Having passed my SIFT interview today I will dutifully pass on my experiences for anyone seeking direction with regards to how their interview may pan out.
Don't be put off if the officer interviewing you is not from your desired branch; mine was a Royal and that couldn't have be farther removed from the job I am applying for. They are looking for the officer potential in you and that's all you should be concerned with.
Questions:
1. Taking the RN out of the question; what has made you want to join the Armed Forces in general?
2. Why then did you choose the RN as opposed to say the Army or the RAF?
3. Why are you applying for your chosen branch?
4. Which sources do you use to gather knowledge about the navy, current affairs (navy related!) and operations?
5. Say you pass AIB, what happens next? What does your training then consist of?
6. Say you pass out of BRNC - then what?
7. Where is the RN on operation around the world?
8. Which units are on operation and where?
9. What's the difference between a destroyer and a frigate? (they want to know everything that you know; weapons, radar type etc)
10. What is the T45 destroyer replacing and why? Why's it a better choice?
11. Name 3 current RN developments (i.e. ships being built, new aircraft etc).
12. Name an example of when you have shown leadership skills?
13. Using a different example, name a time when you have managed a team of people.
14. Name a time when you have spoken publicly or in front a large number of people.
15. Name a time when you have demonstrated teamwork abilities.
And then all the standard questions like: would you up for working on a submarine, drugs policy, taking life, do you have a partner etc etc
Admittedly I have paraphrased most of these questions but nontheless they are relevant and you could/will/may be asked them!
My key piece of advice for anyone that wants to do well is to buckle down on your service knowledge and to read up about a few branch specific developments that have happened recently. This will show a deeper level of understanding and that you have a genuine interest in your chosen branch. You will be able to find examples of these in past issues of Navy News.
Relax, stay calm and back yourself. If you don't know the answer to something then say so - this will gain you more respect than cringily attempting to bullshit your way through ever will. Elaborate on your leadership/management tasks, they want to know that you enjoy leading and what your leadership style is.