Defense Industry Interview Prep Checklist

1. Before the Interview

Research Checklist

Research the company's primary contracts and customers (Army, Navy, MDA, etc.)
Understand the specific program/contract you'd be supporting
Review the job description and match your experience to each requirement
Look up recent company news, contract wins, and press releases
Research your interviewers on LinkedIn (if names provided)
Understand the contract vehicle (ITES-3S, OASIS, etc.) if mentioned
Know the company's competitors in this space

Logistics Checklist

Confirm interview date, time, and location (or video platform)
For on-site: Get building access instructions, parking info, visitor check-in process
For video: Test camera, microphone, and internet connection
Prepare professional background for video calls
Have 5+ printed copies of your resume (for on-site)
Bring notepad and pen for notes
Prepare list of references with current contact info
Have your clearance details ready (level, status, investigation date)

2. STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

Structure Your Answers Using STAR:

Situation - Set the context (project, team, challenge)
Task - What was your specific responsibility?
Action - What did YOU do? (Use "I" not "we")
Result - What was the outcome? Quantify if possible

3. Common Defense Interview Questions

General Questions

"Tell me about yourself."

Focus on: relevant experience, why defense industry, why this role

"Why do you want to work for [Company]?"

Reference: specific programs, company culture, mission alignment

"Why are you leaving your current position?"

Keep positive: growth, new challenges, alignment with goals

Clearance-Specific Questions

"What is your current clearance status?"

Be specific: level, active/current, last investigation date, polygraph status

"Are there any issues that might affect your clearance?"

Be honest but brief. If yes, show it's being addressed responsibly.

Technical/Role-Specific Questions

"Describe your experience with [specific technology/tool from job description]."

Use concrete examples, projects, and outcomes

"How do you stay current with technology trends in your field?"

Mention: certifications, training, conferences, publications

4. Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Tip: Prepare 5-7 questions. Ask 3-4 based on conversation flow. Shows genuine interest and helps you evaluate the opportunity.

About the Role

"What does a typical day/week look like in this role?"
"What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?"
"What would success look like in the first 90 days?"
"How does this role interact with the government customer?"

About the Program/Contract

"How long has the company held this contract?"
"What's the contract vehicle, and when is the next recompete?"
"How large is the team supporting this program?"
"Are there opportunities to work on other programs over time?"

About Growth & Culture

"What professional development opportunities are available?"
"How does the company support certifications and training?"
"What's the work arrangement - on-site, hybrid, remote?"
"How would you describe the team culture?"

Avoid asking about: Salary/benefits in first interview (unless they bring it up), vacation time, or anything easily found on the company website.

5. Day-Of Interview Checklist

In-Person Interview

Arrive 10-15 minutes early
Bring government-issued ID for facility access
Dress professionally (business formal is safest)
Turn phone to silent
Firm handshake, eye contact, smile
Bring copies of resume
Have notepad for taking notes
Get interviewer business cards

Video Interview

Join 5 minutes early
Test audio/video beforehand
Professional background, good lighting
Dress professionally (full outfit, not just top)
Close other applications
Have resume on screen for reference
Look at camera, not screen
Have water nearby

6. After the Interview

Send thank-you email within 24 hours to each interviewer
Reference specific topics discussed in the interview
Reiterate interest in the role and company
Note any follow-up items you promised to provide
Document key points while fresh in your memory
Follow up after 1 week if you haven't heard back

Thank-You Email Template

Subject: Thank You - [Position Title] Interview

Dear [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today about the [Position] role. I enjoyed learning more about [specific topic discussed] and the work the team is doing on [program/project].

Our conversation reinforced my interest in joining [Company] and contributing to [specific goal/mission]. I'm excited about the opportunity to [specific contribution you could make].

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

7. Defense Industry Quick Reference

Term	Meaning
CONUS/OCONUS	Continental US / Outside Continental US
PEO	Program Executive Office
COR/COTR	Contracting Officer Representative
CDRL	Contract Data Requirements List
PWS/SOW	Performance Work Statement / Statement of Work
OT&E/DT&E	Operational Test & Evaluation / Developmental T&E
SCIF	Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility
9/80	Work schedule: 80 hours over 9 days, every other Friday off

Defense Industry Interview Prep Checklist

1. Before the Interview

Research Checklist

Logistics Checklist

2. STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

Structure Your Answers Using STAR:

Prepare STAR Stories For These Scenarios:

3. Common Defense Interview Questions

General Questions

Clearance-Specific Questions

Technical/Role-Specific Questions

4. Questions to Ask the Interviewer

About the Role

About the Program/Contract

About Growth & Culture

5. Day-Of Interview Checklist

In-Person Interview

Video Interview

6. After the Interview

Thank-You Email Template

7. Defense Industry Quick Reference