Five Easy Tips for Recruitment from a New Member
Are you interested in going through the recruitment process for a sorority next semester? Are you feeling nervous? I was in your shoes just a few short months ago, when I decided to go through recruitment, my freshman fall semester at Kutztown University. I went through all four days of the formal recruitment process, and I ended up having the best time! I joined Delta Phi Epsilon, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. However, going into it I was quite nervous about the process. These are the five things I wish I had gotten advice about before recruitment!
1. Attend pre-recruitment events.
I knew that I wanted to join a sorority the moment I got accepted into Kutztown University. However, I did not know that there were so many events that would go on before recruitment week actually started. On a whim, I decided to go to the Greek Life Welcome Back Bash, the first week of school with one of my new friends. Going to this event gave me great peace of mind that I was making the right decision to join a sorority. I got to talk to every sorority on campus and get a better idea of what their philanthropies were, events that they held, and what their sisters were like. I also attended a Pi Gamma and Potential New Member social the week before recruitment started. I got to meet my Pi Gamma and ask specific questions that I had about recruitment. I learned what I was to wear each round, how much dues were for each sorority, and what the Pi Gamma’s were there for. As someone who stresses over every little detail, attending both of these events made me much more relaxed and excited for recruitment! If you get the chance to attend any sort of event before recruitment, I would highly recommend doing so.
2. Think of questions to ask sisters before recruitment starts.
One thing I did, because I stress over every single detail, was think of questions to ask before recruitment started. At first, I wasn’t sure how many I would end up using during recruitment, but I actually ended up asking most of them. Think of things that you would like to know about specific sororities you are interested in, and then overall questions that you could ask any sorority. Most sisters will ask if you have any questions, and it is great if you have some prepared. One of my favorite questions to ask a sister who was recruiting me was if they held any position within the sorority. It will vary from school to school, but in Kutztown’s sororities, nearly every sister holds some sort of position. I ended up learning about many different positions that I did not know existed. Also, the sister will completely light up when you ask her about her position or chair she holds. Each sister is so passionate about what they specifically contribute to the sorority; and will love talking about it with you. I would highly encourage thinking of just a few questions you could ask sisters, as it will put you at ease and make conversation flow easier if you have questions prepared.
3. Express interest in leadership positions.
Going off of my last point about asking about positions, one thing I found out through recruitment is how much sisters like to hear that you are interested in leadership positions. Sisters are looking for strong new members who want to participate and be active within the sorority. Someone who is interested in leadership positions will improve the sorority and become the stronger next generation. If you are interested in leadership positions, I would recommend bringing it up whilst talking to a sister during recruitment. They will often point you in the direction of someone who holds a leadership position, such as the President or the Vice President of Recruitment, and you can learn more about that position.
4. Pick a philanthropy you’re passionate about.
Many people who go through the recruitment process often forget that the main purpose of a sorority is their philanthropy and they work they do to support them. Whatever sorority you may choose, you will dedicate most of your "career" and time in that sorority to your philanthropy. I would suggest picking a philanthropy that you like; or would like to learn more about. If you passionate about your philanthropy, it can make you more willing and excited to participate in your sororities’ events. If you have a connection to a certain cause, don't be afraid to open up about it, if you feel comfortable!
5. Don’t stress so much! You will end up where you are meant to.
It’s very cliché, but when your Pi Gamma tells you that everything happens for a reason, believe her! You will end up in a sorority where you can prosper and become a better person! You may go into it having preconceived notions about what sorority you want to join, and end up in a completely different sorority. It will work out the way it is supposed to. Don’t be so stressed out about recruitment that you don’t enjoy yourself!
I hope you have a fun time at recruitment, and good luck! Wherever you end up, whatever you do, stay true to who you are and become the best version of yourself that you can be.
