I have read many of the topics on this website about the D.C. Interviews. My interview is coming up in June and I was curious myself. I am in ROTC and am being allowed to come interview. My degree is MET which is ME without a heavy concentration in the calculus based realm for those who aren't aware. With little experience in the Calc world, comparatively speaking, I am focusing my studies in calc and physics. Additionally I scored a low grade in Calc II so I have been told to expect most of my questions in this area. I am using the NUPOC study guide published in August 2015. Just for a bit of background info.
Many have mentioned that interviewees should not to admit when they do not know something. I found this interesting but I see the logic behind not just giving up when getting stumped. If ( more like when) I get to a point when I have exhausted all of my 'Well, I know...' lines, besides it being clearly obvious to the staff, what would be an appropriate way to handle a situation such as this? I have seen people mention here that the person giving the interview may 'guide you through a problem if you are struggling', so I would appreciate some information and advice in this area.
I am looking at the interviews with a realistic approach. I am confident I will give my best effort but I certainly do not expect to get every question right (or close to it). It seems many of the people going up for interviews are much smarter than me (frankly I was surprised I was accepted to interview) however I would like to be able to demonstrate my problem solving ability and professionalism despite my standing. I know exactly why I want to become a Submarine Officer but that means nothing if I do not get past the technical interviews. For those reading I would consider myself on the lower end of applicants from what I have read online, just for clarification. It would be nice to hear from some of those who gave interviews and perhaps some experiences they had with interviewing someone who isn't the smartest guy in the bunch. Tailored advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.
It sounds like you are focused on being prepared - - keep studying but keep in mind that those study guides are not all inclusive. You are right to suspect some probing in areas where you received poor grades especially since it is calculus in this case. Prepare and you will be fine.
I did both instructor and SWO(N)/Sub officer interviews back in the day before I retired. I always asked the same questions regardless of applicant.
There are folks who do those interviews that won't fail an applicant. I wasn't one of those guys, but I as always fair.
Cheers,
GC
Thank you for both of your inputs, I appreciate it!