<p>When I had my BGO interview back in late July, my BGO offered to write me a recommendation letter for my nominating sources. He told me that he would get it to me within the month. So far, I haven't received anything. What is the right way to approach this situation...don't want to sound pushy. Thanks.</p>
<p>First of all, I'm not sure how much a rec letter from your BGO will help. Generally, people look for letters of recommendation from someone who has known a candidate well over a substantial period of time or has been involved in some activity with the candidate. Typically, the BGO doesn't fall into this category. Thus, a letter based on meeting you once and maybe a few emails or calls won't be nearly as strong as a letter from someone you've known over time, such as your employer, minister, teacher rep for a club, coach, scout master, or even long-time family friend. Thus, before you ask your BGO to write a rec, consider whether he knows you well enough in order for the rec to help.</p>
<p>If you've had an ongoing "relationship" (meetings, calls, emails, etc.) with your BGO, such that he can provide a valuable recommendation based on substantial contact over time, I would follow up in the manner you've been communicating (email, phone) and say something along the lines of, "I'm getting ready to submit my nomination packets. When we spoke in July, you indicated you might be willing to write me a recommendation. I just wanted to follow up with you on that." If he doesn't respond, drop it.</p>
<p>I actually think it would be inappropriate for a BGO to write a letter to the nominating sources.</p>
<p>Why so? Splain, Lucy, pls.</p>
<p>It is two totally separate processes. The BGO works for the Academy. It could be construed as undue influence on the MOC board. Having worked with probably a dozen different offices, most, rightfully so, wish to keep the two avenues totally separated. </p>
<p>Additionally, the BGO has limited records available, much less than either the MOC or the Academy. By using his position to influence, he would probably not have the necessary information to make an informed decision.</p>
<p>From the BGO's perspective, is it ethical for him to favor one candidate over another beyond his prescribed realm of influence. I don't think so. If I did one letter, I would feel compelled to do them for all. Which would defeat the purpose.</p>
<p>Bottom line. Separate processes. Checks and balances. Keep it that way.</p>
<p>I sit on a Congressional nominating committee - I have both been involved with interviews and with just reading the packages. We have separate committees that read the application with resum</p>
<p>I wouldn't offer to write a rec for the reasons USNA69 states -- and have never been asked to do so. However, for whatever reason, this BGO apparently did so offer. As I stated above, I'm not sure such a rec is worth pursuing by the candidate, but none of us knows the situation, so the candidate will have to judge for himself based on the advice given.</p>
<p>All of these make sense, notably the last, suggesting the answer "depends."</p>
<p>Really, don't see a whole lot of "depends" in the above post. Sure, we don't know the exact situation but my input would be that there is absolutely no situation whatsoever where it is acceptable.</p>
<p>I understand. Keep rereading.</p>
<p>I did. Several times.</p>