Scott,

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

:ok:

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?

yeh thats me :D

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

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

thanks

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?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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!

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.

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.

Hi Twonston Pickle,

Can you check your PM's?

Cheers
Spaceballz

Scotty
 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Scott,
Don't forget to update us mate.

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!