What are Mock Boards
Cadets who apply for National Summer Training Courses – IACE, Glider Pilot and Power Pilot – are required to sit for a personal interview, called the Scholarship Review Boards
Mock Boards are intended to mimic the atmosphere the cadet will experience in the actual Board, thereby preparing the cadets for the actual Review Boards.
They are not intended to “teach” cadets the subject matter of the Course, but rather the way in which the interview is conducted, how the questions are asked, and the procedure to expect.
At the end of the ‘mock interview’ provide the cadet with constructive feedback as to their voice projection, limit use of ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’, good posture (but remembering to relax) , addressing the board including eye contact, and the correct way to enter & exit the interview.
Important facts to remember
Who is responsible for Mock Boards?
- It is the Squadron Sponsoring Committee’s responsibility to coordinate the Mock boards
Date of Mock Boards
- Usually 1-2 weeks prior to the actual Review Boards
- The closer to the Review Boards the better it is for the cadets
Location
- Depending on the number of cadets and the number of panels, you will need 1 room per panel for interviews and any additional space for cadets to congregate
Checklist
- Schedule dates for Mock Boards in advance with the CO to be included in the training calendar
- Secure location
- Request the CO to put the event on the MRO’s
- Have the event announced at the cadet’s parade night and include it in the newsletter
- Coordinate review Board interviewers with the CO
- Ensure Mock Boards are conducted as a panel interview (Interview Board should consist of 3 people unfamiliar to the Cadets)
What to wear?
To ensure that cadets treat the Mock Boards as the actual Review Boards, the panel must ensure that both partners are dressed professionally, i.e. Officers in uniforms and civilians in professional attire.
Cadets must attend in their C-2 uniforms without any decorations or other accessories, as they would when attending the actual Review Boards.
Provide a professional environment!
The Interview Panel
Each panel should have three members consisting of:
- One or two Officers
- One or two Civilian Volunteers *
Try to coordinate inter-Squadron Mock Boards.
* Preferably someone from the community, who the cadets are not familiar with. This sets the stage and prepares the cadets in a more formal environment.
Process for Review Board Interview
Entering the Room:
- Come to attention at the door, salute, announce yourself
- Walk sharply to the chair, wait for permission to be seated
Seating:
- Remove your wedge and place on your lap
- Sit straight with both feet flat of floor, Relax – but don’t slouch
During the Interview:
- The Chairperson will introduce the board to you, give a short preamble and then begin
- Answer in complete sentences
- Avoid using slang terms, fidgeting or playing with your uniform
- Speak to all members of the board, maintain eye contact
- When addressing a board member use Sir or Ma’am (but not necessary to repeat after every question)
- If needed take a few seconds after a question to gather your thoughts for an answer
- If you do not understand or hear the question ask for it to be repeated
Leaving the Room:
- Stand at attention facing the Review Board, replace headdress
- Thank the Board members for the interview
- Return to the door, Salute, and exit the room
Conclusion
Remember that the interview panel at the Review Boards are impressed with cadets who project confidence and self assurance. You would help them achieve this by ensuring that your Squadron provides Mock boards for your cadets!
Questions may be directed to the Commanding Officer or Squadron’s League Representative.
