Can/should I haggle with the recruiter?

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I am just wondering. Is the "deal" from the recruiter the final word on the matter, or can haggling be done? Should it be done? Or is that not a smart thing to do? I'm asking in regards to inital rank, etc. Just curious!!

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Specializes in Psych NP.

Right now I don't think you'll have much of an edge in bargaining. There are currently many people applying to Military Nurse Corps and only so many positions. In regards to rank, that will depend upon how much experience you have so there isn't much room for negotiation there. What else would you want to haggle for? Always remember to get everything in writing; your recruiter's word is not gold ;)

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

No real room for deals. Your rank is based on experience, can't get around that. Bonuses, etc are set by Congress, so no wiggle room there. It will either work for you or not, it's not for everyone and not all families can deal with the military lifestyle. Good luck to you in whatever decisions you make!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

You are not buying a car. You are committing your life to our country for your term of commitment. You are approaching with the wrong idea.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I am just wondering. Is the "deal" from the recruiter the final word on the matter, or can haggling be done? Should it be done? Or is that not a smart thing to do? I'm asking in regards to inital rank, etc. Just curious!!

The only thing you can usually "bargain" about is 1st duty station, and that is not always possible either.

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Specializes in LTAC/ ICU.

What are you wanting to haggle?

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Maybe I was too harsh. sorry. Maybe you have no experience with military and don't realize that everything is uniform. Recruiters aren't trying to save military money by buying you for the cheapest price. A recruiter is a go between who manages all the deluge of paperwork. There is a set standard of what a candidate is qualified for as far as rank and pay. New grads go in as 2nd lt. Years of experience may impact your rank. There is a set amount of sign on bonus and you can access that info online. Everything is standardized. Bargaining is just not in the game here.

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I say do it; haggle. Be obstinate until you get what you want. Afterall, you're the one helping them out. :p

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I say do it; haggle. Be obstinate until you get what you want. Afterall, you're the one helping them out. :p

I agree. After all, the recruiter's uncle owns the military.

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And given that applicants are a dime a dozen right now, you'll haggle your way right out of the recruiter's office and blackball yourself before you even get started.

Don't be daft. Take it from those with experience. There's no haggling - there are too many people out there who want a job with the military and you'll get yourself nowhere by trying.

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I say do it; haggle. Be obstinate until you get what you want. Afterall, you're the one helping them out. :p

Actually, the numbers are turned against the applicant - there are fewer slots than there are applicants, and officer recruiters do NOT run on the same types of quotas that enlisted recruiters do. So to be quite honest, if someone wants to be difficult, they'll drop them like last week's shorts and find someone else who's less trouble for them.

My guess is there's at least three applicants for every slot. So in reality, it's the recruiter who has something the applicant wants, and not the other way around.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I've changed my mind.....

DO haggle (then those of us impatiently waiting one of those valued slots.......)

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