Blue and Gold Officer not replying

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FreeBird15

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Feb 28, 2023
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Good Afternoon,
I'm reapplying to the academy this year and my brand new BGO is not answering my emails (its been 2 days). I was thinking about sending a follow-up email and possibly a phone call this weekend, however, I don't want to be seen as a pushover. what should I do?

-FreeBird15
 
my BGO usually takes about 2 days to respond. when i was setting up our interview this summer, i went ahead and gave him a call rather than emailing first. looking back i probably should've emailed first, but then again i was able to knock out the BGO interview quickly. despite already meeting and speaking on multiple occasions, he takes about 1-2 days to email back.
 
I’ll defer to the BGOs here.

My two cents (and I think you mean “pushy” not “pushover,”as your auto-complete thinks).

Wait at least one business week for an email, but a phone call on a weekend afternoon (be prepared to leave an articulate, clear, professional voicemail if prompted, and have your own voicemail set up with a professional greeting). BGOs are all volunteers, and they have their own way of managing assigned applicants in terms of response timelines. Some wait to actively engage when they see certain things complete in the application.

It’s December, and if this is your first attempt at contact this late close to application deadline to arrange an interview,, then you may be at the end of the queue of those who reached out earlier to schedule, and the BGO is scheduling those candidates first.
 
Capt MJ said:
I’ll defer to the BGOs here.

My two cents (and I think you mean “pushy” not “pushover,”as your auto-complete thinks).

Wait at least one business week for an email, but a phone call on a weekend afternoon (be prepared to leave an articulate, clear, professional voicemail if prompted, and have your own voicemail set up with a professional greeting). BGOs are all volunteers, and they have their own way of managing assigned applicants in terms of response timelines. Some wait to actively engage when they see certain things complete in the application.

It’s December, and if this is your first attempt at contact this late close to application deadline to arrange an interview,, then you may be at the end of the queue of those who reached out earlier to schedule, and the BGO is scheduling those candidates first.
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I had a problem with getting a new BGO because I am at a out of state school, that's why I'm reaching out late
 
2 days really is nothing considering its a volunteer role for them. They may well be occupied with career, family matters, etc. I'd personally give another couple of days before following up.

If you do feel the need to make a phone call, I'd recommend doing it on a weekday during business hours or in the evening, not on a weekend.
 
My candidates haven't responded to my initial introduction email (form letter USNA provides). For all I know it bounces into their junk mail folders. I have found that texting them seems to be the best way to introduce myself. Once I reach them, I remind them that checking email daily is necessary moving forward as it is the current means of communication for most professionals (and USNA).

Once that is established I ask that they do most communication via email. The two I have that are actively progressing through their applications have reached out via both text and email. I completed one interview and just scheduled another for two weeks from now.

I try to get back to them the same business day, at least acknowledging their message/email. But life sometimes gets in the way.

I would concur that giving it a few more days isn't a bad idea, then a professional phone call on a business day leaving a polite voicemail if you don't reach them.
 
Heatherg21 said:
I have found that texting them seems to be the best way to introduce myself
Click to expand...
Two days isn't late by any means... I do try to respond within 24 hours unless traveling, but that's just because I sit behind a desk and triage emails all day, and frankly USNA emails are often easier to handle quickly and efficiently than real work.

You can never go wrong picking up the phone and calling .... do be prepared to leave a professional, courteous voicemail as CAPT MJ suggests-- some of the voicemails I've received were less than awe inspiring, and first impressions count.

Do be careful with using Text Messages to BGO's. I recognize that its how younger generations communicate, but some older folks (like myself) view it as too informal. Further, unless I have your number in my phone (and I never do for Candidates), your message will come up as anonymous. My advice would be to avoid text unless the BGO asks for it
 
c/o 27 here, my BGO never responded to multiple emails I sent him. Only communicated by phone calls despite working at an aviation company. I probably waited a week after the first email before I called him and got the ball rolling that way.
 
Personally, I prefer Candidates that are slightly aggressive. That is, they are not timid to reach out to me. I think @Capt MJ advice is great. Candidates, don't be timid - but do be professional and confident.
 
Our experience with BGO was a handful of emails over the course of the last couple months with no contact. Then on the day his Nomination showed up in his portal there was a phone call from the BGO to schedule an interview. So a lot of things happening at once.
DS is looking forward to getting the last remaining X's on the portal changed to a check mark.
 
This is a busy time of year for everyone.

My advice -- wait a full week and then follow up with another professional email. Be sure the title is something obvious, such as "USNA Candidate Seeking BGO Interview." Make sure you have already completed at least 1/3 (preferably a lot more) of your application. Note that you are communicating late in the process due to the school situation.

If that doesn't work, agree with calling during normal business hours and leaving a short, professional message.

If that doesn't work, you can always reach out to your Area Coordinator. Sometimes, there is a glitch in the system (i.e., your BGO may not realize you've been assigned to him / her).
 
I just had a candidate reach out and ask for an interview in late December. We met in person late summer to discuss application process. Late December feels late to me.
 
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