ANG Interviews

[jr2747]

Is it standard practice to follow-up with a phone call to a unit after the packet has been submitted? I know this is common practice in the civilian world, no idea about military.

On the same note, is there a general time frame it takes to hear back from a unit if they are going to invite you for an interview? I guess for me the anticipation is the worst part of it.

[Cameltactics]

It's generally a good idea to call or email to at least confirm that they have received the packet and that everything is in order. Generally they get real busy around the application closing date, so it's normal if you don't hear back right away, but definitely within 2 weeks you should have some sort of confirmation that everything looks kosher.

As for the anticipation part, it definitely sucks. Best thing is to keep busy and keep applying elsewhere/working on improving your resume, ect...

Now this is all coming from a guard applicant myself, so I yield to those with more insight

[jr2747]

Thanks, the insight is appreciated.

Just to clarify one thing, when you say confirmation that everything is kosher, do you simply mean to see that they received the packet? Or applicants who will be interviewed are generally contacted within two weeks?

[Cameltactics]

Kosher as in the packet is there and it doesn't seem to be missing anything (ie particular forms a squadron may ask for).

As for when they notify those for interviews, every squadron is different. Usually it's about a month prior to the board. Sometimes they advertise when they'll notify by...and sometimes even if they say a certain date, they may be a week or two late telling people.

Also, most squadrons are good about either sending a letter or email to notify those who did not get the interview, and some squadrons even go as far as to outline what separated you from the one's they chose, so you can improve things for the next try.

Best of luck

[dho99]

Just to add my two cents since my situation may be a little different (went from active to guard). If you submitted everything early I would def call or email 3-4 days prior to deadline to make sure everything was received and in good order. If you submitted at deadline then give it 4 days or so and then do a follow up. Even if you know everything is good at least it shows you are up on it and very interested.

As the interview date nears and you haven't heard anything I would call about 5 business days out if you are within driving distance. If you live far from the unit then I would do it 2 weeks out. If they are dragging their feet then just politely remind them that you have to make travel arrangements. Guard/Reserve units are usually very good about not messing around with folks who have to travel.

Piece of advice: If you are there during a drill and can manage to stay both days then do it. At my unit you would be surprised how many guys show up an hour prior to interview, just sit around not talking to anyone (except for the pilot who is showing them around) and then bounce right after interview is over. Now, I am not saying that it will automatically disqualify you (and it doesn’t), however if you stay around at least for the first day and ask to come in the second day it really goes the extra mile to show your commitment. Yep, its kinda awkward, like being the girl at the dance with no date but mix it up with the guys/gals. All crew positions too (if its a heavy SQ) and just be yourself, the unit members are just as interested in learning about you as you are about the mission/unit. Now if you have to travel on Sunday to get to work on Monday its not a ding at all if you cant make the second day, just let it be known so that they understand your situation. Once again this is just the way it is at my unit so it may not be universal so just ask if its cool to hang out after the interview/the second day. Don’t be surprised if you get an invitation to go out drinking the first night with the folks hitting the town...You may only find out if you hang out the first day towards the end of drill while people are making plans....Wink Wink

[jr2747]

I really enjoyed the analogy of the girl at the dance.

On a separate subject, I've noticed that a point of contact in the unit isn't always given. Is this something I (we) should always try to get? Or is it the norm to only work with the recruiter whose information is given on the announcement?

Not sure if I said this before, but I feel there is a fine line between being persistent and annoying that I don't really want to cross. At the same time realize to some of these units I may be "some guy off the street" and, of course, I want to change that.