Military Analyst

You may have gaps in employment for many reasons. Be honest. Speak confidently about the experience you gained during the gaps that could transfer to on-the-job skills. For instance, if you were a caregiver, you likely managed complex personal finance issues. As a volunteer, you might have worked with diverse groups and managed challenging schedules.

While I worked in law enforcement as a volunteer, I have to admit I grew up reading Tom Clancy novels and I liked what I read about analysts in the books (minus the over the top James Bond type stuff Jack Ryan always lands himself in) and was drawn to the intelligence field. I specifically plotted out my education to make myself attractive for intelligence work even before 9/11, and on 9/11 I was already half way through my master’s in criminal justice and intelligence. The events on 9/11 just solidified my life choice. Now with my education and specialization I wouldn’t consider a job outside public service, I wanted to utilize it and I thought the FBI was ideal for that.

Similar to answering "how do you handle stress and pressure," this is an opportunity to talk about your problem solving abilities. This question is best answered with a focus on a single example since that's what the question is asking for. Start by setting up the situation, then talk about how you solved it. Cap off your answer with a short and sweet explanation of your thought process, goals, and problem-solving method.

This is an almost guaranteed question during your Army interview so there should be no reason why you can’t answer it in a positive manner. Try to display motivation when answering questions of this nature. The Army are looking for people who want to become a professional member of their team and who understand the Army way of life. By studying your Army recruitment literature and the Army website you will understand what service life is all about. You want to be a member of the British Army and you are attracted to what it has to offer. If you have been pushed into joining by your family then you shouldn’t be applying.

{not sure if this question is legal to ask) but I usually respond “He works for the government. He loves what he does which is why we moved. I’m hoping to duplicate that passion for work here at [company name]”

Military training is part of military service and you receive your pay based on your grade and entitlements.

Make sure you tell the recruiter if you have ROTC, college or even Junior ROTC experience. Some services have programs that will allow you to enter at a higher pay grade than peers with no experience.

Keep it brief. A straightforward answer is best. For example, “My organization was forced to downsize.” Avoid negative statements about yourself, your work or your ability to get along with others. Never criticize former employers or coworkers.

The FBI has had analysts for a good part of its existence in many forms. These forms have constantly evolved to meet the changing demands of the FBI and the intelligence community. From the beginning of their existence, analysts have worked among and with FBI Special Agents to prevent crimes of all sorts including working against foreign intelligence activity and terrorism.

Your answer to this question will tell employers whether or not you fit the office culture and if you would be a motivated employee. It's a broad, nebulous question, but don't let that scare you. Pick a few measures of success that relate to the job you're applying for; success can mean fostering good communication, completing projects ahead of schedule, or finding innovative solutions to certain problems.

Every soldier and officer is expected to abide by these important values and therefore it is not unreasonable for the Army to expect you to know them when you apply. You are likely to be asked a question that relates to the values during the ACA interview so make sure you know them and what each one of them means. Here is a sample response to this question.

-(again, don’t know if this question is legal) but my answer would be “I am happily married to a man who gives up his wellbeing and happiness to serve his country. I don’t know of any other profession that requires that much sacrifice. With that said, the military is one part of my life but it’s not all of my life. My career is important to me. I can assure you that being a military spouse has only given me the strength to overcome and handle any roadblocks or difficulties that may come my way.”

Generally the minimum is two years, but the amount of benefits you receive directly relates to your commitment.

Physical standards vary from service to service. Have your recruiter spell it out for you.

In my opinion the FBI vastly ramped up its hiring of intelligence analysts during about the same time DHS started hiring its core of analysts. Analysts at the FBI work to support the FBI’s mission and DHS analysts at their component agencies and at the DHS HQ are obviously focused on those component agency and DHS responsibilities. Both agencies have responsibilities with working with state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. The exact nature of the responsibilities are beyond my level of knowledge, but both agencies work to secure the homeland from terrorism in addition to the other missions they both have.

☛ Tell me about your experience with cost-benefit analysis

☛ How would you rate your data analysis skills, on a scale of 1 to 10?

☛ Do you think the job of a budget analyst requires teamwork? Why?

☛ How do you maintain attention to detail when preparing a budget?

☛ Do you recall the day your service ended?

☛ Where were you?

☛ What did you do in the days and weeks afterward?

☛ Did you work or go back to school?

☛ Was your education supported by the G.I. Bill?

☛ Did you make any close friendships while in the service?

☛ Did you continue any of those relationships?

☛ For how long?

☛ Did you join a veterans organization?