Informing the reps by having product knowledge training,having reps audit classes, and brining the different departments into the admissions process to allow for the most upfront information to be provided to the student enrolling.
Not only have I found that this helps the prospective student feel more at ease, it increases the potential the friend may also enroll. I always encourage students to bring someone along, and quite a few times the friend or family member has ended up enrolling in the school as well. If we stay honest and compliant, everyone will see that and know they are looking at a great school.
Recruiting being under observation with shoppers, it is my belief if you do it right, stay on task, don't get off track you will provide the correct and legal information.
Also, when on the phone always ask if there is someone they know that is considering a new job, new training,or continuing their education. It never hurts to ask.
At our school the admissions personnel all help each other. Working with students we try to make it as fun and exciting as we can but also keeping in mine how important it is to give the student full disclosure. We want our students to feel they receive accurate answers to their questions. While following compliance rules.
Heather,
You are absolutely correct. Taking the time to find out the correct answers is what all agents need to be doing.
Kimberly Stein
Bringing a friend is very helpful. We find that recruiting is easier when a student brings a friend to their interview and events.
I feel that with admissions recruiting we need to be as ethical as possible and follow all of the guidlines and parameters given to us. I am glad that I work at a college that feels compliance is #1. I feel that as an admissions representative, we are expected to have all the answers. Well, sometimes we don't and we have to research to find the right answer, and it should be ok to say I don't know and your management/college shouldn't make you feel like you have to make something up. And the prospective student should feel good that you're taking the time to find the right answer for them. It should be reassuring.
Having them bring a friend is an excellent idea. We encourage out new students to bring someone with them to oreintation. We also suggest that they might invite a friend or family member to come see the schhol that they're going to attend. We need to make sure that we're all onboard.
Reinforcing the importance of compliane is key to improving recruiting. As well, recruiters need to ensure all information is accurate and answers prospective students questions clearly and is not afraid to admit when they are unsure and ask for help
We try to meet all students interested rapidly. We also ask them to "bring a friend' which has been successful.
We can improve recruiting by constantly keeping up with the training requirements that we are presented with. Working over the period of time that I have at my work place, challenges are constantly changing and can get even more difficult to overcome. If we work well with our co-workers and try different steps to overcome obstacles, then we will be prepared to face the obstacle when it's presented. That's one of many ways we can help improve recruiting.
Improving recruiting is always a concern for every college. It comes down to being informed, knowledgeable and ethical. The more the rep is informed and educated the more effective they will be as a rep. Outside of that, it comes down to compliance. I have been in this industry for the past 8 years, and have seen many changes. compliance by far is vital for the success of every college...so compliance training needs to be continual.
