I would say each are very important. One cannot stand alone without the other. If an admissions rep has 3 but lacks one they may do a disservice to a prospective student. For the sake of this discussion I will state which one that I feel is most important. Attitude is essential to the admissions process. If a representative has a boundless positive attitude they will do the right thing for the right reasons. I am a true believer that your attitude determines your altitude. Someone with a positive attitude will most likely listen to a students needs. They will explain program information thoroughly and make sure that it fits the students needs. I also believe that the admissions reps attitude will determine how open and honest a prospective student will be with them. If the prospect feels comfortable they will ask questions, address concerns and communicate challenges.
I will close by stating that all four elements are very important and should be present in every ethical admissions representative.
It sounds like you value the relationships you build with others, Indrid. People skills are a part of making that connection. How do you ensure you use these skills when partnering with your student in their decision making process?
I agree in becoming a better listener. One can discover allot by just listening to the other person.
In my experience, interpersonal and people skills are extremely important. More so than product knowledge.
Awesome awareness, Bill! Thank you for sharing your experiences from childhood related to listening. You're right - it is amazing what you can learn when you keep your eyes and ears open and allow another person the opportunity to share. I think that's a great place to start to improve your listening skills. I'd love to know how it works for you in the near future.
Thanks for sharing, Carol. Making sure reps are representing your school appropriately and accurately is so important, especially today. I get the sense that you're willing to put in the time to be sure that your people feel confident in their product and how to present it without fear of crossing the line. I imagine your team appreciates your diligence. Keep up the good work!
Well Shannon, it takes a lot of training to make sure that they are saying the right thing. I have always said the this job is really not about the sales side. If you present the product on its merits it sells itself.
Yes interpersonal and people skills rank pretty high on my list of tools for sucess. It is important to be generally happy in your overall life. This leads to a popsitive up-beat attitude and with a little work becomes very contageous. People begin to like you and as a result, listen to what you have to say, believe in you and confide in you.
My target area of improvement is to become a better listener. As a child I was pretty shy and as a result never had a lot to offer. I was the quiet kid. I kept my mouth shut but my eyes and ears were wide open. Amazing what you learn. I guess I need to return to my childhood a little and see what happens.
Great insight, Bill. It's amazing how your attitude can help dictate your level of success. It sounds like your attitude and people skills are the competencies that are most important to you. What do you plan to do to continually hone these skills?
I think the most important element is a person's overall attitude, followed by people skills or communication skills. A good listener is a good communicator. As the class indicated acknowledge, answer and ask.
Thanks for sharing your insight, Madelyne. Attitude is a critical component in choosing your success. Unfortunately, it seems that many overlook how their attitude can help them achieve more. It sounds like you've recognized how your attitude can help your positive results! Keep up the good work!
I beleive attitude is the most critical of the four elements. Without proper attitude you are unable to acheive any of the other 3, especially the 2nd most important of people skills. I feel product knowledge, people skills, and attitude are the components most important to guide potential students in an ethical fashion.
Great awareness, Christine. I get the sense that connecting with others is an important contributor to your success. What are some of the people skills you use to get to know your students and how do they typically respond?
Excellent insights, Carol. It sounds like to you product knowledge as well as attitude are crucial for success. The product knowledge to ensure accurate information is provided and attitude in believing in your product and conveying that belief sincerely to others. How do you develop these in your team members?
I think they are all important but People Skills are the most important. You need to "Get to know the potential student in order to determine their goals and objectives. This process helps determine if the school is right for the student.
Each part is so important. I hope that everyone we hire has the people skills to do this job. I am a true believer in the fact that knowledge is power. If you have the product knowledge it is easy for any sales person to find the benefits of the education we provide. Product knowledge provides the foundation for everything we do. One thing that I want to point out is that it has to come from the heart. You need to believe in what you are doing if not people will see that you are not sincere and you will not get the enrollment.
Excellent insight, Michael. The willingness to learn, accept feedback from others, and work to improve oneself are wonderful contributors to a great attitude. What are some of the ways that you believe people can demonstrate this?
Some other factors after that great attitude would be a willingness to learn and a type of "coachability", meaning they will implement what you teach them right away. Also, I always look for thinkers. Those who will ask questions and always look to improve themselves.
Great observations, Michael. It sounds like you look for those individuals who can demonstrate their positive attitude through their actions. What are some additional attributes of an admissions rep with a positive attitude that you believe help them to flourish?
I really believe that having a positive attitude is the "keystone" attribute that makes a representative successful. As a manager I look for those who have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow. Having a good attitude for the job, school and the prospective student will enable the representative to flourish in an ethical environment.
Product knowledge is most certainly an important component for success, especially when working with students. The last thing you want to do is unintentionally mislead your student or misrepresent your school due to a lack of information. How do you ensure you are presenting current and accurate information to your students, Jason?
