Protocol for B&G Officer visiting house for interview

JudgeGuy

JudgeGuy

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B&G officer coming to our house at 6:30pm later this week for interview with DS and to speak to wife and I. We were wondering what protocol is as far as offering any refreshments or beverages. He did advise bus. casual for attire but we were wondering if given the time of day if some light fare should be offered.
 
I would have a small spread of cheese, meats and crackers and maybe some grapes. Offer water and other non-alcoholic beverages. I would pour drinks in glasses and have small plates and napkins available.
 
Treat the BGO as you would a visitor to your home. It couldn't hurt to offer them something to drink -sometimes water is nice when talking for an extended period. There is certainly no need for a spread of cheese, crackers, cookies, etc. From my perspective, this is a working visit, not a social call. I'm not visiting to evaluate or pass any judgment on home or family.
 
"Light fare"? I want to come over, now. I like standard pub food and a pint of the black stuff.

More to the serious point, I think you ask "would you like anything to drink before you get started?" and leave it at that. ;)
The BGO isn't going to expect any appetizers.

He/She will probably want to meet with the candidate and include you later, or have you all in it together. It's all up to the BGO.
Don't get nervous about it. The meeting is for asking questions and learning about The Navy and USNA that maybe none of you have considered to this point.
 
THParent said:
"Light fare"? I want to come over, now. I like standard pub food and a pint of the black stuff.

More to the serious point, I think you ask "would you like anything to drink before you get started?" and leave it at that. ;)
The BGO isn't going to expect any appetizers.

He/She will probably want to meet with the candidate and include you later, or have you all in it together. It's all up to the BGO.
Don't get nervous about it. The meeting is for asking questions and learning about The Navy and USNA that maybe none of you have considered to this point.
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I generally like to start with the parents and candidate and then go to just the candidate.
 
JudgeGuy said:
B&G officer coming to our house at 6:30pm later this week for interview with DS and to speak to wife and I. We were wondering what protocol is as far as offering any refreshments or beverages. He did advise bus. casual for attire but we were wondering if given the time of day if some light fare should be offered.
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After the interview, maybe show’em around the property … see if he wants to try out your new Stihl 261 chainsaw.
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OldRetSWO said:
I generally like to start with the parents and candidate and then go to just the candidate.
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@OldRetSWO is spot on - expect an initial pleasantrees and potentially a brief Q&A about the school with parents invited to ask questions, but once the interview begins, parents would be asked to leave the room.

There is no secrecy to the process or the questions, but we really need to hear from the candidate and not a well intended spokesperson on behalf of the candidate. Ideally, this interview happens outside of a candidate's home at a neutral site to ensure responses from the candidate are not influenced by their parents.

Ultimately, we want to gain clarity on a few key items (generally speaking):
1) Does this candidate really want to attend the school, or are they going through this process to appease their parents?
2) Does this candidate understand the service commitment following graduation?
3) How does the candidate respond under mildly stressful situations?
4) Is the candidate an effective communicator?
5) Does this candidate understand the admissions process and the timelines?
6) What makes this candidate unique?
7) Can this candidate demonstrate leadership aptitude through relevant examples from their experiences?
8) Is there a particular leaning towards a particular branch of service and why?
9) Has this candidate done basic research on the branch to have a simple understanding of the career options available to them after graduation?
 
Parents, take my suggestion as someone whose DD did an in-home interview and a video-conference interview (pre-covid!) for USNA and USAFA respectively. After you’ve had your few minutes with the interviewer and you’re then asked to leave, leave the premises completely. Go for a long walk, head to a coffee shop, go grocery shopping, whatever. It really doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you leave the house. You’re DD/DS should undergo a significant dip in their stress level, not having to worry about whether Mom and Dad are eavesdropping or are otherwise present.

Of course, kids are different. YMMV. But that’s my $0.02.
 
MidCakePa said:
Parents, take my suggestion as someone whose DD did an in-home interview and a video-conference interview (pre-covid!) for USNA and USAFA respectively. After you’ve had your few minutes with the interviewer and you’re then asked to leave, leave the premises completely. Go for a long walk, head to a coffee shop, go grocery shopping, whatever. It really doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you leave the house. You’re DD/DS should undergo a significant dip in their stress level, not having to worry about whether Mom and Dad are eavesdropping or are otherwise present.

Of course, kids are different. YMMV. But that’s my $0.02.
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I agree with this advice. The interview is about your DS or DD. Leave as soon as the BGO has asked you a few questions. The resulting evaluation has nothing to do with what was offered for food or drink. This is the time for the BGO to learn about the candidate.

Best wishes to the interviewees and thanks to all the BGOs!
 
agree with others above

offer some water or coffee and leave it at that. and after the first few minutes or a bit longer if there are outstanding questions, parents are expected to depart. i've had a few that didn't take the hint, and had to be politely asked to leave "it's been very nice meeting you, now i'll just continue the conversation with Dick/Jane"

and parents, please god!!!! do not open the door and greet the BGO and lead him/her to the meeting place, and then wait for the candidate to make the grand entrance after making you wait. nothing gets the interview off to a bad start like that

candidates should be in charge of the entire evolution. know when to expect the BGO, be at the door and greet them when they arrive. bring them to the quiet/private spot to meet, then fetch the parents. candidates should also make sure parents depart at the right time.
 
ders_dad said:
@MidCakePa is spot on. Parents be around at beginning and end and then be scarce. Brings back memories- we were remodeling and we had a day’s notice for BGO visit. I took off work and cleaned (and cleaned). Bottled water. It will be great.
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Ha! Similar situation, in middle of a dry wall and paint remodel in dining room. Is what it is :)
 
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