What is the best way to prepare for an interview for your first 1SG position?

Congratulations on your interview as a 1SG, SGM (Join to see). Hands down it was the best job that I held in the Army. there is nothing like being a 1SG. One thing that I learned during interviews that I did, was be yourself and be honest. Don't tell the CSM what you think he/she wants to hear, tell himher what you think. Tell about your leadership styles, tell about your past leadership challenges and how you succeeded. Tell not only of your strengths, but talk about your weaknesses and how you have/are overcoming them. Just remember, the CSM will remember what is said in the interview, so be you.

Never heard of being interviewed for a 1SG position, unless it was a second one and something special, 1SG at the Drill Sergeant School, Fort Benning...Air Assault School Co 1SG..

But in any case, you’re either in because of who you are, so be yourself. Listen, think……..THEN answer.
Or you’re not in because of what the interviewer already knows about you…or HOW you answer the questions..IOW its more like you talk your way out of the job, then into it.

Kind of like a promotion board.. SPC Marquez walks into the board a success..recommended, records straight, ready to be promoted, it is his appearance and actions IN the board that may make him fail...He walked in a success.

Id start the interview by asking "SIR/CSM What do YOU expect of me?" Assuming its pretty standard stuff, all you believe you can comply with, tell them so.
As for prepare.... Know the units mission, how many SM are in it, what each platoon or section is responsible for,,, understand which sections you can provide direct and specific guidance for, and which ones you’re going to have to get educated on.
No matter the MOS or job of the SM in your charge, you can always lead them..even if you’re not the smartest one on the common tasks..
As the 1SG, no one is expecting you to be able to set up and establish connectivity with the Joint Network Node...But that section is expecting you to be able to ensure they have the resources to do so themselves. If you know how to service the on board GENSET, all better..but what is required is you get them the service supplies so they can do it, the training time to learn how to do it and the scheduled time TO DO IT.

MSG Albert,
Not sure if you had your interview already, but Congrats on that. The fact that you are interviewing for a 1SG position says a lot. You pretty much have what you need as advice from the previous posts, so I'm just going to provide you what I experienced when I interviewed for a previous Detachment Sergeant position. The BC and CSM interviewed me at the same time. It was an informal setting in the BC's office. They introduced themselves and then asked me for a brief bio in my own words. They proceeded into a question and answer session (all 1SG/Detachment SGT position scenario based) and from their respective positions. The part that I feel made them choose me was my response when asked, "How will I improve the Detachment if selected?" This is where I brought up information about the unit. I knew the ins and outs, where it was successful and where it was not. The complete breakdown of the unit (Military/Civilians/local nationals/sections/etc.) All this information was obtained through engagements with the outgoing Detachment SGT/Platoon Sergeants/ Detachment CDR/ etc. I spent as much time with the outgoing Detachment SGT as possible to truly know the challenges of the position. This assisted me with formulating plans to tackle issues and sustain/improve successful areas. So what do you think those individuals spoke to CSM and the BC about? My name was already in their minds as someone taking initiative and could somewhat "hit the field running" vs learning on the fly. Hope this helps. Feel free to message me with contact information if you want to discuss further.

v/r

MSG Ewing