Get Your Students Hired
I want to know what others do when a caller wants you to talk about another school and you tell them I can only speak to what we train in and how those skills will benifit you in your chosen market. And they still want you to tell them why you are different.
I tell them to go and visit the school. Also ask them the question they are asking me concern the other school. They can make their own comparison concerning their future. This is a decision that only they can make. Also let them know about our school and emphsize our programs. also let them know they can call me anytime with question concerning our school
I do get that question occasionally about other schools and how our programs compare to the ones of other schools they are looking at. I give them positive information on our school and offer a few benefits such as smaller class size with more hands on time in the classroom. I also suggest they schedule an information appointment and visit with our school. I let them know it's best to contact the other schools directly and ask to speak to an admissions representative to have their questions answered, since I wouldn't be trained to discuss their options.
I tell them that "I can't speak for other schools, however I can tell you about some things that we do here that we're extremely proud of..."
I will tell them that I can not speak to what any other school does. What I can recommend is that they come in for a tour of our school as well as a couple others they maybe considering and see for themselves what the difference is.
I would say that because you are not employed with the other school, you are not a great source of information; however, I can tell you about the program offered at this institution. I have had students become frustrated with not recieving an answer, but I stress to them that they need to get that information from a better source.
I have been asked that question many times. There will always be some students who will not take to heart what you suggest, however, the best thing to do is to let them know that not any one school is right for everyone. Suggest that they visit as many schools as possible, and of course know what it is that makes your institution stand out.
First off, I don't look into, research or seek information about other schools; therefore, I truly do not know anything about any other schools. If asked the first time about another school, I simply tell the prospective student, "I don't know anything about any other schools. You would need to speak with them to get the most accurate information." If pressed a second time for information about another school, I state in a courteous manner, "Like previously mentioned, I truly do not know anything about any other schools." I then move on and help determine whether our school will match the educational pursuits of this particular individual. If pressed a third time, which has not happened to me, I think that I would move toward breaking off our conversation and recommending that he/she get back with me after they have researched the other institution.
Just inform the prospect that you are unable to discuss other schools and if they want information they should call the school of which they are inquiring.
Some people like to complain..and we tend to want to blame the other guy for our failings....I listen...and respond, "Ive never heard that before" once they are finished and realize I wont speak bad about another school I continue with why they are calling me. People tend to appreciate you listening and respect you for not falling into the trap of speaking poorly of another.
We do the same...Always let them know that in order for them to make a sound decision, it is important for them to do the research and compare. Then bring the their focus back to us.
If they have already talked with that school and mention something specific about that schools program, I'll let them know about our program in that area. I never say we are better. It's up to that student to determine which program better fits their needs.
I always encourage my potential students to explore all of their options. I have had many call in and tell me the negative things other schools have said about mine, but I just tell them they should visit our campus and see for themselves. If they have specific curriculum questions I will discuss that as it is important for the student to know what exactly they will be learning at each school.
It is good to know what makes your school different from others. Perhaps you should do some research so that you will know when telling them about your school what is different. Then just say..."What we do here is..." or "the benefits of our program is..."
You can say what makes your school different without saying a word about another. Suggest the student does some research. I let them know that I can tell them anything about this school and if they want to know anything about the other institution they will need to contact them for answers.
I have been in that position before, and the best thing to do is suggest that the student go to that particular school get the information they seek and then make an "apples to apples" comparison for themselves.
I always ask “what are they looking for in a university?†We are not the right fit for everyone. If they say they are looking for a specific program that both us and the university down the street offers I will go into the specifics of our specialized accreditations and what we have to offer. I explain that I want them to make an informed decision and encourage them to check out the other university. And if in speaking with the other university they have more questions that I am here to answer the questions. I make sure that they know I want them to have the information they need to make an informed decision and that I respect and understand that furthering their education is an important decision.
I think it's important that we don't even act like they are lesser of a school, or come across as superior when the topic or names of other schools come up in conversation (from them of course!). This builds integrity and trust.
I encourage our potential students to check out what we have to offer, then go check out other schools as well. I am not familiar with their programs and can only speak of the benefits that we offer, such as our high placement rates and hands on training.
I can't questions regarding other schools, I can only say that our school his programmatically accredited in the specific careers where programmatic accreditation is required for your licensure/certifications upon completion to make you employable and more marketable.
I encourage the student with doing their research and that I can only answer questions about my school because I don't know about the schools rules.