BGO Interviews

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>Okay, I get a message from administrators saying I have not posted in a while. So, here goes . . . </p>

<p>I am in the midst of my first round of interviews as a relatively new BGO. Many of you may be going through these around the country. I have some observations, but I am also curious about what other BGOs think about their interview.</p>

<p>Initially . . .</p>

<li><p>Be attentive. One person did not seem “on the ball” so to speak. Distracted. </p></li>
<li><p>Politeness counts. I don’t expect a “sir” out of every sentence. In fact, it seems an affectation. You are not in the military and it seems out of the ordinary for today’s teenager to use it after every sentence. The interviews I have had, for the most part, the interviewees have been very polite.</p></li>
<li><p>Neatness counts. Remember, we’re ol’ guys that get offended easily by young people. Sorry, that’s the way it is. Two interviewees have been great; one not so great.</p></li>
<li><p>Ask questions. Nothing takes longer than an interview that isn’t two ways. Don’t worry about asking the same questions of everybody you meet; I don’t know what you asked the last guy you met.</p></li>
<li><p>You should be confident in your answers. You know you are going to be asked the “why” question, i.e. “why do you want to attend.” Prepare an answer.</p></li>
<li><p>The BGO can’t get you in but he/she can make it more difficult for you to be admitted. Prepare for this job interview like you have never prepared before. Read, mock interview, prepare questions, THINK about your answers. We don’t expect perfection [I don’t at least] but we do want to be impressed.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Good luck.</p>

2

<p>All candidates should purchase a copy of William L. Smallwood's book The Naval Academy Candidate Book. The book has two chapters devoted to interviews including typical questions with samples of both good and bad answers.</p>

3

<p>bill0510-</p>

<p>Congratulations! A BGO! How wonderful! Best of luck to you and your candidates!</p>

4

<p>Whatever you do, don't lie. It is an instant killer.</p>

5

<p>There's no magic formula. As with all interviews, be yourself. You can't fool people forever. </p>

<p>Don't lie. I had it happen to me and I made it my personal mission to ensure that candidate wasn't admitted (he wasn't).</p>

<p>Treat it like a normal job interview, BUT use it as a resource. Your BGO can be an advocate, a sounding board, and a source of info. We aren't your adversary. </p>

<p>Ask questions to which you want an answer. If you have NO questions about how you'll spend at least the next 9 yrs of your life, I wonder about you. It's OK to ask open ended questions more than once (i.e., what did you find most difficult about USNA) but don't ask factual questions to which you know the answer.</p>

<p>Those candidates who are relaxed do better. Much better.</p>