Motivation
Motivation is a major point which will be evaluated in detail by each of the interviewers during the recruitment process. You must be well prepared and learn everything you can about the roles and responsibilities of the position you are applying for. As a candidate, expect the interviewer to ask questions aimed at satisfying themselves on these issues.
The Defence Values, also known as ‘Our Values’ are: • Service – The selflessness of character to place the security and interests of our nation and its people ahead of my own. • Courage – The strength of character to say and do the right thing, always, especially in the face of adversity. • Respect – The humanity of character to value others and treat them with dignity. • Integrity – The consistency of character to align my thoughts, words and actions to do what is right. • Excellence – The willingness of character to strive each day to be the best I can be, both professionally and personally.
What will make you more competitive
• Motivation and attitude • Knowledge of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) • Demonstration of Defence Values • Ambition and knowledge about the roles that you wish to undertake • Being able to meet all of the eligibility criteria • Your General Aptitude Score • Performance at your interview • Performance at your Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) • Your overall merit compared to other candidates competing for similar employment categories.
Information required for the defence interview at assessment session
Motivation • Why do you wish to be in the ADF? • Why do you wish to join the Service you are applying for? (Navy, Army, Air Force) • Why do you want to be a…? Career Choice e.g. Army Officer (General Service Officer), Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Warehouse Store person, Vehicle Mechanic • What do you think are some of the challenges you will face at initial military training? • How will you overcome these challenges? Job/Training Understanding • What is your initial minimum period of service (IMPS)? • What are some of the responsibilities of the Service you are applying for? • Why does the ADF have values? • Initial Military Training: location, duration, course content? • Initial Employment Training: location, duration, course content? • What can you expect to be your day-to-day role once posted to your unit? Fitness • What is the physical fitness standard for enlistment? Please refer to “FITNESS STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR ADF ENTRY” of this document for specifics. • When was the last time you attempted all the elements of a Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) at the same time? • Describe your structured physical training program? • For Navy and Army candidates, what are the specific swim test requirements and can you pass the swim test?
ADF Policies and Conditions • What are the ADF Policies and Conditions? Understand and be prepared to describe them:
Understanding the ADF • What are some of the actions/activities the ADF has been involved in overseas? • What are some of the domestic operations/local tasks the ADF has been involved in? Additional Questions for Officers: • Why do you want to be an Officer and not be a sailor, soldier or aviator? • What is your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of leadership and management and how does this apply to the role of an Officer? • What is your understanding of the Officer Selection Board?
Should you desire, you will be able to bring pre-prepared notes with you into the Psychology Interview and Defence Interview. You will be able to consult your notes during the interviews to supplement your answers, however, you are still required to be well prepared and to understand the role(s) you are applying for prior to the interview. Excessive use of notes may be detrimental to the psychologist’s or Defence Interviewer’s ability to accurately assess your understanding of the role(s) and may lead to you being asked to set them aside.