Whether it’s fall or spring recruitment, there’s always the excitement and apprehension that comes with getting ready for one of the biggest events on campus. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably counting down the days until Recruitment Kickoff, to the point where you’re getting a little antsy from waiting.
Here are the five things you can do over break to make sure you’re “recruitment ready”
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1.Research the sororities on your campus.
It’s probably the first thing that most PNMs do, but nonetheless very informative and fun. Make sure you’re familiar with the sororities on campus. Not only will this give you a good overview of the sororities that you’ll visit, but knowing more about them will calm your nerves.
2.Reconnect with current sorority and fraternity members that went to your high school.
If you’re already friends with a lot of Greeks, then reach out to them and ask them for some recruitment tips! If you need a few more opinions, send a message to sorority and fraternity members who went to your high school. They would be more than happy to help you out and answer all of your recruitment questions. Make sure to ask them about on campus events like Greek Week and what their chapter’s “personality” is like. This will give you a good idea of what being an active Greek member is like, and will help you during the recruitment process.
3.Pick out your recruitment outfit.
Break is the perfect time to shop for your recruitment outfits! The recruitment process usually requires casual to formal dress throughout the week, so follow the guidelines presented. Pick out clothes that are flattering and fit your style. For fall recruitment, you can look into patterned shorts or casual skirts, sundresses, flats or nice sandals, and cocktail dresses. For spring recruitment, outfits will range between jeans and boots, business casual, and cocktail dresses. If you’re unsure about what to buy, ask your Rho Gamma or active members from your school if the outfits are appropriate. Make sure that your outfit is ready before recruitment starts so that you’re not rushing (pun intended) to put something together before the rounds start. And remember, you’re never fully dressed without a smile!
4.Request recommendation letters.
For many sororities, recommendation letters aren’t required. However, they never hurt. A recommendation letter can come from an active member or alumna from that sorority (although it doesn’t have to be that chapter). Start your recommendation search by asking family members, family friends, teachers, club members, and local alumnae chapter members. Remember to ask them several weeks in advance so that they have time to write the letter, and include information like where to send the letter, who to address it to, and when to send it by. Don’t forget to send a thank you note afterwards!
5.Think about why you want to go through recruitment.
One of the most commonly asked questions during recruitment is, “Why did you decide to go through recruitment?” In order to avoid the deer-in-headlights reaction of someone who isn’t prepared, think about the reasons why you want to join a sorority. It could be because you want to find your home among those who share the same values as you, because you want to be a part of an organization of leaders on campus, or because you really believe in the strength of a sisterhood and want to have a close group of friends that will stay with you for life. The reasons are endless- be honest and passionate, and you can’t go wrong!
