When I went through sorority recruitment, the question, “What are you looking for in a sorority?” stumped me. It seems like such an easy question to answer. But, I thought, “There is a right and a wrong answer. The members want a certain answer.”
I was overthinking it. Can you relate?
You can probably guess what my answer was. WORD VOMIT. Since I had the belief there was a right and wrong answer, I made sure to touch on every subject. That way, I had all my bases covered. Certainly, I touched on the answer they are looking for, right?
Here is the problem with word vomit. You are controlling the conversation. You spend your three minutes with a member trying to find the “right” words to say. I hate to break it to you, but most members do not care what your answer is. They want to build a connection with you and be able to relate to you.
Have you looked at your college’s Panhellenic website?
Did it give you a plan for getting a bid?
Did it tell you how to answer the members’ questions?
Did it tell you what the members are looking for in a new member?
MOST LIKELY, NO.
Many of these websites give FACTUAL information. This lack of information leaves many potential new members feeling behind on preparing for sorority recruitment, missing important information, having a disadvantage. Can you relate?
If you feel overwhelmed or behind, you want to watch this video. In the video, I give you 3 secrets to stand out, have options, and run home to your dream sorority.
To watch the video, please click the button below.
Why do the members want to build a connection?
During sorority recruitment, the members interview potential new members to find the best new members for their sorority. They want to find women who are similar to the current members. They are looking for similarities because they know similar people can build friendships. If you can form friendships in the sorority, you will stay for four years. When you stay for four years, it helps the sorority’s retention rates.
Think of it this way.
Why did you become friends with your best friend? Was it because she had amazing answers to your questions?
Most likely, no. You are friends with her because you have similar experiences, values, beliefs, and want similar things out of life. These elements lead you to connect to your friend and build an incredible friendship. Since you are similar, you want to spend more time with her and continue to make memories.
The main takeaway
The words that are coming out of your mouth DO NOT MATTER. There is no right answer. What matters is how you are making someone feel at that moment and the connections you are building in your conversations.
How to answer “What are you looking for in a sorority?”
When answering this question, you want to be honest. Again, there is no right answer.
Step #1. Think about what your dream college experience looks like
What do you want to accomplish?
What type of people do you want to surround yourself with?
Do you want to get good grades?
Do you want to make lifelong friends?
Do you want to have an active social calendar?
Do you want to get involved in the local community?
Do you want to go to graduate school?
Step #2. What are three qualities you need to have in a sorority? (You should be able to pull 3 qualities from your answers above.)
Step #3 Pick the ONE quality that is most important to you
Step #5. Think about a specific story that relates to that quality (this is your connection)
Step #6. Complete your answer
Example of how to answer, “What are you looking for in a sorority?”
“In a sorority, I am looking for a home away from home. The reason why finding a home is so important to me is because I am an out-of-state student. My mom was in a sorority. She is still best friends with some of her sorority sisters. Her best friend, Kelly, is my godmother. I want to find the same type of friendship. Lifelong friends who I get to spend four years making incredible memories with at (college name).”
With this answer, the member can learn about you and can relate to wanting to find friends. She can relate to making memories and having the experience you want.
Again, your words do not matter. What matters is the connection that you are building.
Answers to avoid
Talking about boys (fraternity boys and talking about boyfriends)
Talking about drinking (partying)
Talking about drugs
Talking about money (how much money you have)
Conclusion
The words you are using will not help you get a bid. You have to take a simple conversation and go deep with it. When you open up to the members, they will open up to you and ask you more intriguing questions. These questions help them get to know you better. When they walk away from the conversation, they will say, “Wow! She is the perfect fit for my sorority! I have to give her an amazing score.”
DO YOUTUBE AND TIKTOK HELP YOU STAND OUT OR GAIN RUSH CRUSH STATUS DURING SORORITY RECRUITMENT?
When you depend on Youtube and TikTok for advice, you prepare like everyone else. When you look like everyone else, you do not stand out. If a sorority can only invite back 30% of all PNMs, how will you show them that you deserve to be in the top 30%?
Instead of using advice and being the Overlooked Potential New Member, you want to use a step-by-step plan to gain Rush Crush status -- stand out, have options, and run home to a sorority you love. Click the video below to see how CRUSH [sorority recruitment coaching] can help you create and implement your plan.
You have a math test in two weeks that is worth 90% of your grade for the class. You want to get an A. You are looking for guidance on how to get your A.
First, you ask a friend, not in your math class, “How do I get an A+ on my test?” She says, “You need to study.” This answer leaves you frustrated.
Then, you ask your teacher, “How do I get an A+ on my test?” She gives you a step-by-step plan.
Who was more helpful?
Your teacher, right?
To get an A, you need to know the right information and have a step-by-step plan.
To get a bid to a sorority you love, you have to communicate you are the right fit for the sorority before and during sorority recruitment. A step-by-step plan tells you how and when to communicate.
BUT… why do so many women going through sorority recruitment ONLY use the advice they find on Youtube and TikTok? Does it help them stand out and get a bid?
Click the video below to see how The Ultimate Guide to Sorority Recruitment can help you create and implement your plan.
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