Episode Details

It's crushing to be within touching distance of achieving your dream of joining the Air National Guard only to fall at the UPT interview stage. The good news is that you can prepare for these opportunities just like you would for a fitness test. Don't leave your career to chance!

Professional Interview Prep explains how specialist training courses led by experienced Guardsmen and Navy Reservists can greatly improve your chances of landing your dream role. These guys know exactly what it takes to succeed and can give you the inside track on what to expect during your interview.

For example, many of Professional Interview Prep's instructors have served on Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) committees so enrollees know they're getting the best advice.

According to Professional Interview Prep, coaches can deliver training based on the relevant selection board criteria including F-15, F-16, KC-135, C-17, C-130, and V-22 roles so you can prepare properly and there won't be any nasty surprises in the interview.

The basic criteria for UPT pilot selection include being a US citizen, eligibility for security clearance, high standards of physical fitness and mental health including meeting the medical standards as set out by (IAW) AFI 48-123, meeting the minimum standard or above on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS).

In addition, you can't be more than 33 years old and you must meet minimum height and weight criteria, and possess a qualification from an accredited institution of post-secondary education.

By practising proven interview techniques you can showcase your skills and relevant experiences in the best possible light. Professional Interview Prep highlights techniques such as the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Using this simple format, you can formulate answers that not only demonstrate your understanding of the question being asked but reveal your situational competence, your ability to reflect, and let you explain the lessons you learned be they positive or negative.

You can bet your bottom dollar you'll get asked about your leadership skills, your suitability for a UPT role, and your motivation for joining the US Air Force. A training company like Professional Interview Prep helps you prepare your answers so you're hitting every mark in the interview.

A spokesperson says, “We have helped hundreds get those coveted pilot wings serving in units across the country. Let us help you start your military career.”

sInterviews are nerve-wracking but there's a lot of things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance. Here's some top tips on things that candidates often get wrong:

Don't forget to do your research! Know all there is to know about the available role. Don't forget to ask questions. Show the panel that you're engaged, interested, and enthusiastic! Don't forget to look the part! Create a strong impression with your physical appearance. Dress smartly and get an appropriate haircut. And remember non-verbal communication – how you sit, how you listen, and how you carry yourself is just as important as what you say within an interview setting.

So What should you Look For In An Interview Training Course? Professional Interview Prep suggests a course should include at least three to four hours of audio training. Some courses are self-paced so you can fit the learning in and around your other commitments.

If you're doing an online course, they also recommend live and interactive coaching comprising best practices and modern interview techniques. In addition, look for a course that incorporates live mock interviews so you can put your skills into practice in a less pressurized environment.

Finally, find a training provider that's willing to support you all the way. For example, Professional Interview Prep provides personalized coaching for as long as it t