Do you have any advice for how to deal with being a Recruiter?

It’s a process, the first year is the hardest because you have to establish yourself. After a year and putting the work in, it gets easier.
I tell every new recruiter to have fun. Figure out a way to incorporate something that they enjoy into their week. Like video games- spend time at the places they sell them. Like football- become an assistant coach or pass out programs at the games. I ran with a few of the cross country teams to get ready for the Army ten miler. It works, you just have to be patient.
And above all- when conducting the appointment be sure to ask the prospect to join. Yup, it’s that easy and more often then not the reason recruiters struggle is that they are afraid to ask that question. Prospects know who you are, what you are doing, they expect the question - ask it!

Be patient. Be very patient. you are dealing with customers and you want to sell them on the Army. Every situation is different so she will have to decide on her own how to handle it as the situations arise.


Oh and whiskey...lots of whiskey.

MSG (Join to see) has an amazing comment, one I very much wish I had read when I first started Recruiting.

I'd like to add one more thing: I started being a successful Recruiter when I quit being a Recruiter, and started just being a NCO.

The task of any NCO is to shape and guide soldiers, young adults. Recruiting is about a lot more than just getting people to sign- it's being the public face of the Army. Show young men and women your skillset, and train them in it. I was a Drill Sergeant, certified personal fitness trainer, and weightlifting instructor- so I went to every gym and school sports team and offered my help. This was my passion, I didn't need to hide it, and so I found others who were just as passionate and got involved. -That- is the connection you need.

Just -existing- in your uniform will invite interest in the Army. That's when you schedule an interview. Otherwise, I don't even talk Army unless it's brought up by someone else. Be a human first, a NCO second, and a Recruiter last.

And Private, to you, personally- you're doing a great thing by helping. Recruiting is the single most stressful and difficult job I've ever had. We need support, and many NCO's are too stubborn to admit it. Keep this up, you'll make a damn fine leader.