RAF RECRUITMENT by Richard McMunn

A career with the Royal Air Force is one of the best you can get within the British Armed Forces. The reason for this is that the technical expertise required to perform a large number of roles far exceeds some of the other roles within the Armed Forces. The application process, therefore, is considerably harder in terms of the technical knowledge that is required; if you are to achieve a pass and obtain the career that you are after.

Some of the roles and careers within the Royal Air Force require you to possess GCSEs in Maths, English and a science-based subject. However, there are a number of career options open to those who have no qualifications at all. Whichever career path you choose you will need to pass the initial selection process, which includes a number of tests and interviews. In order to progress through each stage of the selection process you must prepare fully and put in 100% effort. The emphasis throughout this guide is on preparation and this will be mentioned on a number of occasions. The majority of people who fail the Royal Air Force selection process do so through lack of preparation and not through an inability to achieve their goal. During your preparation it is important to remember that the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Try to imagine yourself as a Royal Air Force careers officer. What would you be looking for in potential applicants? A smart appearance, clean shoes, confidence, intelligence, manners and politeness perhaps? An ability to listen to what you are being told is also very important and if you are asked to attend an interview or test at a specific time and place then make sure you are there on time and do not be late.

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During my time in the Armed Forces I had many amazing experiences and I met some fantastic people. By the time I was 19 I had travelled the world and seen places that others can only dream of – all whilst getting paid for it. Good things in life don’t always come easy and you have to work very hard in order to achieve them. As I coach you through the selection process with the aid of this guide I want you to promise yourself one thing – that you will work hard and that you will always look for ways to improve on your weak areas.
During my time in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services I enjoyed a very successful career, despite leaving school with very few qualifications! My recipe for success has always been to work hard and improve myself. Perseverance and determination are favourite words of mine and if you apply them to your thinking whilst going through selection, and everything else that you do, then there is no reason why you can’t achieve anything you want in life.

How to prepare for the RAF selection process

Before I go into the different stages of the RAF selection process it is important for me to explain how you need to go about your preparation. Preparation is the process of getting yourself ready for the different stages of the selection process. In basic terms, the more preparation you do, your chances of success will increase. Do little or no preparation, then there is a high possibility that you will fail. It is also important to make a conscious effort to add some form of ‘structure’ to your preparation. For example, if I want to achieve something in life then I will always use an action plan. The action plan sets out what I am going to do and more importantly when I am going to do it. It’s very similar to a shopping list in the fact that you are writing down exactly what you need to get or do whilst you are out shopping. Just by writing down the steps you are going to take in order to prepare for RAF selection you will be adding an element of ‘structure’ and ‘organisation’ to your work.

The following table is an action plan that I would use if I was going through selection right now.

My action plan for preparing for RAF selection – example only

The above action plan/timetable would ensure that I focused on the following three key development areas:

1. Improving my mental and physical fitness in preparation for the selection process and in particular the pre-joining fitness test;

2. Improving my ability to carry out psychometric tests which will help me to pass the Airman/Airwoman Selection Test (AST);

3. Improving my knowledge of the RAF and my chosen career.

Of course, you will also need to work on your interview technique and responses to the questions but I will come onto that area in a later section of this guide. The point I am trying to get across here is that if you have some form of structure to your preparation then you are far more likely to succeed. By following a structured training and development programme during your preparation then you are far more likely to pass the RAF selection process. For every element of the RAF selection process use an action plan which sets out exactly what you are going to do, and when.

Lets now take a look at the different stages of the selection process for Airmen/Airwomen and RAF Regiment Gunners.

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The RAF selection process relevant for Airmen/Airwomen and RAF Regiment Gunners

The selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Application form and initial interview at the Armed Forces Careers Office

2. The Airman/Airwoman Selection Test (AST)

3. Occupational Health Assessment

4. The Pre-Joining Fitness Test

5. Selection interviews and further checks

Once you have successfully passed every stage of the selection process then you will be offered a contract with the RAF. Once this is signed then you will receive a starting date for your initial basic training course. Let’s now take a look at each of the different stages of selection.

Application form and initial interview at the Armed Forces Careers Office

The first stage of the RAF selection process is to submit your application. However, before you get to this stage it is important to speak to an Armed Forces Careers advisor about the options that are available to you and also about life within the RAF. You can find details of your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office by visiting the Royal Air Force website www.raf.mod.uk. On the website you will also find plenty of information about life in the RAF and the careers that are available. You should also discuss your choice of career with your family and with your partner to ensure that they give you their full support.

Once you have decided that a career in the RAF is for you then it is time to make your application. Remember, you are at no obligation to join until you sign your contract. There are two ways in which you can apply. The first and most efficient method is to apply online at the website www.raf.mod.uk. The second option is to complete the application form at your Armed Forces Careers Office. You will need to first of all register your details with the RAF before commencing your online application which usually takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. There are a number of different sections that you must complete including personal details, any experiences you have of the Armed Forces, details relating to your qualifications and finally information about your choice of career within the RAF. The application form is relatively simple to complete, however, there are a number of questions where you will need to provide evidence of your suitability for joining. For example, there will be questions that relate to your physical fitness and your involvement in sports and other similar activities. There will also be the opportunity to tell the RAF about any positions of responsibility you currently hold either at school, at home or at work. Whilst most of these questions are optional I would advise that you provide some brief details about any responsibilities you have held, or that you currently hold, as this will assist you in your application.

Examples of responsibilities an applicant may hold are as follows:

Responsibilities at school

‘Whilst at school I was head of my class for the final year. During this time I was required to set an example to other pupils and inform the teacher of any missing pupils at the commencement of each lesson. I was also captain of the school hockey team for a period of time. Part of my responsibilities as captain included assisting teachers with the annual fixtures list and picking players for the team.

Responsibilities at work

‘In my current job as sales assistant at a local retail store I am responsible for monitoring stock levels and ordering replenishments as and when required. I am also responsible for dealing with customer’s enquiries and complaints as and when they arise.

Responsibilities at home

‘At home I am responsible for helping out with the cleaning. Part of my household responsibilities include cleaning the car and gardening on a weekly basis.’

If you have little or no responsibilities at present then it is certainly worth starting. You can add elements of responsibility to your life simply by carrying out household tasks such as cleaning, ironing or gardening. During your initial training course with the RAF you will be allocated certain responsibilities so it is advisable that you have some experience of responsibility before you join.

Once you have completed your application and it is successful you will then be invited to the Armed Forces Careers Office for an interview and to sit the Airman/Airwoman Selection Test (AST).

Armed Forces Careers Office interview

The initial interview will usually take place at the Armed Forces Careers Office and it is designed to assess your reasons for wanting to join the RAF, and your choice of career. If you have a Curriculum Vitae (CV) then I would suggest you take this along with you. If you do not already have a CV then you will find some useful tips on how to create one during a later section of the guide. The interview at the AFCO is sometimes referred to as a ‘filter’ interview and is designed to filter out those candidates who are suitable, and those who are not. During a later section of this guide I have provided a comprehensive section that will assist you in your preparation for the RAF interview.

Here are some useful tips that will help you to prepare:

- In the build up to the interview study the questions that are contained within this guide. Try to think of suitable responses for each question that are applicable to you and your circumstances.

- Make sure you already have some element of responsibility in your life either at home, at school or at work. Those candidates who can demonstrate experience of responsibility will score higher.

- Before you attend the interview visit the RAF’s website at www.raf.mod.uk and take a look at the career options that are available. Think very carefully about the type(s) of career that interests you. Think about the qualifications you have and any experiences you already have that might be suitable to your chosen career(s). During the interview the RAF will want to know what careers you are most interested in, and more importantly the reasons why.

- During the interview the RAF will ask you questions about any jobs you have had to date. If you have no experience of work then consider applying for a part time job either at weekends or in the evening. If you are finding it difficult to get part time work then even consider a few hours voluntary work. Providing evidence of previous work commitments during the interview will be a positive thing.

- During the interview there will be questions that relate to any hobbies you have and also your free time activities. Those candidates who can demonstrate that they use their leisure time actively will score higher. The RAF interviewer will want to see that you are an active person, as opposed to someone who sits at home on the computer for hours on end.

- The interviewer will want to know why you have chosen the RAF and not the other forces. They will also want to know what you’ve done to find out about the RAF and also your chosen career(s). Information about the RAF and your chosen career is very easy to find on the RAF’s website www.raf.mod.uk. Make sure you learn as much as possible about the RAF, your chosen career(s) and in particular the training that you’ll be required to undertake.

- Before you attend the interview read the assessable qualities that I have provided you within this guide. These will be a good basis for your preparation.

- When you attend the interview dress smartly. One of the most effective ways to create a good impression is by wearing a smart, formal outfit. Remember though, you can still look scruffy in a suit so make sure it is clean and pressed.

- Polish your shoes and have a good level of personal hygiene.

- Work on your interview technique and try out a mock interview before you attend the AFCO.

Once you have passed your interview then you will move on to the next stage of the selection process.

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The Occupational Health Assessment and Pre-Joining Fitness Test

As part of the RAF selection process you will be required to undertake an Occupational Health Assessment and a Pre-Joining Fitness test. The RAF will be investing a large amount of time, money and resources into your training so they want to be sure that you are physically fit and healthy. The requirements for both the health assessment and the pre joining fitness test will vary for each role. Contact your AFCO advisor for more details. You will also find a useful guide entitled ‘How to get RAF Fit’ towards the end of this book which will assist you greatly during your preparation.

Further selection interviews and checks

Some positions in the RAF will require further selection interviews and checks. The type of interview will vary depending on the role that you are applying for. Once again, check with your AFCO advisor to see if the job you are applying for qualifies for further interviews. Once you have successfully passed every stage of the selection process then you will be offered a contract of employment and you will receive a date for the commencement of your training.

Sample RAF interview question and answer

Why do you want to join the Royal Air Force?

This is an almost guaranteed question during the selection interview so there should be no reason why you can’t answer it in a positive manner. Only you will know the real reason why you want to join but consider the following benefits before you construct your response:

- A career in the RAF presents a challenge that is not available in the majority of other jobs or careers;

- A career in the RAF will provide you with professional training and ongoing personal development;

- A career in the RAF will offer you the chance to work in a highly professional organisation that prides itself on high standards;

- The RAF is an organisation that people have a huge amount of respect for. Therefore those people who join it are very proud to be a part of such a team.

Try to display a good level of motivation when answering questions of this nature. The Royal Air Force is looking for people who want to become a professional member of their team and who understand their way of life. It should be your own decision to join the Royal Air Force and you should be attracted to what this career has to offer. If you have been pushed into joining by your family then you shouldn’t be there! I have provided you with a sample response to this question.

Sample response to interview question number 1

Why do you want to join the Royal Air Force?

‘I have wanted to join the Royal Air Force for a couple of years now and I have been working very hard to pass selection. Having studied the RAF recruitment literature and the RAF website I am impressed by the professionalism and standards the service sets itself. I would like a career that is fulfilling, challenging and rewarding and I believe that the RAF would provide all of these. During my research I have spoken to serving members of the RAF and every single one of them has had positive things to say about the service. The fact that I would be improving my education and ending up with a trade is just another example of why I want to join the RAF.

Over the last few years I have become more aware of my own skills and qualities and I believe these would be very well suited to the RAF. I enjoy being away from home and I also like to take responsibility. For example, I was recently made captain of my football team and this involves organising team trips and fixtures. I am also a good team player and I like working with different groups of people who have different experiences in life. There is always something to learn in life and I would love to be a part of a service such as the RAF where I would be continually learning new skills.

I have seriously considered the implications that joining a service such as the RAF would have on both my personal life and social life and I have discussed these with my family and my partner. They have given me their full support and they promise to help me achieve my goal of joining the Royal Air Force. Even though I know the training will be hard I am certain I can pass it with flying colours and if I am successful I promise that I will work very hard to pass every exam.’

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RAF RECRUITMENT

Good luck!

Richard McMunn

Best selling author and RAF Recruitment expert