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AFCO Filter interview

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AFCO Filter interview

Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:33
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AFCO Filter interview

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
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:38
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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.
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:43
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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?
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:46
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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.
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:49
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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.
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:53
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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??
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:57
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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.
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 15:59
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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!
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 16:05
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Scott,

Have a look here 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
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 17:04
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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!
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 17:10
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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?)
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 17:33
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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?
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Old 19th Nov 2005, 18:06
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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.
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Old 20th Nov 2005, 09:16
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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...
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Old 20th Nov 2005, 22:24
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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.
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Old 21st Nov 2005, 08:22
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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.
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Old 21st Nov 2005, 10:00
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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*
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Old 21st Nov 2005, 10:07
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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!

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Old 21st Nov 2005, 10:10
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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!
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Old 21st Nov 2005, 10:22
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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
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