Final BGO interview advice

F

Fortune

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Jan 24, 2018
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I have my final interview tomorrow and I'm pretty nervous. Does anyone have any advice or tips for the interview? In addition to the tips, what should I wear? Thanks.
 
There's a lot of advice you can find in previous threads on this forum.

I'll just say dress sharp, act professional, stress how your goal is to become a Naval/Marine officer and for goodness sake try to cut back and "likes" and "ums"
 
Read all the prior threads about this — there are many. Give a firm handshake. Listen well. Send a “thank you” note that same day. Best wishes.
 
Relax..be yourself.
Also, keep in mind that we know less about you than you think we might. (We don't see your application, personal statement, etc). Your goal is to sell yourself. This isn't the time to be shy. You are your own best advocate.
 
Be yourself. Answer all questions truthfully and also ask any questions you may have.
 
I'm confused since in other posts you refer to your DD attending SLE. Now it sounds like you are an applicant, not a parent. Multiple people should not use the same profile, partly because it creates confusion on who we are speaking to.
 
time2 said:
I'm confused since in other posts you refer to your DD attending SLE. Now it sounds like you are an applicant, not a parent. Multiple people should not use the same profile, partly because it creates confusion on who we are speaking to.
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Maybe they were too shy and was referring to themselves in third person this whole time :p
 
DS received email this morning that BGO will meet with him (and us parental units) at our home tomorrow morning. I have to take the rest of the work day off to clean up the living room and dining room so it is presentable (and free of construction debris, etc.).

Question of clarification: In the linked threads there was conflicting info - BGO
 
DS had BGO interview this morning (on less than 24 hr notice). Didn’t give him any time to “prepare”. He went in being himself and that truly is the only way to be. He had a great interview and a great experience. BGO was fantastic! He was exactly as the BGO sticky said he would be.

DS should be CPR soon and the long wait begins.
 
have to take the rest of the work day off to clean up the living room and dining room so it is presentable (and free of construction debris, etc.).
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BGO interviews are not intended to be stressful to the family in terms of a home "looking good." Seriously. If you have an issue where your home isn't a good place for the interview (especially if there is ongoing construction or even if you/your parents don't want to spend the day cleaning), simply ask your BGO if there is someplace else you could meet. There is no requirement to meet at the candidate's home and most BGOs are willing/happy to meet at another mutually convenient location.
 
usna1985 said:
have to take the rest of the work day off to clean up the living room and dining room so it is presentable (and free of construction debris, etc.).
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BGO interviews are not intended to be stressful to the family in terms of a home "looking good." Seriously. If you have an issue where your home isn't a good place for the interview (especially if there is ongoing construction or even if you/your parents don't want to spend the day cleaning), simply ask your BGO if there is someplace else you could meet. There is no requirement to meet at the candidate's home and most BGOs are willing/happy to meet at another mutually convenient location.
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What's the protocol if you meet for coffee out or at a restaurant? Is it appropriate to pick up the check? Not talking 5 Star Michelin - but at least some place moderate where one can have a good conversation.

We have pets and many people are allergic so while we can lock the pets up for a few hours, even if we clean, the dander and hair is residual. I would not like a BGO to come and have an allergy attack or be uncomfortable.
 
Back in 2015, my DS met with the BGO at Starbucks. The BGO only offered to come to our home if we had questions. We didn't so DS drove himself there. My DS offered to pay for the coffee, but the BGO insisted and picked up the check. I'm sure BGO's vary on this approach.

Back in 2003, my oldest son, met with the FFR for West Point at the FFR's law office (he is an attorney). My wife and I waited in the lobby and had some small talk with him before our son went in for the interview. After it was done, the FFR came out and thanked us graciously.
 
@MoSwimmer66, candidate should offer to pay, then follow the BGO’s lead. The BGO may accept, may insist on paying, may offer to split the bill. Either way, it’s a good outcome.
 
In such meal meetings, it is ALWAYS good form to offer to pick up the check and it is ALWAYS in good form for the person in authority to actually do the picking up. This is a pet peeve of mine with younger folks - waiting for the 'big guy' to reach for the check. It comes across as both timid and entitled. Young people - at least make the effort - it will be noticed positively. Someday, you WILL get to pick it up (if you are so lucky).

BTW, the 6 hours of cleaning I did prior to the BGO interview at our home was cathartic. And our three dogs were amazingly restrained locked downstairs in the laundry room.
 
If the BGO wasn't an official representative I would agree on good form to pick up the check. However, I am pretty sure that a government ethics attorney would find fault in any BGO receiving any type of good in kind from a candidate. My current job working for a DoD leader has me doing daily checks with our ethics attorneys and there is a very limited amount of things that one can receive while serving in an official capacity. Any offer of food or even a cup of coffee could be seen as an attempt to influence the evaluators perception of the candidate. It may seem ridiculous but that is just the rules of the road when working in government.
 
emwvmi01 said:
If the BGO wasn't an official representative I would agree on good form to pick up the check. However, I am pretty sure that a government ethics attorney would find fault in any BGO receiving any type of good in kind from a candidate. My current job working for a DoD leader has me doing daily checks with our ethics attorneys and there is a very limited amount of things that one can receive while serving in an official capacity. Any offer of food or even a cup of coffee could be seen as an attempt to influence the evaluators perception of the candidate. It may seem ridiculous but that is just the rules of the road when working in government.
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Which is why the “offer to pay and let the BGO decide” route works well. It’s polite, it’s non-presumptive, and it allows the BGO to do what’s right in their eyes. No harm, no foul, bill gets paid one way or another.
 
emwvmi01 said:
If the BGO wasn't an official representative I would agree on good form to pick up the check. However, I am pretty sure that a government ethics attorney would find fault in any BGO receiving any type of good in kind from a candidate. My current job working for a DoD leader has me doing daily checks with our ethics attorneys and there is a very limited amount of things that one can receive while serving in an official capacity. Any offer of food or even a cup of coffee could be seen as an attempt to influence the evaluators perception of the candidate. It may seem ridiculous but that is just the rules of the road when working in government.
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I'm still going to pay for the guy in uniform in the car behind me at McDonald's, though.
I did that this morning, and drove off with a smile.

I don't see too many in folks in uniform where I live, so don't get too excited.
I'm still a proper cheapskate. :)
 
Ethics rules apply to government contractors and government employees. BGOs are neither. I fully agree that the BGO should/will pick up the check, but it’s an issue of decency and common courtesy, not a legal issue.
 
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