What are some key questions you should ask when interviewing for new job/duty stations?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 12:12:55 -0400

My marketplace is currently open and I'll be setting up interviews with the units I'm interested in (I prioritized my marketplace by location so I'll be interviewing for primarily BN S6 and Co CMD). Looking for anyone who has participated in past marketplaces and how your interviews went: what kinds of questions you got asked as a Company Grade Officer and what kinds of questions I should keep in mind to ask them. Only thing I can really think of right now is questions regarding their mission set/op tempo. Thanks!

Response by CSM William Everroad made Apr 8 at 2022 3:35 PM

CSM William Everroad — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:35:37 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I always recommend asking about the Commander's Training Guidance and if there is anything the Commander prioritizes, especially in Leader Development.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2022 10:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 22:21:23 -0400

"Is 10 level task communications training a priority in this Battalion/Brigade?". I'd recommend making it clear that providing trainers and resources outside your section or company is a priority to you. Or, I hope it would be. It's the only way to stem the tendency outside the Signal community to not worry about comms until they don't work.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Apr 18 at 2022 4:49 PM

LTC John Mohor — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:49:25 -0400

Questions about training goals, requirements and opportunities never get old. Depending on the units by location your talking about related to command opportunities if a non signal group what are your opportunities as a Signal Officer to Command(HHC, HHD or EN/ Maintenance Company etc. ) commanders guidance or intent in a future command is a good one too. Back in the day we had to have a Bio- Summary to share with potential gaining commands not sure present day requirements in the reserve. Best of luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 8:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 20:11:49 -0400

Since many other senior leaders left great comments, I will focus on what they might ask you during an interview. They might ask you about Problem-solving skills, technical knowledge (how communication asset works in multi-domain operation), interpersonal and communication skills. If you are going for the Co CMD, they might ask about your leadership philosophy and how your thought process fits with the organizational behavior and culture. Again, this is just my opinion.

Response by SFC Rich Bright made Apr 27 at 2022 12:32 AM

SFC Rich Bright — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:32:39 -0400

Signal skills are perishable, particularly to the the non-signal folks, what is commanders intent and focus- He should already know if it is on its ass and only a focus when it does not work, and needs based on Optempo and units comms- MTOE? Manny of comms personnel is often over looked- In 26 years, in the singnal support sections- "I NEVER HAD MORE THAN 75% Manning and often less than 50%. Comms is tricky and more dependent on Civilian Network oriented than Tactical FM Comms. So what is the needs of the Unit- IE: MI and ADA and Artillery and BDE HQ needs much in the way of Network Comms, etc...