What Do Sororities Really Look for during Recruitment? 7 Things You Should Know

If sorority recruitment is somewhere in your future, you have probably wondered what chapters are actually looking for.

Is it your personality? Maybe your grades? Could it be your activities? Your appearance? Or does your social media matter?

The answer isn’t as simple as some of the advice you’ll find online.

Every college has its own recruitment process, and every chapter is made up of different women. Even so, there are certain qualities that can help you make a genuine connection during recruitment.

The good news is that none of them require you to become someone you’re not.

---

1. A Genuine Personality

Recruitment gives you the opportunity to let women get to know you.

During a conversation, talk about things that genuinely interest you. Share experiences that have shaped you. When the other person tells you something about herself, listen and ask questions.

A conversation should feel like a conversation, not an interview.

Trying to give the “perfect” answer can actually make things more difficult.

The goal is to let your personality come through naturally.

2. The Ability to Connect

Good conversations involve more than talking.

Listening, responding and showing interest can make a much stronger impression than trying to keep the conversation going at all costs.

When someone tells you about an experience, ask a follow-up question. If you have something in common, share it. When the conversation takes an unexpected turn, let it.

Those little moments often create the most natural connections.

You don’t need to impress everyone. You need to connect with the people you’re talking to.

3. Your Interests and Experiences

Activities can give the women you meet something meaningful to ask about.

Maybe you’ve played a sport for years. Perhaps you’ve been involved in student government, volunteered in your community or worked throughout high school.

There isn’t a magic list of activities that guarantees a successful recruitment experience.

What matters is having things you genuinely care about and being able to talk about why they are important to you.

Your experiences help tell your story.

4. Academic Goals

Academics can be an important part of recruitment.

Requirements vary by college and chapter, so it’s worth understanding the expectations at the school you’re considering.

Beyond a GPA, your academic interests can also become part of your conversations.

Talk about subjects you enjoy. Share what you’re excited to study. Explain why you chose your intended major if you already have one.

A genuine interest in learning can tell someone much more than a number on a transcript.

5. How You Present Yourself

Looking put-together is part of making a good first impression.

That doesn’t mean you need to completely change your appearance or dress like everyone else.

Instead, follow the dress expectations for each round while choosing clothes that feel like you.

Small details matter, too. Hair, shoes, accessories and overall presentation should look intentional.

Most importantly, you should feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Confidence is much easier when you feel like yourself.

6. Your Social Media

Social media isn’t a substitute for meeting someone in person. Still, it can contribute to a first impression.

Before recruitment, take a fresh look at your public accounts.

Scroll through your recent posts as well as older ones. Pay attention to captions, comments and anything that could come across as negative, disrespectful or overly controversial.

There is no need to erase your personality or create a completely different online presence.

A simple question can help:

Does this represent the best version of me?

If the answer is no, make a few changes and move on.

7. An Understanding of What You Want

Knowing what matters to you can make sorority recruitment much easier.

Think about the kind of college experience you’re hoping to have.

Maybe close friendships are your priority. Perhaps you’re interested in leadership, philanthropy, academics, traditions or a strong social community.

There is no right answer.

Those priorities can also change once you arrive on campus and meet people.

The point isn’t to know exactly which chapter you want. It’s to know what kind of experience you’re looking for.

What About Looks?

This question comes up often.

Yes, appearance is part of a first impression. Recruitment also has dress expectations that you’ll want to follow.

However, there is a big difference between looking your best and trying to look like someone else.

You don’t need to change your style or fit a particular image.

Look like yourself on a really good day.

What About Being Outgoing?

Being naturally outgoing can make meeting new people easier.

That doesn’t mean quieter girls can’t have successful sorority recruitment experiences.

Some of the best conversations happen when someone is genuinely listening and asking thoughtful questions.

Confidence doesn’t always look loud.

For one person, confidence might mean easily starting a conversation. For another, it might mean feeling comfortable enough to share something personal.

There is room for different personalities in a sorority.

What About Being “Popular”?

You may see people online talking about connections, social circles and knowing certain members before recruitment.

Those things can sometimes help someone feel more familiar with the process. They aren’t a requirement for having meaningful conversations or finding a chapter where you belong.

Recruitment brings together women with many different backgrounds.

Your high school popularity isn’t a scorecard.

You don’t need to arrive on campus knowing everyone.

Is There a Perfect Recruitment Candidate?

No.

One girl might be an athlete with a long list of activities. Another might be passionate about one organization. Someone else may spend most of her free time with family and friends.

Each person brings different experiences into recruitment.

That’s part of what makes the process interesting.

Trying to figure out what a “perfect” candidate looks like can actually take you away from what matters most.

Let people get to know the person behind the résumé.

Be Careful About What You Believe Online

Recruitment advice is everywhere.

Some of it can be helpful. Other information is based on one person’s experience, an outdated process or a personal opinion.

Rankings are especially easy to get caught up in.

A chapter’s reputation online doesn’t necessarily tell you how you’ll feel when you’re sitting in a room talking to its members.

Instead, use social media to learn.

Then make your own decisions based on what you experience.

Don’t let the internet choose your sorority before you’ve had the chance to meet the women yourself.

What Really Matters?

There isn’t a secret formula for recruitment.

Chapters are looking at the whole person. At the same time, you’re getting to know them and deciding where you feel comfortable.

Personality matters.

So does the ability to have a genuine conversation.

Your interests, experiences and academic goals can all become part of the picture. Presentation and social media can contribute to a first impression as well.

None of those things should require you to become someone you’re not.

The best thing you can bring into recruitment is a genuine sense of who you are.

Remember What Recruitment Is Really About

The goal isn’t to convince every sorority to want you.

Instead, you’re looking for friendships, community and women you can picture beside you throughout your college years.

Some of these women may become your closest friends. Others may simply be people you enjoy getting to know along the way.

Either way, give yourself the chance to experience recruitment for yourself.

Put down the rankings.

Step away from the predictions.

Forget about trying to fit a certain mold.

Show up, be curious and let people get to know you.

That’s when recruitment becomes less about trying to get the “right” answer and more about finding the right fit for you.

Are you looking for a sorority recruitment coach?

I would love to talk to you! Reach out and I can tell you more about what I do and how I work. You can find me at Rush Worthy or email me at rushworthycoaching@gmail.com and I will be happy to join you on a call or Zoom.

Follow me for tips and advice all year long on Instagram: rush.worthy