Recruitment 2014 Countdown

For many of you, recruitment will begin in a few days or weeks. I'm sure you are finalizing your outfit choices so you can make the best possible first impression. Of course, what you are wearing is important not only because you want to feel good about how you look but also it shows you took the time to present yourself in the best light. This is great training for the interviews you will have in college and the real world. You must dress the part.

It is also important to identify those items you will carry in The Bag you will carry and leave in the tent between parties. Remember all the stuff Mary Poppins included in her bag? You too should be the PNM that has everything one would need in 100 degree weather. Thanks to our local Greek women, here is a listing of items you might want to include. Remember - you will carry nothing into the events. It all remains outside. 

A pen & a small notebook

Chapstick/lip gloss

Comfy flip flops 

Deodorant 

Face Powder

Flip flops

Hair Brush

Mints

Mirror

Perfume

Small fan

Snacks

Tissues

Water

I brought a handheld fan in my bag. It helped cool me down between houses and especially when all of the good spots in the tents were taken. It also helped me make friends!  I would  suggest bringing an umbrella because there were quite a few unexpected showers when I went through recruitment. 

A pair of flip flops that are comfy! (I brought my Chaco’s) just to wear on the row between houses on days your shoes are uncomfortable. 

An umbrella, for the rain that will most likely happen, and to keep you cool in the summer heat. A book or something to keep you busy! On the days you can't talk it can get pretty boring, being something to keep you occupied. 

Special thanks to the following for their advice.

Maddie Street

Kailey Johnson

Christina DeRuyter

Jennifer Hoyle

And a special message from Abigayle English who loves to blog and reminds us what is important in the recruitment process - being yourself so you can meet new friends.

Honestly, I wouldn't put too much focus into what you bring to sorority row as it can get you confused about the recruitment process. I remember everyone stressing to bring extra jewelry if something broke or your whole make-up bag. I think that is good advice if you want to be over-prepared but I think it also makes us too concerned about what we look like on the outside and not as concerned about what really matters when we're in the houses, our character. 

I learned this through watching a girl cry her eyes out outside of one of the houses, because she had lost one earring and said her outfit wasn't complete without them. I can imagine how hard it was for her to go into that house and talk about her experiences, interests and goals when she was so focused on her outfit. So I would say to bring whatever will make you feel comfortable so that you can focus on being yourself inside the houses. 

The items in your bag should just help you not be distracted by your outward appearance so that you can focus on your inner self. For example, I knew that if I had bad breath I would be less likely to talk and if I didn't have a snack I would get grumpy. So I brought a snack and some mints. If you are worried about sweating, bring deodorant and coffee filters for a quick freshen-up. So you can readjust outside to make yourself comfortable and then reflect on what that last house was like, unlike some girls who would spend all the extra time redoing make-up or changing jewelry out. 

While you want to look your best, being on the other side of recruitment I have learned that we are so concerned about finding out what kind of lady you are, that you could walk in with two different shoes and we probably wouldn't notice. So don't pack a huge bag that will put pressure on you to focus on your outward appearance. Just make sure that you are comfortable so you can be yourself in the house. We are so excited to get to know you all and don't want y'all to get too worried about the materialistic side of things. So my end-all advice for the bag is pack what you need to feel comfortable and to be able to be yourself. 

Recommendations, References, Letters of Support...What do you really need?

Any time you want to join an organization you are typically asked to complete some type of application that provides pertinent information to those already in the organization. There are as many types of applications as there are organizations out there.

Sororities are no different.

To ensure you have the proper paperwork to move through the recruitment process, you are encouraged to obtain a formal recommendation/reference for that specific sorority. Each group calls this form something different which means there is sometimes miscommunication. 

 

You are responsible for asking women to write formal recommendations/references for each sorority. This is a form that is unique to each sorority. For example, only women who were members of ABC or DEF can write a recommendation or reference for their sorority. Again, each sorority calls this form by a different name. Some national sororities have systems that allow alumnae to complete a form electronically while some women prefer to hand write a form and mail it to the appropriate person. It is always wise to ask how the alumna would like you to deliver your packet of information. It is not imperative that alumna be a graduate of the college you will attend. It is critical she be a member of the sorority for which she will be writing a recommendation/reference.

In addition, you can have women write letters of recommendation for their sorority. You will need the formal recommendation/reference to make sure you have the ability to move through the membership process with each sorority. It is like an application for membership in an organization. I know – confusing.

Each prospective new member (working with her mother) is responsible for gaining her own formal recommendations/references. We suggest having your mom ask her friends if they were in sororities and then asking if they will write a reference/recommendation. They did not have to attend the university you will attend.The best recommendations/references are written by someone who knows you!

You will need to provide the following to each woman writing this recommendation/reference.

• Letter requesting she write a  recommendation/reference
• Social resume
• Photographs – head shot & full length shot (see comments on what types of pictures to include)
• Copy of transcript
• Stamped envelope with the name & address of the sorority for which the woman is writing a reference. (You can get this information from the panhellenic website at the university you are attending.)

You will follow up with a hand written thank you note to the woman.

You will need to call or email the woman and either hand deliver or mail the packet of information. If you do not know the woman well, you might need to set up an appointment to meet her. When she writes a recommendation/reference, she is addressing your ability to be a candidate for membership in her sorority. She will need to know if you have the ability and desire to fulfill the obligations of membership – attending meetings & socials, participating in service projects, paying dues, living in the house (if required), and upholding the values and standards of that sorority. That is the reason for these forms – to let current members of that sorority know a little more about you and your ability to be a contributing member of that organization.

BVPAA seeks to assist local women in identifying local alumnae who can assist in finding women to write these recommendations.

Recruitment is Here!

To all the women from the Brazos Valley who are rushing this fall....remember that it is about the girls and not about the letters. As you receive your event invitations, focus on the group of women that have invited you back and not on the houses you will not be visiting. Remember to smile, ask questions, and share what you are looking for in a sorority. My prayers are with you as you navigate through the week. Take advantage of friendships that will appear as you are walking to a house, waiting in a tent, or riding the bus. Although you may be tired and things might not be going as you had anticipated, stay the course as your new home might be something totally different than you first thought!
Go Greek!
Go Brazos Valley Local PNMs!

Presenting Your Most Confident Self During Recruitment

Conversation During Recruitment

Although your resume is one way someone can get to know you, there are many things about you that your resume cannot share. Most of us do not include our height, weight, or hair and eye color. Nor do we include information on our favorite color, our newest cool shoes, or our nail polish length & color. A resume cannot tell all the unique and wonderful things about a person and that is why face-to-face meetings are a part of the recruitment process.

Having the ability to talk one-on-one with others you have just met is an important skill that will be used not only during sorority recruitment but also when you are job hunting. Here are a few things to practice during the next few weeks as you must practice to get better at a skill.

Open Body Language

Make sure you are standing tall and looking confident. Watch what you do with your arms. Crossing your arms in front of you is "closed" body language and conveys a message of "I'm not interested." Putting your hands on your hips is not a lady-like look and holding hands behind your back might show you are hiding something. Standing with your arms by your side so you are able to use them when speaking is the best say to stand but is difficult if you are not used to it. Fiddling with your hair shows that you are nervous and can be distracting. Find a way to stand with your feet so that you look comfortable. 

Good Eye Contact

Make sure you focus on the person who is talking. Looking around the room to see who you can see does not allow the person you are speaking with to feel you are listening.

Think About What You Are Going To Say

You will be asked  the same question at every party during the first day. It is basic banter to get to speak about something you feel comfortable with - basically "small talk." Have a story to tell about what you did this summer, how you made the decision to attend the university you are attending, things you enjoy doing...anything that will allow the women you meet to get to know you. Answer with more than a few words. Embellish. Again, practicing will enable you to share your story. Your mom is not there to share what wonderful talents you have.

Positive Attitude

Put a smile on your face and be genuinely interested in what the other person is saying. Ask questions to show you are listening and then follow up with a question asking the member something about herself. Spray all those you meet with positiveness.

Self Confidence

Yes, there are lots of women going through recruitment but they are not you. You are you and have so many interesting and wonderful stories to tell. Think about those behaviors and talents that are special to you and tie these back to how you will share those with the sorority in which you become a member.

Do Your Homework

It is easy to find out about the various philanthropies and service projects the chapters support. State that you know something about the chapter and then follow up with a question. "What part did you play in support of your philanthropy?" or "What is your favorite service project?"

Remember that the members will also be sharing information about their sorority so make sure you are an active listener. You might need to ask questions to clarify something a member says so you understand what she is trying to communicate with you. Know that many times the members are as nervous as you in meeting and talking with new people.

Greetings
As we say goodbye to the last day in July, that means fall recruitment is only weeks away. For those campuses participating in fall recruitment, chapter members are finalizing plans to have a successful 2013 recruitment. All you have to do is sit back and relax.
Well...not really. 
If you have not finalized the outfits you will be wearing, now is the time to do so. Things to remember:

• It will be hot and you will sweat so find items that will breathe and that will work with water.
• You will be walking a lot so find shoes that are comfortable. 
• Your hair can be an asset or a deterrent. Think about how you will wear it on each day and have the correct products available to create your signature look. If you know you are a hair-messer-wither (and you know who you are) consider wearing it pulled back so your hands will not be tempted to touch your hair. (You know you do it when you are nervous.)
• Find accent jewelry that will enhance your outfit and might prompt conversation. You should wear the pieces; they should not wear you.
• Practice being hot. One advisor had great advice. "Get dressed up - makeup and everything - and then walk around outside during the hottest part of the day." Stay outside for several hours and see how you look and feel and possibly rethink your hair, makeup, attire.

How exciting to nearly be in college.

If you visit your university and see someone in Greek letters, remember to put on that smile and introduce yourself (first & last name) and ask for any advice that person might have regarding the recruitment process.

Want to know more: http://sororityrush.webs.com/firstthingsfirst.htm

 And remember: It's not about the letters. It's about the girls.

Pictures for Recruitment

Pictures

The sororities want to be able to recognize you when you walk in their house so a picture that accurately reflects you is preferable – not a “glamour shot”. You do not need to send in professional portraits. You can send in snapshots. If you print pictures at home, please use photo quality paper and use a max size of 4x6. The most important thing to remember is to smile and show your sparkling personality. It is very helpful to have pictures in jpg format as many times you will register for recruitment online.

Picture Do’s

·      Have a classic picture taken (You don’t have to wear the latest clothing trend.)

·      Have an individual picture taken with you as the primary subject

·      Have a close up so we can see your smile

Picture Don’ts

·      Send in a glamour shot

·      Pose next to an unusual object

·      Include friends or boys in the picture

·      Wear revealing or tight fitting clothing when taking your picture

·      Take pictures at a social event (no prom pictures please!)

About Recommendations or References as It is All Greek to Me

Recommendations/References/Letters

1.  What are recommendations/ letters of reference?

A reference is similar to a job reference.  It is a form written by a sorority alumna (graduate) to introduce you to a sorority chapter.  It provides a means of introduction and does not guarantee an invitation to membership from that sorority.  It is the responsibility of the sorority alumna who is completing the form, to obtain, complete and submit it in the manner and time required by her group.

2.  Do I need letters in addition to a recommendation/ reference?

Sometimes you don’t.  The sorority alumna writing the recommendation/ reference will be familiar with her sorority’s requirements.

3.  How do I obtain a reference/recommendation?

Find out what sorority chapters are represented on your college campus.  Begin early to network with friends, family and teachers of your intent to participate in the membership recruitment process. They may wish to provide a reference letter for you.  The sorority alumna writing the reference will ask you for pictures, transcripts and a resume to enclose.

An alumna wishing to write a reference does not need to be a graduate of the college you will attend.  She only needs to be a member of a sorority with a chapter on that campus.

When you are providing information for a reference letter, please use correct grammar, punctuation, be polite and brief.  Tell the alumna which college you will attend.  Include a typed resume and a photo.  The photo should be full length or a head shot, and is used for recognition.  List any legacy affiliations on your resume.  Ask her to please call or email you (list your phone & email address) if she needs any more information.

If the alumna is not currently active in her Brazos Valley sorority organization and does not know the correct procedures or addresses, please tell her to contact any member of the Membership Recruitment Committee.  Any alumna can call her sorority’s recruitment contact for correct procedures and addresses.

You must register with your college or university Panhellenic to be eligible to participate in their recruitment activities.