i've applied to join the navy as a warfare officer ..... advice please?

Question

i'm male, 19 years-old, i meet the requirements to, and have applied to serve as a warfare officer within the navy, i have two A Levels (140 ucas points) in geography and english language. i'm very physically fit and i've 2 years work experience in the banking sector as a fraud analyist/investigator. i coach/manage the under 7's local football team, i'm a member of a golf club and walking club.

yet i'm concerned i will be over-looked as oppose to older applicants i.e somebody with a degree/graduate. should i be so concerned. i've been successful with every job interview in the past so i don't envisage confidence being an issue, but this
the biggest thing i've ever done and it's taken a lot of thought.

any advice on how i could better myself and make my application stand out that bit more? i have the opportunity to go to uni in september but i'm determined to succeed with this.

Answer 1

Sounds like you are doing everything right so far. I wouldnt change a winning formula. Hats off to you.

Answer 2

Ok, First off good career choice, What you are doing is more than whats required at entry and basic levels, BUT I would reccommend going to university and study Naval Architecture and Nautical Studies( need anymore information email or message me), it helps f you get someone who knows you and is currently in the RN to write a letter of reccomendation as that will single you out to them. Age isnt much of a factor as they judge you on how well you do in the interview etc, then dont go "oh well he's too young".


What you do need to do is get a lot more "Stress-ful" Mental exercises as being an officer is more about your mental ability than your physical ability (although that is important aswell) as the game demands a quick and decisive reaction, Thats the the kinds of things that will come up at the interviews.

Your current job wont really have much of an impact on it, although as a fraud analyst you analyse situations and people, a skill that will come in handy in the service and may give you an edge.

They do want to want to hear about your willingness to be a leader, but also why they should put you through. You must also get the point across that extreme stress and a dangerious situation wont imper your ability to think. If you have had any experience in being a leader whatsoever bring it up, For gods sake Do NOT be modest. You also need to get the point across that you are reliable and are able perform to the best of your ability at any time.

Basic tips when you are infront of the board:
1. Dont Waffle on
2. Straight Posture
3. Be careful of any humor you use
4. Be very confident

Answer 3

Fraud analyst at 17 in a bank? You must have a LOT of connections going on.
You are very correct to be concerned. The officials looking at your application will be very curious about a few things especially being a fraud analyst at 17 in the banking sector. They are going to do a full background check for such positions and check your past out in detail. You will be dealing with sensitive information so they have to be carefully. If anything does not check out that will put you on the fast road to not be considered.
If you truly wish to get noticed then you want to write to your senator and also try to find out just who is looking at your case and to write to them also.
You seem to be very smart but yet the idea to me of someone at 17 working in fraud analyst i am thinking that you bought donuts in the morning for the crew and shredded paper and other meaningless work around the general office area.

Answer 4

Can't be the British Navy either, takes years to become an officer and you will have to go through the ranks if you haven't got the acedamic qualifications required. I can't believe you were a fraud investigator at such a young age in a bank. Office junior yes, but you really must be committed to join any of the forces.

Answer 5

The armed forces will not just look at degrees, top things they look for are determination, ability to learn, passion for all things navy, mental and physical fitness.
You application sounds fine as it is. A degree doesnt make it any better really in their eyes.

Answer 6

i joined the navy during the vietnam war as an airman recruit,
things might have changed since then, but after the war was over they started downsizing, and cancelled our classes and slapped some of us in the seabees, some whoknows where.

i believe they will place the higher educated personell into the main positions and youll have to huff and puff and work your way up to your desired position.

wich is a good thing but if they place you into the field that you didnt sign up for, since now they are placing army national guardsmen who were highly educated in the technial fields and placing them on the front line injfantry because they are spread to thin, so good luck and dont forget to duck!!!

Answer 7

Read Sea-Dog's answer carefully - he's the only one who has given useful advice and knows what he is talking about. I was going to say that your interview & selection process will be more important than the application form but Sea-Dog explained it all first.

Ignore all the USA people who have answered (easy to spot the clues, senators, congress etc not relevant!!)

Answer 8

I think you like to brag more than state the facts. At 17 you were working on the fraud dept of a bank? NOt likely. Did you skip 10-12 grades to get your resume?

Answer 9

If you don't like the conditions in which you will have to work you will not be able to leave until your contract term is up, you may have to sign your life away fo 2 years before any consideration to leave is offered.

Think carefully and think hard - do you really want to kill people, do you really want to live in close quarters with a lot of other men, do you really want to sign 2 years of your life away should you decide its not for you after 2 weeks at sea, do you really want to be bossed about and told what to do at someone else whim.

I wouldn't advise you to take the job let alone advise you how to get past interview. I strongly advise a rethink.

Answer 10

YUP! Call your state Senator, fax him a copy of all your proven achievements,ask for a letter of recommendation. Do the same with your Congressman, State Representative and local judge, and police chief. the more the better. Good luck!