If you are an incoming college student or even if you aren't a freshman, here are some helpful tips about recruitment.
1. Be Yourself
Anybody that has ever gone through recruitment, will tell you how crucial it is for you to be yourself. The sorority's will get to know you through all your conversations and how you portray yourself. If you are not being true to you, you could join an organization that is not quite for you. You want to be in a sorority where you feel you are surrounded by people who are like you and share the same interests, since a lot of your time and money will be spent on that organization.
2. Don't Be Nervous
I know saying, "don't be nervous" is easier said then done, but there is really no need to be nervous. You as a pnm, are probably as nervous or less nervous then the person you are talking to. I know for me when I am nervous I talk a lot, so sometimes letting your nerves out and being yourself is more beneficial in the end! My advice is to just not be scared to talk! You get such a limited time to talk, so you want to get all you can out so that they can remember you and get to know you more.
3. Don't Follow Your Friends
I know a lot of people who are best friends go to college together, and want to be in the same sorority's, sometimes you can't just follow each other though. I promise you, if you and your best friend don't get in the same sorority y'all will still be friends. Sometimes what organization fits best for one person, is not necessarily a fit for another. Like I mentioned above, you do not want to be apart of something you don't feel apart of. Go where you feel at home. A major point of joining a sorority, is to be surrounded by people who share similar interests and values that are there to support you through out your college journey. Go where you feel like they are your home away from home.
4. Be Open Minded
While many of you may have a sorority in mind, do not be upset if you do not receive a bid from them. The sorority knows more than you think you may know, so wherever you open your bid to is where they feel like you fit best. Going through the recruitment process, do not have your mind set on only one organization. Just be open minded and enjoy the process, you will learn a lot and a lot about yourself through it.
5. Take It All In
While recruitment week can be stressful, remember it is only stressful if you make it that way. Going through you will probably talk the most you ever have in your life, just take it all in, and enjoy it. The process is one of the most unique things you will go through in your transition to a college student. It will make you more aware of yourself, and bring you out of you shell, ,if you are shy.
6. Be Yourself Again
While being true to you, dress the way YOU want, not what you think the sorority's want to see. Being comfortable in this process is key. There is a lot of walking, so you want to be comfortable and be yourself. When you are yourself and dressing in something you want, it brings more confidence to yourself.
7. Don't Get Frustrated
One thing that can drive you a little crazy, is repetition. You will get tired of constantly repeating yourself, and you will get tired of walking. Do not show that you are frustrated or tired though when switching to go talk to another person or sorority. They will catch it and make note of it. Even if you are not having the best day, you always want to have a good attitude. The sorority's and its members have dedicated so much time and effort into getting to know each pnm and the whole recruitment process so just enjoy it, it is like a once in a lifetime experience.
8. Take Notes
If you are attending a big university that has a lot of sorority's and you go to a lot of the "party's"(where you get to meet and talk to the sorority members (also known as 'Ice Water Tea') in between switching from each one, take notes. You will have many long days, and when you vote, taking notes of each sorority you talked to will be very beneficial. This also will lead to deeper connections, if there is someone you connected with write there name down, so you can greet them by name if you are able to see them again. Write down any questions you have as well, if you are fortunate to talk to them again, it will show your interest and help you know more.
9. Ask Questions
Each night of recruitment is a themed night, so that you will learn more about the organization. Ask as many questions as possible, this way you will know more things, and it can help you decide where you think you belong best as well. Getting to know everything about the organization you are interested in is key.
10. Make Friends
While the process can be intimidating, MAKE FRIENDS. The more people you talk to, the more memorable and easier the process will be. Making friends, can also lead to more panhellenic friends, and more friends to have when the school year starts.
I hope these 10 tips are helpful to you!
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