When considering recruitment, many girls feel nervous. Recruitment itself is simple; you enter a room of girls and have to decide if you like them and if it’s your forever home. It’s practically speed dating for girls. The mindsets that potential new members (PNMs) take into recruitment is what has a tendency to make things more difficult. Here are some potential recruitment hacks that will make your recruitment go by smoothly.
Wear something that you feel pretty and comfortable in.
Every school has guidelines for what they want you to wear for recruitment. These are usually open-ended so you are able to make each night’s outfit your own. What you choose to wear should make you feel confident. You don’t have to be decked out in Lilly in order to make a lasting impression. If you are comfortable and confident, we will notice, regardless of what you are wearing.
Know what is expected of you in a sorority.
You don’t have to be a pro when it comes to everything about a sorority, but there are basics that you must know. With every sorority comes dues and time commitment. Even if you are in a position where you have to pay your own dues, it’s OK. You just have to learn how to balance your school work, job, and sorority. While this may seem hard, it’s not impossible. You’ll always have a sister that is in research, has two jobs, has a 4.0, and still has all of her hair.
Get close to the girls in your Pi Chi group.
You’ll be with these girls for the entire week. Some of them will probably be your future sisters. Talk with these girls. Even if you do accept bids to different sororities, you’ll still remain friends.
We want you to like us just as much as you want us to like you.
Sororities literally start preparing for recruitment early in the year. We are so excited and nervous to meet the new PNMs. When you are talking to a sister, don’t be discouraged if there are a few awkward moments. It’s probably because you both are nervous. Take these moments and laugh them off.
Be open to meeting new, different people.
Because we are all so different, the sister that you end up talking to might not be exactly like you. You may be extremely extroverted and social while the sister may be a little more on the introverted side. Like everywhere else, sororities have a mix of girls. The mix of personalities makes the sisterhood extra special.
Be ready for chanting and dancing.
If listening to a door full of girls chanting at the top of their lungs isn't really your thing, brace yourself, because it’s going to happen. It actually turns out to be a lot of fun. There’s also a good chance that the sisters will be singing and dancing at some point. Have fun with it. If you want to sit in your seat and groove a little, that’s fine. If you want to sit completely still, that's perfectly fine as well. Just have fun with it.
If you get dropped from the sorority that you want, give the others a chance.
A lot of girls go into recruitment with their mind made up on what sorority they want. Don’t do that. You need to keep an open mind. If the sorority that you do want drops you, trust the system. You will find your forever home.
Be yourself.
Ultimately, this whole experience is about you. Be yourself with the sisters in order to find your perfect home. If you think you're weird, that’s OK, because we are probably just as weird as you think you are, if not more.
Overall, recruitment isn’t as bad as you think it is. Just follow these tips and smile through the fear. We were once in the same position. You are not alone in this.
