Blue and Gold Officer Interview Responsibilities
Candidate interviews and the Interview Report are crucial tasks for a Blue and Gold Officer. These evaluations offer a personal insight into a candidate's motivation, maturity, and understanding of the Academy Program, providing valuable information to the Admissions Board. It is essential to use common sense, stay objective, and engage with candidates and parents effectively throughout the application process.
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- Blue and Gold Officer
- Interview Responsibilities
- Candidate Evaluation
- Admissions Process
- Communication
Presentation Transcript
BGO Interview BGO Training July 2023 1
Why ? Candidate interviews and the Interview Report are one of the most important responsibilities of a Blue and Gold Officer. These evaluations provide the Admissions Board with a personal look at a candidate s motivation, maturity and knowledge of the Academy Program. (BGO Handbook) Talking with the candidate one-on-one you may spot special circumstances (i.e. hardships, work preventing extra circular activities, family responsibilities, etc.) not visible in the paperwork Many teenagers miss key points in their paperwork submittals 2
When ? Use Common Sense Candidate showing progress ? Candidate Personal Data Record Submitted ? A percentage of application complete? During an outreach road trip ? Coordinate with your Area Coordinator Must be done before a candidate reaches 100% You believe potential LOA Candidate We recognize some candidates surge and hard to complete before 100% 3
Where ? Use Common Sense Prefer in-person School Library Coffee Shop Home (but not home alone with only candidate) Virtual (Zoom, Google, etc.) not first choice but acceptable State virtual in interview write up 4
Parents Service Application process is unique and need to inform the parents and the candidates relative to the unique process. One option: Admissions Brief on BGIS Recommend engage parents Before Interview in separate session Or, before actual interview If Parents question how to be more competitive? An option is to refer to Class Portrait (Profile on second page) Parents should not be present for interview If parent refuses to leave do not penalize candidate Some parents actually fill out the application look for that 5
Potential Focus Topics with parents Remind the candidate and parents that the nomination process is separate. Stress the importance of completing the application early. Explain LOA vs Full Offer. Explain when turn down letters are sent. Explain that there is no separate application to NAPS or FDN. 6
Caution Stay objective Use 5% as true silver bullet Do not penalize candidate for: Talking with coach for admissions advice Over active parent People calling trying to influence you Avoid trying to become the Admissions Board Be sensitive to ethics 7
Resources BGO Handbook Sample questions Guidance on how to conduct the interview Sample write ups BGIS Forms and Briefings Sample grading matrix (not mandatory) Admissions Briefs Class Portraits Area Coordinators Mentors (typically for the first cycle) 8
Example from Grading Matrix - Interest and Motivation QUESTIONS Why are you interested in the Naval Academy and when did you become interested? What would you do about school if you were not selected for the Naval Academy? How do you plan to handle the moral and physical aspects of the Naval Academy as well as the academic program? Have you read anything that surprised, inspired or worried you about the Naval Academy? What is your understanding of the purpose of Plebe Summer and Plebe Year? How do you anticipate handling the mental pressure and discipline as a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen? Have your parents encouraged you to apply to the Naval Academy? 9
Special Circumstances (not in application) During the interview, you may learn of special circumstances that make this candidate special and warrant additional consideration by the Admissions Board when they evaluate the candidate. Be sure to mention these special circumstances in your interview summary such as: Long commutes to/from school Overcoming a language barrier Working in a family business Family hardships Personal hardships Problems hindering participation in school activities Responsibilities with raising siblings 10
Summary You are a volunteer and your time is valuable ! You may be the only eyes on target for candidates You will find out things that are not in the written application Resources are available to help ACs are mentors (do not be afraid to ask for guidance and assistance) Be sensitive to Ethics Questions ? 12
