thedrifter
07-09-07, 02:28 PM
10 Tips For Visiting a Recruiter
Recruiters are honest, well-trained, committed professionals. Meeting a recruiter should be an informative, stress-free experience. Review these 10 secrets and make sure you're prepared for your interview.
1. Have No Fear. Remember you are under no obligation when speaking to a recruiter. You may be asked to sign paperwork before taking the ASVAB and possibly at other steps in the process. This is standard procedure and you need not be alarmed. The enlistment process is involved and takes time; you have the ability to change your mind at anytime before you sign the final enlistment contract.
2. Go with a buddy. You may feel more at ease if you take a friend, your parents or someone else you trust. In addition having a buddy join with you may increase your chance at a bonus or advanced enlistment.
3. Know the ASVAB. You may be able to get the job you want, but to do so you must score well on the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). But the ASVAB alone doesn't guarantee you'll get the job you want. Military job selection is also based on other specified criteria, such as physical fitness, eyesight, security requirements, and education level.
Keep in mind that certain jobs may not be available due to over manning. In that case, you may want to wait until there is an opening for the job you want. Depending on how important the choice of a particular branch is to you, consider the possibility that another service may be able to offer you the job you want.
If you don't think you did well on the ASVAB, you can request to retake it. However, since the most recent score is used, you should carefully consider retesting. Many people, who retake the ASVAB without studying, end up with lower scores. This can decrease your career options and the opportunity for bonuses. Get help with the ASVAB
4. Be stationed where you want. Recruiters can offer you a program, if you qualify, to start at the base or in the region of your choice. But remember after your first unit, you could end up serving anywhere. Don't select this incentive over any cash bonuses that may be available.
5. Get paid more. If you have special training or education, you could qualify to go in at a higher rank and pay than others. Ask the recruiter, as these high-demand specialties change.
6. Choose your start date. The Delayed Entry Program is often used to allow high school students to graduate, but it can be used for other reasons, such as training in the spring or fall to avoid extreme weather.
7. Choose your commitment. The length of your commitment often determines the amount of benefits and bonuses you'll receive. Ask the recruiter to spell these out for you. Remember the shortest term possible generally requires a commitment of two years active duty and four years in the inactive reserve, but some job training requires a longer commitment. The service will give you plenty of opportunities to re-enlist, extend your term, or make it a career.
8. Correct the contract before signing. Typos and errors can cost you money, put you in the wrong job or send you to the wrong place. Get the contract right before you sign it.
9. Get it in writing. There is no such thing as a verbal promise. Guarantees such as MOS, bonuses, the College Fund, duty station, and most other enlistment incentives must be reflected in the enlistment contract.
10. Remember you're signing up to be a soldier, airman, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman. It is important that you are candid and frank with your recruiter. Don't hesitate to ask questions. You should work to get the job you want, but understand that your role as a servicemember comes first. Be honest with yourself; serving in the military is not like a regular job. You can't just quit when the going gets tough. The military requires diligence, dedication and a commitment to teamwork. Remember, your actions could potentially cost or save lives.
Bonus Tip: The Buddy Deal. Services have programs where friends who sign up together can go through training together, be stationed together or even start with advanced rank and pay just because you sign up together. Be sure to ask your recruiter about the current availability of this and other bonuses.
Ellie
Recruiters are honest, well-trained, committed professionals. Meeting a recruiter should be an informative, stress-free experience. Review these 10 secrets and make sure you're prepared for your interview.
1. Have No Fear. Remember you are under no obligation when speaking to a recruiter. You may be asked to sign paperwork before taking the ASVAB and possibly at other steps in the process. This is standard procedure and you need not be alarmed. The enlistment process is involved and takes time; you have the ability to change your mind at anytime before you sign the final enlistment contract.
2. Go with a buddy. You may feel more at ease if you take a friend, your parents or someone else you trust. In addition having a buddy join with you may increase your chance at a bonus or advanced enlistment.
3. Know the ASVAB. You may be able to get the job you want, but to do so you must score well on the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). But the ASVAB alone doesn't guarantee you'll get the job you want. Military job selection is also based on other specified criteria, such as physical fitness, eyesight, security requirements, and education level.
Keep in mind that certain jobs may not be available due to over manning. In that case, you may want to wait until there is an opening for the job you want. Depending on how important the choice of a particular branch is to you, consider the possibility that another service may be able to offer you the job you want.
If you don't think you did well on the ASVAB, you can request to retake it. However, since the most recent score is used, you should carefully consider retesting. Many people, who retake the ASVAB without studying, end up with lower scores. This can decrease your career options and the opportunity for bonuses. Get help with the ASVAB
4. Be stationed where you want. Recruiters can offer you a program, if you qualify, to start at the base or in the region of your choice. But remember after your first unit, you could end up serving anywhere. Don't select this incentive over any cash bonuses that may be available.
5. Get paid more. If you have special training or education, you could qualify to go in at a higher rank and pay than others. Ask the recruiter, as these high-demand specialties change.
6. Choose your start date. The Delayed Entry Program is often used to allow high school students to graduate, but it can be used for other reasons, such as training in the spring or fall to avoid extreme weather.
7. Choose your commitment. The length of your commitment often determines the amount of benefits and bonuses you'll receive. Ask the recruiter to spell these out for you. Remember the shortest term possible generally requires a commitment of two years active duty and four years in the inactive reserve, but some job training requires a longer commitment. The service will give you plenty of opportunities to re-enlist, extend your term, or make it a career.
8. Correct the contract before signing. Typos and errors can cost you money, put you in the wrong job or send you to the wrong place. Get the contract right before you sign it.
9. Get it in writing. There is no such thing as a verbal promise. Guarantees such as MOS, bonuses, the College Fund, duty station, and most other enlistment incentives must be reflected in the enlistment contract.
10. Remember you're signing up to be a soldier, airman, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman. It is important that you are candid and frank with your recruiter. Don't hesitate to ask questions. You should work to get the job you want, but understand that your role as a servicemember comes first. Be honest with yourself; serving in the military is not like a regular job. You can't just quit when the going gets tough. The military requires diligence, dedication and a commitment to teamwork. Remember, your actions could potentially cost or save lives.
Bonus Tip: The Buddy Deal. Services have programs where friends who sign up together can go through training together, be stationed together or even start with advanced rank and pay just because you sign up together. Be sure to ask your recruiter about the current availability of this and other bonuses.
Ellie