Interview #2

I was successful! Still can't believe it myself!

There is a minor complication which I haven't mentioned before. Wearing braces is a bar to entry which, for some reason, I wasn't told about until last week. Having them removed is the only option for me, I don't want to delay my application by another 12 months waiting for the treatment to be finished - I'll just have to live with not-quite-straight teeth.

Anyway, I had an orthodontic appointment this morning before the interview. I explained to him my situation and asked what the best course of action was. I also explained that I didn't want the brace taken off there and then in case I failed the interview or didn't join the Navy for another reason. He's given them the OK for them to be removed before I go to HMS Raleigh (for basic training, which will be June-July time if everything goes to plan) which is what the CPO requested. Now we can continue with the application and the Navy knows I'll have them removed if I pass selection.

So I the train to Brighton straight after my appointment and arrived early afternoon. My nerves were behaving themselves today, maybe because of my long discussion with the CPO last week (he'd be the one interviewing me today) and knowing I'd get on with him.

There was another guy inside who was attending a presentation for the Navy - the same position I was in nearly two-and-a-half months ago. It's gone so quick. We chatted for 10-15 minutes or so and wished me luck as the CPO came to fetch me, this was it...

80% of the interview consisted of these 5 parts: Home life and background, education record, work experience, free time activities and fitness. The remaining 20% was assessing my motivation to join the RN, so I was asked questions about the current fleet and location of bases, ships currently in development/construction (ie. the new Type 45 Destroyers /CVF Aircraft Carriers) and current deployments. There was also a bit about the Falklands and specific questions surrounding the CIS Specialist; what I knew about them and their role on a warship.

The interviewed flowed nicely, I managed to fit a few bits of humor/banter in and generally tried to make it as two-way as possible. It seemed to have the desired effect. Thankfully I'd done my homework and was able to answer the questions relatively easily.

I was told to wait outside, which I did for 10 minutes before being summoned back into the room. He asked me how I thought I did, before the golden words: "Well I'm pleased to say... Congratulations! You've been successful at the selection interview."

The biggest grin spread over my face, I'd passed! I hadn't felt this good for ages.

There was lots of paperwork to sign and he booked me in for my medical examination on 8th May, which I'm not looking forward to but it'll mean being only one step away from joining.

As I left the building, I caught a glimpse of the guy I was talking to before the interview. Hopefully in 2-and-a-half months time he'll be in the same position as me.

Interview #1

I'll say now that I neither passed nor failed the interview, it was postponed until next Tuesday 21st, for the reasons outlined below.

From previous experience I arrived in Brighton 45mins early, sat down, had a coffee and tried to calm my nerves - which were making my heart pound and adrenaline flow. I headed off for the AFCO and got there at 9:10.

I played a game with my nerves for the next 20mins, trying to calm myself right down but then getting all wobbly again. The CPO walked in and suddenly my nervousness vanished - we shook hands, exchanged paperwork (opticians report form, security check and mug-shots) and went off to another room.

Now things began to go a little weird. The CPO asked me if I really wanted to continue my application as a Warfare Specialist because I'd scored twice the required mark for it in my selection test, in fact I'd scored high enough to make any job I wanted available to me.

Communications Technicians have the most academically demanding job. Their work involves intercepting signals from around the world, as such there is very little I can say about what's really involved (for "security reasons") - but you get what I mean, I hope. It's something that really interested me as the CPO was talking about it (he is a CT), however the downside is the ~24 month waiting time. I'm just not prepared to wait another 2 years to join.

On the other hand, CIS (Communications and Information Systems) Specialists are the next step down, after listening to the CPO it is an area of work that I'd find much more challenging. He was reluctant to tell me exactly what to do but said he thought I'd slot in to a communications role much better than anything else. Even better there is no waiting time - I'm now applying as a CIS Specialist!

These guys are the centre of the communications network on a ship: from using high-speed satellite links to opening a line for someone to talk to his mum at home.

http://www.careers.royalnavy.mod.uk/pdf/L3-X-CIS.pdf

Because I'd obviously prepared to be interviewed for the Warfare Specialist job, I wasn't ready to do a CIS-oriented interview so it's been rearranged for next week - can't wait!