First Interview.

[Englishman88]

well my medical has been cleared at last lol, so now i have my first interview next week on the 21st and i was wondering does anyone have some tips? All i'v been told is come suited and booted.
And one more thing my run time at the moment is 10:57 does anyone know how to drop 30 seconds in a couple of weeks?

[adambatley]

How long was it in between sending off your medical forms and getting your date for 1st interview?

[Englishman88]

How long was it in between sending off your medical forms and getting your date for 1st interview?

I think it has been about 11 weeks lol, but the receptionist lost my medical forms once and the army also requested for further information, but i have heard people only having to wait a couple of weeks for their medical to be cleared.

[adambatley]

11 weeks!!! I have only been waiting a week, guess I better not hold my breath.

When I last visited AFCO they said to me when the interview comes around just make sure I know where I will go for training (basic & trade), know what qualifications I will gain from my chosed job and obviously know a little about the actual job you want to do.

[EagleEyes]

well my medical has been cleared at last lol, so now i have my first interview next week on the 21st and i was wondering does anyone have some tips? All i'v been told is come suited and booted.
And one more thing my run time at the moment is 10:57 does anyone know how to drop 30 seconds in a couple of weeks?

I did my first one last weeks mate. It's nothing to worry about it's only with your recruiter and it's mostly just about family life, your training what your family have said about you going etc etc. The second one, the one with the officer, is the one you should be well prepared for. I've got my officer interview today at 3 o clock (17th April).

[skidloaf]

Yeah, first interview is a doddle. As these guys have said it's only with your recruiter and it's very relaxed, or at least mine was. I just passed my second interview this week which was with a Major. Much more nerve racking as it was much more in depth and I'd never met the guy. I'd say best advice for both is to just swat up as much as possible about the job you want to go for, try and show them that you're committed and keep eye contact when your talking or being talked to.

My run time used to average around 11:50 which was garbage but I was jogging everyday and doing my 2.4km once a week. My recruiter suggested I do my 2.4 best effort every other day and rest inbetween. I've been doing that for 3 weeks now and my average run time is 10:33, best being 10:24, so I know that works.

Good luck with your interviews.

[EagleEyes]

Both of my interviews were really easy, My recruiter one was actually harder than my officer one. I was slightly annoyed actually becuase I revised my ass of for both; I revised everything I could about the paras from 1940 to now and got asked next to nothing.

In my recruiter interview the only para related questions I was asked were:
"where do the paras train and what do they do during training" and
"why do you want to join paras?"

and that was it! and then at my officer interview he only asked a few questions about home life etc he said Ive obviously done my research so there's not much point in going over the history.

Anyone whos got a interview coming up just revise as much as you can and you'll have no problems what so ever. And for your 2nd and 3rd choices just know where they train and a lil about the job roll...

If anyone needs any help feel free to PM me.

[Dixie66]

Quite a few use interval training mixed with longer distance running which is probably the best way to increase stamina and speed. But my Careers Advisor said to just try doing a best effort 1.5 mile run every other day and that has worked. I average around 9:40, i have done it in 9:17 but that was tough, getting harder in the heat now though!

I do have an advantage of being a postman and having 3 plus hours of walking everyday and also played a lot of football in the last year so my areobic fitness is ok.

However, I would trade 30 seconds off my run time for another few heaves or a dozen press ups! : )

[Englishman88]

I must say thank you for all your help and info, tomorrow is the big day and to be honest im bricking it lol.

[adambatley]

I must say thank you for all your help and info, tomorrow is the big day and to be honest im bricking it lol.

Good luck mate, let us know how you get on.

[Englishman88]

i will do, has anyone got any last tips?

[Englishman88]

i will do, has anyone got any last tips?

[gooner_27]

seeing all the staff along the run is enough to make anyone drop 30 seconds,its amazing what a lot of yes burning a hole through you will do.

[EagleEyes]

i will do, has anyone got any last tips?

Just revise the shit outta your reg history.
Also its almost 100% that you'll get asked 'why do you want to join your chosen reg' so get a few reason ready like: the adventure, the opportunities that you wouldn't be able to get in civi street, the challenge and the chance to better your self and be part of the best... something along those lines.
It's easy mate... You'll have no problems..

[Englishman88]

i must say thank you to everyone for all of your help, had my interview today and my 2nd interview as well lol, i also had a numeracy and literacy test but i passed them all, and i'v been told i will have my ADSC date by the end of the week.