Why do you want this job?
The answer to this question will be similar to the one above, except instead of explaining why you want to grow, target your answer to the job and company youre applying for. Talk about opportunities the prospective employer will give you and how you will benefit them as a company. No matter the type of job or pay, communicate your interest with specific examples and short plugs about your abilities.
This question is a great way to show your passion for the Air Force and how you came to be where you are today. Your answer should include what inspired you to enlist, why you chose the Air Force over other branches of the military and any personal experiences that led you to this decision.
Example: “When I was in flight school, we had a test where we were required to fly an aircraft under challenging conditions. We had to navigate through clouds while flying at low altitudes. It was very stressful because if we failed the test, we would be kicked out of the program. However, I kept calm and focused on my task. I successfully navigated through the clouds and landed the plane safely.”
The interview process at US Air Force is generally pretty straightforward and easy. You will talk to several people throughout the process, and at the end of the day, they will decide if you are moving on to the next round or not. However, some positions may require a more extensive interview process. For example, the position of Financial Specialist requires a Zoom interview followed by a 20 minute panel interview with 4 people.
Example: “I had a two-year break between my first job as an IT specialist and my current position because I was caring for my mother after she suffered a stroke. During that time, I took online courses to keep up with technology advancements and learned new skills so I could apply for jobs again.”
Example: “I am very excited about the opportunity to serve my country by traveling frequently. I know that being in the military means adapting to new environments and situations. I have always enjoyed meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I think these experiences will help me grow as a person and as an employee.”
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Stress and pressure are ubiquitous in the working world. No matter how easy-going your workplace might be, there are always problems, snags, and emergencies that interrupt plans. They key to answering this question is acknowledging how you overcome personal feelings and solve problems. Whether your first response is to take 60 seconds to breathe and clear your head or write down solutions on a scrap of paper, emphasize your ability to focus on solutions, self-motivate through adversity, and sidestep panic.
Why are you leaving or have left your job?
If you left on unfriendly terms with your previous employer, your gut reaction might to be to pick apart every single thing that was wrong with them. Do not, at any time for any reason, do this. Unless you were laid off, focus on your inspired need to find new opportunities. You might want to focus on a different kind of work, or perhaps there wasnt any room to grow at your old company. Whatever the reason, the best answers to this question will focus on personal and professional growth.