RFA Sift Interview

Hello Again!

So you've been waiting for probably a number of months by this point and received the invite to an RFA Sift Interview, first of all well done! It takes usually a lot of time and patience to reach this point, and so far you have most likely shown that you have something that the RFA are after.
However the sift interview is a challenging stage and you will be tested to ensure you have done your homework and really want one of the limited places at the next stage, the Admiralty Interview Board. This blog post will cover a few of the questions I was asked and go over the advice I was given upon successful completion of this stage. I will not go into the exact details as I and probably others feel this would detract from the purpose of the assessment, however I hope to offer you some useful information nonetheless.

My sift interview was conducted at HM Naval Base Portsmouth (Hampshire) and lasted about an hour, conducted with a second officer from the RFA. Prior to commencing the interview the officer verbally highlighted the purpose of the interview and in summary is as follows:

'To understand what you know about the RFA and its current role, in addition to testing your suitability to progress to the Admiralty Interview Board.'

Although upon appearances the interview was formal, it was more of a discussion regarding the questions asked, however be aware that each question will test your knowledge to the limit so really do your background reading prior to attending to succeed. Overall questions covered two key areas:

1. RFA General Knowledge
2. Personal Responses and Achievements

RFA general knowledge is what it says on the tin, however the personal questions examine how you achieved something, or did not achieve something. More so your response to a scenario and your emotional connection to that situation. So below are a few examples of both types of questions I was asked and following that I will provide my own hints and tips (learned the hard way):

RFA General Knowledge-

• Where are the RFA currently operating?
• Which vessels are committed to the above operations?
• How many vessels does the RFA operate?
• Summarise your chosen branch.
• Why the RFA?
• What do you know about the training for your role?

Personal Responses and Achievements-

• Describe a time you achieved a goal.
• Describe a time you didn't achieve a goal.
• Biggest achievement?
• How would other people describe you?

The above examples are only a snapshot and i'm sure everyone will have their own nightmare questions etc.

To summarise i've got some hints that will help you on your way!

• Don't rely on Google for all your RFA knowledge (Navy News hint hint)
• Add structure to your responses, don't go off track for no reason.
• Smile! I would hate to be an interviewing officer having to stare at a frown.
• Understand your chosen branch and the training required, its quite simple.
• Relax, everyone you meet on the day is there to help you and wants you to succeed so really do enjoy it! (Portsmouth is a great city for a relaxing cuppa pre interview)

As always i'm here for any questions

Yorks2018