How long do I wait to follow up with a recruiter?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:21:42 -0400

I thought Id put this out there. If you are in contact with a recruiter or a OSM, how long should you wait between calls/emails? Most of the time your not top priority and they have alot to do, but on the flip side, for the person looking to transfer/ join it can be very stressful waiting for a response. So How long should you wait to call back? I had trouble when I was commissioning.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 2:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:35:57 -0400

I only put this out because I was very impatient and nervous when I commissioned. I had wanted to call and email every day and it was torture when I got no response. For future officers and enlisted , I thought I would post this and see what all the recruiters and OSM personnel had to say.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 19 at 2016 3:22 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:22:03 -0400

Checking in after a duty week would not be pushy. Once you make that first contact establish follow-up timelines from that point on for you and the recruiter. That too is acceptable. Good luck.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 19 at 2016 3:29 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:29:59 -0400

Depends on the situation. The way the question is worded, sounds like there is some obstacle in the way that you are waiting for a response on. If there are obstacles, such as waivers, best thing to do as the applicant is ask for a timeline on the action, a suspense date, and date of next follow up, and what can you do on your part to assist. When the time line/suspense date has elapsed and you haven't heard back, then follow up with the recruiter yourself and ask for a status. If you feel like you are not being properly informed of your eligibility and the process, contact the station commander and ask. You should ask very pointed questions about any potential eligibility issues and how to resolve them. If you have an understanding of the issues and the process, it may reduce the stress.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 2:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 14:38:19 -0400

When a task is completed, such as paperwork. Call the next day to follow up with the recruiter. Ensure that everything is good to go, cause if you wait it only makes it longer. Specially when you have a deadline. Do not call every day just follow through.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 24 at 2017 1:35 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 13:35:14 -0400

I'm in this boat right now. I am re-enlisting after a year break. Submitted all of my documents/paperwork a week ago today and have had no communication from my recruiter. I've tried calling, emailing, and texting. If I can get time away from work, I'll go to the office to see if he's there. I need a response from him regarding when to plan to be off for my MEPS physical.