa now that would be a co incidence, i was told if i hadnt haerd anything to give the afco a call back after about 10 days (but give it 11-12 just incase) i will keep you posted with anything else that i hear, but i must now wait for cranwell to get back to me!

[scottyhs]

just checked the post and got some info through from cranwell saying ive been accepted for selection and dates etc... and the green book that explains everything!! good stuff

[joe2812]

Congrats Scott. :ok:

Well done.