Sorry, I mean Provost officer (commissioned).
One of my main concerns during the application process are the interviews. I am aware that a thorough knowledge of the RAF and current affairs is needed, but what are the main personality traits that they are looking for? Obviously I can only be myself but I'd love to convey my most desirable personality traits. The selection process at OASC is very good at exposing the person under the facade so it can put the right people into the right jobs and the selection interview is no different. What they are looking for is how you cope under pressure, how well researched you are over world events, you levels of maturity, things ike that. You are applying to be an Officer in HM's Forces so you will be expected to display a wide knowledge of current affairs and matters happening at home and abroad that could affect government and defence policy. During the interview, you will be asked your thoughts on various affairs and they will argue the opposite point with you, just to see a) how well you have actually researched the topic and b) how well you construct your argument demonstrating your viewpoint. the interview lasts about 45 minutes or so and is divided into two parts - the first part is structured around you, where you went to school, hobbies, sports played, etc. The second is about your motivation towards joining the RAF - they'll ask you about your branch, where you'll train, your career structure, where you'll likely be posted to at home and abroad, they'll ask you about the RAF as a whole, what we do, where we go and why. As I've already alluded to, you'll be asked about current affairs and how they' could affect British defence and foreign policy. If you're successful at this stage, then you'll move onto the rest of the selection process. All you can do really is be yourself throughout the interview and the process as a whole. AS I said, OASC is very good at unmasking facades.
Also does specific degrees affect acceptance? Obviously having an Engineering degree to become an Engineer is important but I am doing mine in Archaeology so am a little concerned they may feel this is irrelevant. For those applying for commissioning, in the majority of branches the choice of degree isn't really that relevant. That said, someone with a degree in a subject like Drama won't be looked on as favourable as someone with a degree in something academic. It's the fact that you have a degree is what counts as you have proven that you can take on a massive amount of in-depth information, filter out what is necessary and apply it to make decisions. You will also have a few years seniority over the non-graduates which means higher pay and faster promotion prospects. The non-grads will get there eventually however those on the graduate entry will be further up the ladder.So a degree in Archaeology isn't really that much of an issue, rather than a strong ability to demonstrate the qualities that they look for at OASC.
Eloise
