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Why do you want to join?
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 6:30 pm
by Jamie T
Alright, I just want to know to help my interview what sort of answer are they looking for? Do they want "I don't want an office job", or do they want "I want to serve queen and country and be the best of the best SIR!!" ?
I'm going for my interview and stuff soon (if I get it sorted in amongst all my school work) and don't want to sound like a useless loser in front of the person asking me.
Any help much appreciated.
-Jamie-
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 7:52 pm
by old scaly back
Well, why do you want to join.
Travel,achievement,challenge,security,training,qualifications,pride in yourself and country etc.
You must have an idea.
Dont just sit there and say nothing,look enthusiastic.
Dont slouch,sit up,lean slightly forward,look the person in the eye.
Dont fold your arms its shows you are on the defensive.
When you go into the room shake his hand using a firm grip not like a wet fish.
Show confidence but not to be big headed.
Dress smart, clean, polished shoes.
Do some background work on which unit you are joining,what the cap badge means,the role the unit plays,where they have been over the last few years.
They know you will be nervous,but if you are genuine and enthusiastic you will sale through.
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 8:41 pm
by ashley
For a stable, yet varied career. A unique lifestyle and the chance to go places a civilian career may cease to offer. To work my hardest to achieve something I really want. I understand that I have to be 200% committed to my goal to achieve it.
Then there's the usual light-hearted reasons too, but those above are some of my main reasons for wanting to apply, come this Spring.
Also, to add to what old scaly back mentioned, I don't think it's a good idea to rehearse your answer a lot before going. I think it'd be a good idea to have some keywords, but leave it at that. Anyone can spit out a few sentances they've learned beforehand, but whether you can sound genuine or not is another thing. I think not heavily preparing your answering is one of the key's to this.
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 10:06 pm
by BenChug
Dress smart, clean, polished shoes.
Half way through my meeting I realized the pants I was wearing had a big bloodstain on them from a brawl the night before, just remebered that and it ammuses me.
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 10:16 pm
by old scaly back
Ah,thats called character

Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 10:30 pm
by voodoo sprout
Jamie, this has been asked a few times so try a search

. In a nutshell though, don't fabricate answers to try and please the interviewer, they'll see right through it. Have a good think and work out why you are interested, perhaps noting down key ideas and putting it into words; other peoples reasons might give you an idea but you do have to be honest.
Posted: Sun 11 Jan, 2004 11:22 pm
by Baz
Don't be shy Jamie.
Baz
Posted: Mon 12 Jan, 2004 5:07 pm
by Jamie T
Alright Baz, hows the training going?
Thanks everyone for your advice.

It's just that I kind of don't know why I want to join, it's a sort of feeling that I can't get rid of. Not that I've tried, but when I think about what I want to do for the rest of my life it always points to the Marines, they're the best. (You heard, paras). But all those points stated above are what do interest me so....thanks.
Train hard.
-Jamie-
Posted: Mon 12 Jan, 2004 8:01 pm
by HardRock
Good question to ask.
If you asked me when I was about 7 i would have probably replied "To shoot bad guys" and run around the garden with me lil cap rifle screaming like a mad man. Obviously, things have changed (a little

) now im 19.
I can honestly say, I do not want to join for "Queen and Country". Im joining for myself. I think as men (and women) get older you start to develop an image of what you want to be. I have a lot of respect for service men, and women. I think everyone should have self-respect, and if bustin my balls to get a green lid will do it for me, then so be it.
I also have to say I may not agree with some of what that T@!" tony blair says, but I certainly agree with some of the things he is against. And I pat him on the back for still pushin on with GW2 with Bush even though he knew he was pissing half the country off. Im a big believer in fighting for what you believe in. And of course, for every man out there killin the bad guys, its helping to keep the bad guys away from home and the loved ones, and I value their lives far more than mine, and of course your oppo's since I know they are gonna be some damn good men, otherwise they wouldnt be there!
Apologies for any offended by anything I have said.
All the best,
Rob