Recruitment
What is Recruitment?
Sorority recruitment is a process in which university undergraduate women join a sorority. It is a procedure that includes a number of themed rounds in which different events are included.
What do I need to do to join in sorority recruitment on my campus?
REGISTER WITH YOUR COLLEGE CAMPUS PANHELLENIC! This step is ESSENTIAL for participation.
- This is also the source for the PNM. Pay attention to the details, the schedule and the dress code for each day. Study the info on each chapter to prepare for recruitment.
- This is a great source to use in making a recruitment notebook.
- Keep a page for each chapter with key details for you to review before entering each house. This will help you ask more thoughtful and engaging chapter specific questions.
- Use it to make notes after your visit to remind you of your experience when it’s time to rank your preference card.
REGISTER WITH PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION OF SAN ANTONIO.
- Keep in mind that by sending us your information form, your resume, your transcript, and your photographs; individual sorority members may have all of the information they need to write a recommendation for you, and you may not receive a call or any other type of contact. Our local young ladies make great alumna members, so we make every effort to get you where you want to go!
RECOMMENDATIONS ARE A CHECKMARK ON YOUR SCORECARD.
- Most sororities state that they are no longer required, but if the chapter at your campus lists an address for sending in a recommendation or letter of support, SEND THEM.
- Secure one or two recommendation writers per chapter. Check with collegiate chapter pages to determine who can write a recommendation. Some can only be an alumna, some may allow a community member.
- Always send a thank you note to anyone who has recommended you.
- DO NOT CONTACT PANHELLENIC ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS. We will not know what an individual sorority will be doing. It is strictly intra-sorority business, and none of ours.
PLEASE TRUST THE SYSTEM!
NETWORK!
- Once you choose a school, think about who you know that graduated before you that attends and make connections. Ask for introductions to their friends and people they know on campus.
- Ask questions, they’ll start looking into who you are and checking your social media.
- Remember your welcome week mentors/orientation guides at college may also be sorority women. Participate and engage with others you meet.
SOCIAL MEDIA : SHOW WHO YOU ARE
- Clean up pages. Archive or remove anything inappropriate or questionable.
- Start posting every 2 weeks between now and recruitment. Friendships, and Family First! These highlight your values. Boyfriends are fine, just put those pics second or third. They want to see you as a good friend and that you love your family.
- Button it up until recruitment. Think about grandma giving it approval.
- Follow collegiate panhellenic pages. Our "MEMBERS" page on this website shows each of the National Panhellenic Association members and has links to their National and Local websites Follow each chapter page from your college campus, do not be exclusive. Our "UNIVERSITY PANHELLENICS" page contains links to each of the Panhellenic Councils on the most frequently attended schools of our local young ladies. From there, you can learn about each of the sororities on your chosen campus.
REMEMBER YOUR AGE!
Go to school, maintain your grades, socialize with others. Don’t ruin your reputation with inappropriate choices or behavior.
TOPICS TO THINK ABOUT:
- What are your values?
- What are three things that shaped you?
- Why do you want to go through recruitment?
- What are you looking for in a sorority?
- When did you take on a leadership role?
- What’s your ideal day?
- Tell me about volunteer experiences?
- What do you like to do outside of school? What are your hobbies?
CONVERSATION STARTER TOPICS:
- Tell me about your new member program?
- How do you balance sorority and school work?
- What are you looking for in a new member?
- What is your favorite part about being in Greek life?
- What’s the best part of being XYZ?
- How do you support your chapter philanthropy?
- What are your favorite chapter events?
- What makes your chapter different from others on campus?
SOCIAL RESUME: They are most beneficial for the recommendation writer, and many schools do not upload them. Follow the instructions per your college Panhellenic registration.
- Headshot, shoulder and above
- 3-5 sentence intro paragraph - “All about me”
- Weighted GPA only and don’t list it as weighted. Grades are the first thing chapters can use to differentiate who continues and who is released. It’s cut and dry. You do not need to list test scores.
- List leadership roles, academic achievements, volunteer work - make it easy for rec writers to cut and paste the information.
VIDEO TIPS:
If you have to submit an intro video, rehearse!
- Use a low key background.
- No background noise.
- Speak clearly.
- Give good answers, have fun.
- Follow instruction on horizontal or vertical recording.
- Practice so that you feel comfortable but record a relaxed video. We pause and laugh or repeat words in real life so be your genuine self.
- Remember that you CAN stop delete, and start again.
LEGACIES:
It is the PNM decision to list or not list legacy affiliations. More often being reported as not beneficial in the process. There is no control on how a particular chapter views a legacy connection and many PNMs are choosing not to include the information.
- TIMELINES:
- January: Social media cleanup , Identify potential recommenders , Connect with local Panhellenic Association
- February: Contact recommendation writers, Resume’ draft completed, Register with Local Panhellenic
- March: Recruitment photos complete, Resume’ finalized, All recommendations confirmed - ask for addresses if needed, Keep up with your college Panhellenic on Social Media
- April: Ensure all documents are submitted to local Panhellenic by deadlines
- May: Send thank you notes, Register for Recruitment at your college campus, Request official transcripts if required
- June: Confirm recruitment registration, Research sororities and philanthropies - follow each chapter social media, Start making a recruitment notebook, Review the Panhellenic guidebook, Shop for and plan recruitment attire that fits the dress code per the guide Attend orientation or collegiate events, Connect with those you know on campus.
- July: Review conversation tips and practice responding to common questions, Make a recruitment notebook . Use it to reference info about each chapter before entering and use it to take notes after each round. This will help you remember your experience. Make your video if required, Review the recruitment schedule. Pack your recruitment essential bag - water, snacks, mints, makeup, notebook, pens, phone charger. Enjoy your summer with your family. Relax and feel confident in knowing you’re prepared for this next chapter.
During the process: NO posting updates, sharing info or opinions on experience or house choices. If you speak to your mom/family, remind them not to share anything about the experience during the process.
Biggest message:
The process can be exciting but very stressful and even heartbreaking at times. Remembering to keep an open mind and evaluate the house list in front of you. Just like the college selection process, remember in the end…want the one that wants you!
Want to Know More?
Visit the webpage sorority life for much more detailed information about sororities in general.