Are you heading into recruitment without knowing what to expect? Don’t worry. Neither do most potential new members (PNMs)– those eligible to participate in the recruitment process. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the experience is normal, but there are strategies you can implement to ease your nerves.
While each school’s recruitment is tailored to its community, there are three universal moments during recruitment every person goes through: the line, the wait and the entry into the event.
Here is how you can handle each step like a pro:
The Line
When you arrive at the location of your recruitment, all PNMs will typically wait in the same room until further instructions from your Recruitment Counselors or Panhellenic Council. Though you are assigned Recruitment Counselors during the recruitment process, the ones responsible for your line may be different. During this time, it’s important to be attentive to ensure you hear any announcements.
Once ready, the Recruitment Counselors will call the PNMs into groups. Each group will be assembled in a line in alphabetical order and will visit one event hosted by a sorority. As you stand in the line, take a mental note of who is in your group. This will help you remember where you’re supposed to be in case of an emergency.
Also, try to make friends with those in your line. Talk to someone you already know or introduce yourself to someone new. Chatting with them can help calm your nerves, focusing your attention on the conversation rather than the upcoming event itself. The conversation could also legitimize your emotions, hearing that others feel the same way.
The Wait
In your line, you’ll follow your designated Recruitment Counselors to your event. However, there’s no immediate entry. Usually, there will be about a five-to-10-minute wait outside the facility to ensure the sorority inside is prepared to meet the PNMs.
While waiting may only seem to make nerves worse, think positively of the allotted time. You get minutes to breathe, relax or prepare yourself to meet sisters in the chapter. Think or talk to a buddy about what you’re most excited about for recruitment, or practice possible questions to ask sisters during the party.
Your Recruitment Counselors may also need your attention to confirm line orders, and further instructions or are there to give advice. Since they are responsible for PNMs and have gone through recruitment, listening to their experiences can be helpful. With different ways to utilize your time before visiting each sorority, it’s much less stressful than jumping from event to event.
The Entry
When you hear the Recruitment Counselors’ second knock at the door, it’s go time. Stand up tall, take one more deep breath and smile. Know that as soon as you enter the door, a member of the sorority will guide you to your next location. PNMs can not be left alone during an event, so you will always have someone by your side.
As you walk into the facility the chapter members may be doing chants or singing. It can be overwhelming or surprising the first couple of times you hear it. As the rounds of recruitment progress, it will go from more excited and loud to a more intimate setting. Take it all in and follow the lead of the member who is guiding you.
It’s also good to note that the sorority members are just as nervous as you are. You’re interviewing them to see if their organization is the right fit. They’re in charge of inviting new members. You both have a lot on your mind. That said, don’t stress on awkward moments. Instead, focus on keeping the conversation flowing so you can determine if you want to visit and learn more about the sorority again.
After time passes by, and the party comes to a close, you’ll get to do these steps all over again until you go to visit each sorority on your schedule. You’ll get in your groove, continue these strategies throughout recruitment and discover if sorority life is right for you.
