Blue and Gold Officer Interview

I just set up an interview with my Blue and Gold Officer for next week. The interview is at my home and I am wondering whether a suit is appropriate or to formal. Would khaki's and a collared shirt with a tie be more appropriate for the interview. Thanks for you help.

If you were going out, a suit would be appropriate. I think Khakis and a button-down shirt are just fine for at home.

Now comes the stupid stuff...

CLEAN clothing. PRESSED.
NEAT haircut. Take a shower. Brush your teeth.
CLEAN shoes. Wear socks. Wear SHOES.
Wear a belt.
"Yes sir", "No sir", etc.

Sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed at what some dunderheads pull off.

Mines Wednesday!

Already had my ALO for USAFA, now im ready for BGO.

My daughter's was at our home. She wore khakis and a blouse and that was fine. Make sure you have an easy, clean place where you can sit down comfortably and talk. Her BGO wanted to sit at the kitchen table because she brought a laptop and had a video she wanted my daughter to watch.
It ended up being an easier and more relaxed atmosphere for everyone to chat also.

Very, very, funny Z. You needed to be guiding that young man that showed up for his nomination interview in jeans and a t-shirt- yea really!

I've done interviews in my home and in the candidate's home. I know there are very divergent views on this subject, but here is my view.

(1) It is better to dress up than dress down. That said, if you've never worn a suit, don't try it for the first time at your BGO interview.

(2) Pressed khakis, a collared shirt (long or short sleeves, depending on the weather), socks and shoes will be fine. For women, the above or a skirt/blouse/sweater combo is fine. While some men wear jackets and/or ties, I don't expect it.

(3) I know that, in some homes, people don't wear shoes for various reasons (cultural, new carpet, etc.). My suggestion is that, if the interview is in your home and it is NOT a cultural issue (i.e., it is a clean carpet issue), wear shoes. If it is a cultural issue, then wear whatever footwear you would wear in your home if you were entertaining a VIP.

(4) In my view, jeans and workout/warmup gear are generally not appropriate. I admit that my view may be based on the area of the country in which I live. I know others disagree with this view and would note that, in certain areas of the country, a candidate may consider nice jeans to be "dressing up." If you live in such an area and your jeans are your nicest attire, do NOT go out and buy new clothes; no one expects that. Your BGO lives where you live and he/she will understand if that attire is appropriate for your area.

(5) There is no place on the form for "dress" and I have never marked down an otherwise strong candidate because of what he/she wears.

(6) I make an effort to dress appropriately for interviews and I generally expect the candidates to do the same.`

First thing the B&G officer told my son in our home was "lose the tie." So, he removed the tie and proceeded with the interview.

Proper attire for an interview, I always taught my students, was "conservative." You want YOU to stand out, not your attire!

My son wore a shirt and tie to his NROTC interview. HE would not have considered anything else "appropriate."

Incidentally, he got an NROTC scholarship, but not a USNA appointment. Maybe the tie was "lucky!" Seems like the tie and NROTC are the right fit for him!

You've got some pretty good advisers on this forum. Take their advice; and, most importantly, be yourself!

im in CAP (civil air patrol), would it be appropriate to wear my blues uniform to an interview?

ngallegos92 said:

im in CAP (civil air patrol), would it be appropriate to wear my blues uniform to an interview?

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Nothing wrong with it. That applies to almost any uniform you have earned. Just be sure you are wearing the appropriate level of uniform, and that it is properly squared away. That said, it is unlikely that wearing the uniform would be expected (as in "required"), either.

So, simply put, there is little or NO harm that can come from wearing it, provided it is worn correctly. If you wear it wrong (soiled, not pressed, insignia wrong/missing, unshined shoes, etc.) then it can be REALLY bad. If you can't keep THAT uniform squared away, why should anyone expect you to keep a USNA uniform in any better condition?

Some may disagree but I would say no - it is not necessary. You will (hopefully) cover your CAP experience in the interview.

Cross posted with Zaphod - I might add - if you feel at all uncomfortable wearing it then don't - for instance, Mom is pressuring you and you think you would look out of place.
The only danger I can see (other than Zap's point) is it may look pretentious and out of place. If there are others showing up who are prior service in their Army/Navy/AF uniform you may look goofy. It also depends on the customs in your area.
You may want to call the Nominations manager and run it by that person. She/he can give you an idea if other candidates have worn it in the past.

Here is my view. Do you typically wear your CAP uniform to other social functions where some formality is preferred -- church, school dances, job interview, other college interviews, etc? If so, then by all means wear it because it has become your "professional attire," so to speak.

However, if you typically only wear it for CAP activities, I'd hold off -- just as an Eagle Scout typically wouldn't wear his uniform to an interview unrelated to scouting.

It's not that you shouldn't be proud of your service and your uniform. But this event is not directly (or really indirectly) related to CAP and your BGO probably doesn't even know you're in CAP (unless you tell him/her ahead of time). So, when you show up in your uniform, it sort of makes the entire conversation about CAP rather than USNA.

And, regardless of whether you wear your uniform, you will have plenty of opportunity to discuss CAP.

The above said, this is just my gut reaction. It certainly won't hurt you to wear your uniform (if it looks good). But I think I'd wear nice civvies.

I wore "casual" or "business casual", a polo shirt and kakis. I didn't throw "yes sir, no sir" out there because (at that time) it wasn't natural for me, but I of course used "Yes/no".

This is not something to get bent out of shape about or really worry about. Shave, be clean, wear some clean clothing, and enjoy it. My experience with two different B&G officers was positive. I still talk to one of them when I go home.

Don't tell them what they want to hear, be open and honest, and don't be affraid to let them know you have other schools you're looking at, what your back ups are, etc.

B&G interviews are good practice for your Congressional interviews, which can sometimes be a little more intense.

Just_A_Mom said:

The only danger I can see (other than Zap's point) is it may look pretentious and out of place.

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There is always that chance.

"Calculated risk". Do your research as suggested above and act accordingly.

Also, as suggested by LITS, RELAX. Most BGO's are pretty darn laid back and are looking to understand WHY you want to go to USNA. They're not there to grill you.

My son wore dress slacks and shirt - no tie. His B&G Officer asked us parents to be present for the 1st part of interview and then we left. We sat around the dining room table. My son must have looked and done well because she called him later and asked him to come see her when she was visiting his high school so he could answer questions about his experience at NASS.

BGO Interview

My son answered the door in a jacket and tie. His BGO was in a collar shirt and Kakis. Upon seeing this my son took off the jacket. You can never be to dressed (except a tux of course). They sat together in the family room and chated for about an hour. Then the BGO came into the kitchen to chat with us. He wanted to make sure we were behind our son. The interview lasted 1.5 hours.

How long do they usually last?

I met my BGO at Starbucks... Our meeting lasted no longer than 45 min. Once I got there he was all business, he didn't venture from the questions at all really.

Summer employment

I have a question. My daughter has not arranged for her interview yet but I have a possible concern (may be a silly concern). My daughter had a part-time summer job as a life guard. I am concerned that the B&G officer may want to contact her former boss. Does anyone know if that is done? The reason that makes me nervous is that, although she left her job under good circumstances, her former boss is unpredictable and often has bad things to say about people. He is an alcoholic and his business is in a financial mess. My daughter's first pay check came 2 months after she started working and the check bounced. After that he paid her in cash at his convience. He also did not supply the lifeguards with required safety gear like a back board and first aid kit. She did not cause any problems so I am not so concerned that the former boss would lash out at her out of revenge. I just think he lacks moral character and I don't trust him. Anyway, does anyone know if the B &G officers ever contact present/former employers as part of the interview? Thanks, Tera