There are a number of standard approaches that states, cities and counties use to optimize their recruitment efforts – particularly in hard to fill jobs. Most tend to be borrowed from experts in the field, or from other state or local entities that have had success.

But why not learn from the gold standard of recruitment: The United States Marines?

That’s the question that Work for America answers in a new report titled “Mission-Ready Recruitment. As the organization points out, “While some military branches have struggled to meet recruitment targets in recent years, the Marine Corps has consistently hit its goals and attracted top talent. This success isn’t accidental – it stems from a clear repeatable system. . . “

The three significant messages to be learned from the Marines are:

• Making recruitment a strategic priority. As the report says, “The Marine Corps was the first military branch to give recruitment leadership a direct line to the Commandant. For years, it remained the only branch to take this approach – and was the only one to consistently meet recruitment goals.”

  
  

• Selecting the right recruiters. “Marine recruiters are first and foremost Marines – hand selected from the best within the ranks, making recruiting a prestigious assignment for top performers. . . While they receive specialized training, it is their authenticity and firsthand experience that make them uniquely qualified. . . “

• Keeping strong oversight of recruitment efforts and making real-time adjustments where they are necessary.  “Recruiters systematically track and nurture every lead, building relations over months or even years to sustain a strong talent pool of potential candidates. Leadership plays a crucial goal by monitoring performance, identifying obstacles and providing targeted support to remove barriers to success.”

For the purposes of states and localities, the report spells out the six-step process which has worked so well for the Marines. The steps are as follows (with quotes taken directly from the report):

1. Prospecting. Marine recruiters canvas regularly through community events, schools, and local gathering spots taking “an intentional creative approach to meeting candidates wherever they are.” But it doesn’t end with finding potential candidates, “every interaction is meticulously tracked, with recruiters following a structured schedule of outreach to ensure no lead is forgotten.”

2. Pre-screening. Recruiters make certain that anyone they identify as a genuine prospect meets the basic eligibility criteria including age, education verification and physical fitness. “This step is essential to focus efforts on the right prospects.”

3. Engagement. “Recruiters don’t present a one-size-fits-all pitch - they tailor their approaches to each candidate’s motivations, aspirations and concerns. The goal is to make the value of service feel personal and meaningful, not just a career choice but a transformational opportunity.”

4. Monitoring. Once a recruiter has made strong contact with a potential recruit, the conversation doesn’t end there. “Skilled recruiters maintain regular contact, offering guidance, encouragement and insights to help recruits stay committed and confident in their decisions.”

5. Processing. Unlike many cities, counties and states, the Marines prevent “administrative hurdles from delaying a recruit’s transition into the Corps.” 

6. Follow Up. While there’s no such thing as boot camp for government employees (though it may sometimes feel that way), the Marines “help recruits get physically, mentally and logistically prepared for boot camp. This includes finalizing paperwork, arranging travel and addressing last-minute concerns that could interfere with their enlistment.” 

Of course, very few, if any states and local governments have the resources necessary to follow these steps to the letter. But, as the old saying goes, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.”

As Work for America concludes “Even if your organization can’t directly replicate these methods, the core principles are adaptable. Local and state government should similarly tailor their strategies to their specific needs and resources, drawing valuable lessons from the Marine Corps’ approach.”

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