Just got the call

[ETCS-RO]

I just got a call to go up for an SRO event.  It is 1 1/2 days.  They lay out a schedule that includes interviews, SRO assessments, management assessment, simulator session, tour, and exams.  I am guessing the exams are the POSS exams, but what is the simulator time entail?  What about the SRO assessment? Just trying to get as much info before hand as possible.  I retire in June of next year, this is my first interview and its at the #1 company on my list, for Specialist, SRO(DEV).  Sorry for all the questions.

[Fermi2]

I just got a call to go up for an SRO event.  It is 1 1/2 days.  They lay out a schedule that includes interviews, SRO assessments, management assessment, simulator session, tour, and exams.  I am guessing the exams are the POSS exams, but what is the simulator time entail?  What about the SRO assessment? Just trying to get as much info before hand as possible.  I retire in June of next year, this is my first interview and its at the #1 company on my list, for Specialist, SRO(DEV).  Sorry for all the questions.

1: Simulator: Most likely they'll give you a tour and maybe show you a drill on the simulator.

2: SRO Assessment is usually some sort of assessment on leadership and management potential. Supposedly it's an indicator on your ability to get through the program and be a solid SRO and leader. My opinion of them is they're crap, useless and they're only purpose is to keep someone employed giving out tests who otherwise might be making slushies at the 7/11.

Mike

[Neutron_Herder]

This sounds a lot like what I did just a few months ago...  I'm kind of guessing it's TVA, so here's what I went through.

The simulator time wasn't a nuke thing at all, it was a computer based space flight simulator that required you to take data and perform actions at certain times in the program.  They're looking at your ability to follow procedures when under time constraints.

The exams aren't the POSS.  It's administered by the same company that gives the EEI tests for them, but it's a specific nuke test.  It's a little more difficult, but studying for the POSS more than prepared me for the type of questions asked and the way they were presented.

I'm pretty sure the SRO assessment was actually part of the exam portion, but I might be mistaken.  The management assessment is computer based situational kind of stuff...  You're put in a position and asked what to do next. 

From what I understand, all of the testing is just a way for them to begin to stack candidates.  There's nothing exceptionally hard in any of the exams, so don't stress. 

For preparation just go through and take some practice POSS tests.  That'll get you ready for the way the questions are asked.  Also take a look at adding subtracting multiplying and dividing compound fractions.  Sounds silly, but it took me a few minutes to remember that stuff!

Good luck!

Jay

[ETCS-RO]

Thanks for the info guys.  I have already taken a management exam for them back in May so I am wondering if I have to take it again.

[Neutron_Herder]

Just ask when you get down there.  There were people in my group who had done different areas of the interview previously and they didn't have to repeat them.  The schedule they give you is tailored to you, but they might not be aware that you've already done a portion. 

[ETCS-RO]

Well, not to sure about the first interview for Direct-SRO.  The only feedback I got from the interview is that I have too harsh of a personality.  Not really sure what to take from that, anyway, never got an offer from them.  I have another interview in a week at a different plant for Direct-SRO.  Should I hug the interviewers first??   

[JsonD13]

If you didnt get hired because you have too harsh of a personality, you may want to not disregard that fact.  Out here in the real world is a bit different than what you have been experiencing for the last 20+ years.  You might want to take a hard look at some specifics behind that versus blowing it off with a sarcastic remark.

Then again.....you will be "retired"......I'm sure walmart is hiring.

Jason

[ETCS-RO]

I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, just wondering if I was expecting something different in the supervisor world outside the Navy.  I thought the idea was to expect a supervisor to get the job done even if it takes some toe-stepping to get the job done or to first make sure that everyone is happy with the way its going to get done.

[HydroDave63]

JsonD13 is right on target. It is rare that the HR department will tell you what was lacking in an interview, so treat that as precious information. Fake smarmy charm will also be noticed for what it is, and you won't be selected. There are plenty of successful, blunt SROs right here in the world of Nukeworker. Learn from their example of how to do it successfully. How much information you possess, how you carry yourself to the person(s) you are addressing [notice I didn't use the Navular word "command". The crew isn't a gang of sweaty Egyptians in loincloths building a pyramid] , how effective your communication skills, active listening.....these all play into how "harsh" or "ineffective" you may be graded.
Several of us here on this very thread have interviewed nukes before, and we know how to cut through the geedunk. We aren't impressed by shiny brass Made-In-China collar devices, but we might be impressed by what your skills and attitude would bring to the organization.

[HydroDave63]

I thought the idea was to expect a supervisor to get the job done even if it takes some toe-stepping to get the job done

Interviewing SRO listening to this quote..."hmmm, this joe-ball doesn't even work for me, but he already wants to hammer MY crew because HE couldn't influence and communicate to get the job done..... FAIL"

Interviewing SRO's eyes shift a little, then jots down some quick notes, sips some more Cherry Coke^TM and gives you a forced pained smile....

[ETCS-RO]

Unfortunately my interview stemmed alot on one of my past assignments where I was transferred to another command where half the division (from the LCPO down to senior PO2) was fired and de-nuked for integrity issues.  The Engineer was a tool on the verge of being fired and my rep on the waterfront forced squadron to send me there.  I was told one thing by Squadron before I went to the new boat, and that was "fix it".  I guess they took it the wrong way when I told the interviewers that I knew my way worked and that was why I was selected to come in as mister fix it and the end result was that the Engineer got fired anyway.  I guess I need to figure out how to word it in a way that doesn't come off as its my way or the highway.  Problem most of my transfers since I made E-7 and eventually E-8 have been to go in after some major problems and someone lost a job.  That includes a handshake for congratulations you made Chief followed by you are going to such and such because he got fired and we need you to clean it up in the same breath.

[HydroDave63]

Yes, that is sometimes the only path available. However, you might want to consider that in the situations you describe, that the workgroups were relatively small, high turnover due to tour rotation, the command structure had already framed the situation for you, decided what the outcome should look like and sent you to carry it out. Almost none of those aforementioned factors will apply in the civilian nuclear power world. The crew(s) have been there for some time, YOU are the at-will employee, there might be a Union grievance or arbitration involved as a result of your actions, the crew's understanding of procedures, protocols or the previous years memos from the Site VP may be more accurate than yours.

I'm not saying you should not proceed with courage to accomplish your goals, but sometimes the most courageous thing to do in a crisis is to peer-check with your fellow SROs with more experience or knowledge.

[ETCS-RO]

Thanks Hydro.  Which is why I am here for everyones help and is why I said i didnt know how to react with the feedback I got from the interview.

[Already Gone]

It won't take you long to adapt if you consider that the civilian nuclear world is just that - civilian.  Military solutions to military problems are appropriate, but fortunately you won't encounter any of those out here.

Your shift won't be comprised of twenty people who are simultaneously pursuing qualification on their own initiative, performing maintenance, cleaning the machinery, cleaning the toilets, standing their watches, and trying to fit sleep in when they can.

The people who clean the toilets don't operate the reactor.  The people who operate the reactor will have a whole training department to support their career progressions as well as their continuing training.  This department will also support the various maintenance and test shops - who also do not have to fit their jobs in between studying to operate the reactor and cleaning toilets.

Your shift will all be qualified to perform their jobs, which they will perform during their shift or turn over to the next one.  Threatening to make them stay late will not have the same effect since they will be earning upwards of $50 - $90 /hr once they go on OT.  They will also frequently have the option of telling you "no, I won't be staying late tonight" and you'll have nothing to do or say about it.

You won't be able to "win" a technical discussion by pointing out that your subordinate needs a shave or has sideburns extending below the tragus.

Your work will never be interrupted by something called "field day".

You can't make them come in on weekends or holidays or deny their vacation requests in order to "motivate" them.

There won't be a movie at 8 pm to entice them to rush through their work.

Quitting time is always quitting time.

Your operators will never be required to handle mooring lines, load potatoes, stand security posts, or run drills while they are on shift.

You will never run an actual drill on the actual reactor.

You and your fellow SRO's won't be studying how to shoot torpedoes, how to navigate the plant down the shipping channel, or how to track sonar contacts.  None of you will be in charge of another work group that is totally unrelated to nuclear energy -- no torpedo, nav, sonar, or communications officers at a civilian nuke plant.

So you see, the use of threats or heavy-handed use of your authority, are just not necessary out here.  Managers are problem-solvers.  They enable and empower their employees.  They listen, collaborate, and delegate.  Employees are paid to do one job at a time, and they do it well when their expectations are clear and unconflicted.

You will find it much easier to supervise adults who are treated as adults.  You'll find it not so hard to manage people when their work isn't a constant conflict between training, maintenance, clean-up, non-work-related duties, and sleep.

You are not the first, and won't be the last to make the transition from Navy life to an actual life.  You'll get it.

Good luck, and thank you for your service.

[Fermi2]

Could you please tell me what you asked and what your answers were?
I can most likely help you.
If you don't want to post them here you can PM or email them to me.

Mike