The History Kid Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 I've kept my saga off of the forums for the most part because...I really hate spreading my personal affairs among people. It's just one of those things that I tend to avoid... When I started school, I did so with the intention and drive to get in to the military as a civilian somehow. Applying knowledge or skills that you learn as a historian into any field is a wealthy trait, and I went into that field knowing full well the flack I'd get from people, and the generic: "you gonna teach?" responses. It all comes down to how you market yourself, I have learned. My dream job was working in archives or at a military museum of some sort. Living in my part of the country offers you little, except for one of the largest armories in the country, and the only U.S. Government owned munitions facility: the Rock Island Arsenal. In May, I took up a volunteer position there working at the museum. This counted towards internship credits that I could apply towards my Museum Studies minor, since most of my major requirements have been fulfilled. The museum and points north are all part of Army Sustainment Command - and one of my professors happens to be active within the ASC (not sure how high up he is, but he's up there). I managed to get through the USAJobs website (that was a treat), and have now been informed that I have an interview coming up with ASC. I am aware we have some ex-military members here, and I know of at least one person here who is Army Civ (even on the same base). Does anyone have any pointers for a government/federal interview? I've been told in the past they are fairly intimidating and can throw you off your game really fast... Thursday needs to hurry up and get here... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueHusky79 Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Sending positive thoughts your way. Stay positive and calm, best of luck. JeffSent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twk123 Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Good luck on the interview, that sounds like a pretty awesome job. I am a big fan of military history. I would grab a laptop and watch a few hours of some of these channels first and you will ace it. A little trick I know from an old TED talk I saw is to go into the bathroom or private area right before the interview and hold your hands over your head for 60 seconds. Its a psychological trick that will make you more confident. When you first meet the interviewer, look him dead in the eye and give him a slightly firmer handshake than he is giving. Military guys are no BS and confidence is respected, this will go a long way showing you can match their level as a 'Civy'. Another important tip is to keep your answers concise and have impact by ending your statements rather than droning on looking for their validation in your answer. Dont be afraid to pause before each answer to think. People think its a sign of weakness to not answer right away but it will actually make you sound more deliberate and you can better think out your response. A trick I learned that has really helped me is the "Do you have any questions for us?" question that usually comes up at the end. NEVER dont have any questions as it makes you seem distant and not genuinely interested in the organization. The best answer to this is, "Please describe your organization's culture and how do you think I will fit in here?" If you have been confident and especially had a good handshake you have already primed the answer to this and it puts a lot back on them to describe how they operate and what kind of organization they are. One last trick is actually from Feng Shui and I use it in high level meetings all the time. If you can avoid it, when you sit at the table never, ever have your back to the door. Psychologically, it will make you insecure as someone can enter and surprise you at any time. Rather if you are facing the door, you have control over the room. If you dont have a choice just be conscious of the effects of the door and you can better overcome it. Anyway, I hope these help. I have never had a Military interview but I have been in some pretty high pressure ones like being grilled by 6-7 Brokers in a board room for an hour. Forgotten Weapons: C&R Arsenal: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share Posted June 10, 2017 Thanks Blue. TWK...some good advice there. From what I've been told this will be a panel grilling me. 4 at the front (or back) of the room, and one of me. I am of the assumption that one of these people will be my professor - actually. If that's the case, what I've thought about is using that to my advantage. Classroom environments (the interview is at a University - coupled with the fact I know this man as my instructor, not as a hiring agent) suit me well, I'm comfortable in them. That may ease some of the tension too. What I'm trying to do is attempt to think a few steps ahead of them - since I've been told they will purposefully try to throw you off your game. I was wondering about the simplicity of response, which you covered. The K.I.S.S. method seems to be what I need to apply here, differing from interviews I've had before. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 My best friend grew up wanting to be a Civil War (U.S.) historian. After a detour to SE Asia, He finished school, got a job at a C.W. site in Georgia, moved to Texas for a while, back to Georgia. Became director of museum at Ft. Stewart, GA. Moved to the Edison Historical site in New Jersey, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA, finished up in D.C. Along the way he published some books on the Civill War. He's now officially retired. Other than being in the Army during the Viet Nam era, he was a civilian employee. If you would like, would you like to get in touch with him? Bruce 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Some of the best advice I ever received about any interview...these are all people that WANT to like you. Be friendly, courteous, and most importantly, just be yourself. You will be great. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 2 hours ago, Marvel said: My best friend grew up wanting to be a Civil War (U.S.) historian. After a detour to SE Asia, He finished school, got a job at a C.W. site in Georgia, moved to Texas for a while, back to Georgia. Became director of museum at Ft. Stewart, GA. Moved to the Edison Historical site in New Jersey, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA, finished up in D.C. Along the way he published some books on the Civill War. He's now officially retired. Other than being in the Army during the Viet Nam era, he was a civilian employee. If you would like, would you like to get in touch with him? Bruce Michael, I think this would be very beneficial. Good luck, Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share Posted June 10, 2017 Hey Bruce, Thanks for the offer! I might take you up on some email correspondence with him. If anything for the sake of him serving during the war I've been concentrating on during my undergrad years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 JimJimbo had it right above. Here’s what I’ve told people...”those interviewing you want you to succeed.” Unless you’re dealing with world class jerks, these folks are going to be on your side. I once read at least 50 resumes and gave my recommendation to my boss (the hiring authority). I was part of the interview panel. I wanted my selection to succeed and wasn’t trying to trip them up during the interview. Personally, i have went into interviews (me being interviewed) with a me -vs- them mindset, and i think that is the wrong attitude. Most people I know really don’t enjoy conducting interviews. The best person you can be is yourself. Plus, nothing worse than hiring a person and finding out that they’re nothing like they were during the interview. I’ve been told that i’m TOO honest during interviews. I’ve told recruiters that I’d rather not be hired than be hired based on lies that i told during the interview and when i report for work, i can’t do the things that i claimed. Dress well, be respectful, be confident. Good luck to you my man. Let us know how it turns out. Steve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted June 12, 2017 Moderators Share Posted June 12, 2017 Somebody get a message to a moderator, BSM's account has been hacked and their posting..........oh wait, nevermind. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 So with the interview 2 days away, I've printed up the following to take with me to the interview: The job announcement. The federal resume I submitted. 5 concise relevant stories built around the job announcement tasks. 5 questions that relate to them disclosing more information about the position and the role of the office within the ASC. Any other things, besides myself and a pen I should have on me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Good luck! I am clueless about what 'type' interview you will endure. For us, interviewing for any type leadership / management position, the corporation uses Full Spectrum Leadership interview technique. This includes Culture of Accountability and S.T.A.R. They want at least two of these with a STAR in which you had results that failed (and what you learned from that) and one STAR that achieved successful results. My last one was 3 hours with 6 people on the panel. Yea, I got the job AND SO WILL YOU! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 The HR rep who called me indicated that the interviews generally last 30 minutes, and will be with a panel of four. The only thing right now that I'm worried about actually is that it's supposed to be in the 90s, and the lot to park in is about 2 blocks away from the building. No one wants a smelly candidate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 2 minutes ago, The History Kid said: The HR rep who called me indicated that the interviews generally last 30 minutes, and will be with a panel of four. The only thing right now that I'm worried about actually is that it's supposed to be in the 90s, and the lot to park in is about 2 blocks away from the building. No one wants a smelly candidate! Easy; a few minutes early to hit the rest room before hand at HR with a wet wipe or two sealed in a bag or zip lock and small deodorant in pocket. and don't sweat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 The HR rep who called me indicated that the interviews generally last 30 minutes, and will be with a panel of four. The only thing right now that I'm worried about actually is that it's supposed to be in the 90s, and the lot to park in is about 2 blocks away from the building. No one wants a smelly candidate!Yep get there 30 min early, cool down, lots of deep breaths 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 Get a good night of sleep the night prior. Don't drink too much coffee or caffeinated drinks the day of the interview. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted June 14, 2017 Share Posted June 14, 2017 See you here NLT 2 days to give YOUR take and then the outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 From the email, it looks like I'll know the outcome within 14 days of the interview. I'll wait till after the interview to go into the fetal position. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted June 15, 2017 Share Posted June 15, 2017 use these where you need them after all you are in HR's powder room and HR stinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 If some of the people I know that were working there still are working there, then yes...yes, I imagine it does stink. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.