While not the most dangerous assignment in the Armed Forces, the job of an Army recruiter is certainly one of the most difficult. Recruiters are constantly dealing with people, and if you don't have particularly sharp people skills you can quickly fall behind. You have to be able to form a bond quickly with your recruits so that they trust you enough to sign over up to eight years of their lives to the Army. The following tips will help you connect with your recruits.
Be Honest
A common assumption among many people is that military recruiters will say anything just to get the potential recruit to sign on the dotted line. The only real way to break this assumption is to be straightforward and completely honest with the recruit. Be up front about everything -- from the potential dangers of the job they would be undertaking to the compensation they should expect. Withholding information will only drive potential recruits away or make recruits you've already signed on resentful, once they realize you didn't fully explain what they should expect from their commitment.
Talk About the Countless Job Opportunities
The United States Army offers more than 200 jobs across dozens of career fields, from police work to computer design to animal training and more. Don't try to force a specific job on a recruit, but don't let that person wander blindly, either. If a recruit is interested in a particular job, discuss the opportunities the job would offer the recruit -- both in the Army and in the civilian world, once his or her service in the Army is up.
Share Personal Stories
A great way to connect with recruits is to share your personal experience with them. If you've been in a combat situation, and a recruit asks about what being in a war zone is like, share your experience. If you were nervous or scared, say so. If you pushed through your fear to complete your mission, elaborate on ways you did so. Not only does this help you build trust with your recruits but it also gives them the confidence to know they they, just like you, can meet the challenges the Army offers.
