Yep, it's totally normal for the interviewer to come to your home--I've been interviewed many times for neighbors' clearances before.

The last interview I did was kind of funny--it was a female investigator and she was training a male co-worker. When the got to my door I told them I have a cat in the house (in case either of them was severely allergic.) The man said he wasn't allergic, but really just didn't like cats. The woman said she loved cats.
So we sat in my living room and started the interview, and the cat walks in. My cat heads straight for the man and LOVES him! Rubbing all up on his legs--purring! This is a cat that is afraid of strangers--but for some reason ADORED this man--who looked like he was going to throw up! Ha ha!
I'd actually be more irritated if they wanted me to go to Starbucks just to give them info on my neighbor--I don't have time for that and don't want to have to buy a cup of coffee there!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your friend asked the wrong person to be a reference.

+1

You are paranoid, OP. Your friend should be alerted and another reference should be used. You better not blow it for your friend, that's all.

How old are you? Plenty of jobs in this geographical area require a clearance. Do you over react like this to everything? You really are a terrible choice.

OP here. Jesus Christ. Calm down. I've never done this before, that's all. I've know my friend for 32 years so I don't think I'll "blow it" for her. It was a bit weird that they wanted to come to my home.

They were trying to make it convenient for you. Are you a hoarder? Do you think the FBI agent is going to rob you? Weird that you're so freaked out about having them in your home.

Anonymous wrote:When my husband did this 20+ yrs ago, they came to our apartment building and knocked on neighbors' doors who weren't even on the list. (this may not be allowed anymore, I don't know) I don't think it's at all weird that they offered to come to your home.

It is allowed. They did it to me a couple years ago to ask me about my neighbor.

I do this every few years for a friend of 30+ years who works for TSA. Investigator asks what common interests drew us together; I usually say something like "algebra class."

Anonymous wrote:Yes I did this for a friend. We met at a cafe near my workplace. Questions I remember - they asked about prior drug use and if my friend's politics were anti-US.

oh and they asked about mental health issues

Yes I did this for a friend. We met at a cafe near my workplace. Questions I remember - they asked about prior drug use and if my friend's politics were anti-US.

I had an investigator show up at my door unannounced to ask me about my neighbor, whom I barely know.

You weren't expected to know, so it's not your fault, OP. The friend should maybe have alerted you to your obligations, but maybe she didn't know either!

All the know-it-alls, quit laying into OP.

OP you should calm down. I think you were looking for everyone to say how awful this is and that your friend is putting you out. The reality is this is very normal and not a big deal.

I know interviewers and have been interviewed. It is no big deal.

Two suggestions, confirm your friend is seeking such a job and have the meeting at a safe place like Starbucks or McDonalds.

When my husband did this 20+ yrs ago, they came to our apartment building and knocked on neighbors' doors who weren't even on the list. (this may not be allowed anymore, I don't know) I don't think it's at all weird that they offered to come to your home.

Not strange that they wanted to come to your home at all. I was investigated for a clearance, and they interviewed some of my childhood neighbors. Many of them were retired, and the agent met them at their house. They interview you wherever you are during the day--if you're not at work, or if your workplace is not a suitable place to meet, home is usually the next option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your friend asked the wrong person to be a reference.

+1

You are paranoid, OP. Your friend should be alerted and another reference should be used. You better not blow it for your friend, that's all.

How old are you? Plenty of jobs in this geographical area require a clearance. Do you over react like this to everything? You really are a terrible choice.

OP here. Jesus Christ. Calm down. I've never done this before, that's all. I've know my friend for 32 years so I don't think I'll "blow it" for her. It was a bit weird that they wanted to come to my home.

You are fine OP. Just standard questions... no more than 20-30 min max.

I had an agent based in ATL visit me in GA for a friend. The visit lasted maybe 30 minutes. He just asked questions about my friend, from as far back as high school. It was no big deal. He came over in a marked car.

*known, not know

sorry