Recruitment
Tips and Tricks
Panhellenic Recruitment
Participating in recruitment is the first step in your journey into sorority life. Recruitment is a mutual selection process, meaning that you pick the sorority and the sorority also picks you. Recruitment is a time where you and the chapters have the opportunity to meet and talk to each other before the selection process.
Below are some tips to help you, the potential new member (PNM), with recruitment.
Be Yourself
Panhellenic recruitment is a two-way process, chapters are trying to get to know the real you just as much as you are trying to get to know the real them. Instead of feeling pressure to impress or fit a certain mold, focus on relaxing and letting your true personality show. Being authentic allows genuine connections to form and helps ensure that any chapter you connect with appreciates you for who you truly are. Pay attention to how you feel in each conversation, because the chapters that make you feel comfortable, confident, and accepted as yourself are the ones worth paying attention to. Those natural, easy interactions are often the strongest signs of where you truly belong.
Remember that recruitment isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. Everyone brings something different and valuable to the Panhellenic community, and your individuality is what makes you stand out. When you stay true to yourself, you give chapters the opportunity to see how you would genuinely fit into their sisterhood, which leads to more meaningful and lasting connections.
Keep an open mind
Keeping an open mind is an important part of Panhellenic recruitment. It can be easy to form an opinion after only one or two conversations, but each chapter is made up of hundreds of members, all with different personalities and experiences. As the process continues, you may find that your perspective changes as you meet more people and learn more about what each chapter has to offer. Staying positive and open allows you to fully explore your options, and you may be surprised by the connections you make along the way.
Approaching each round with curiosity rather than assumptions can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Giving every chapter a fair chance helps you see beyond first impressions and discover qualities you may not have noticed at first. By staying open-minded, you allow yourself the opportunity to find a chapter that truly feels like home, even if it wasn’t what you initially expected.
Remember that recruitment is a journey, and it’s okay for your thoughts and feelings to evolve throughout the process. Trust that each conversation gives you new insight, and allow yourself the space to grow and reassess as you go. Keeping an open mind helps ensure you make a decision based on the full experience, not just a single moment.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself during recruitment is extremely important. The schedule can be busy and the long days may feel overwhelming, especially during such a big transition. Prioritizing rest, staying hydrated, and giving yourself grace can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the week. Remember that the Panhellenic Exec Board and your Recruitment Counselor are here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need encouragement, guidance, or simply someone to talk to.
It’s completely okay to take breaks when you need them and listen to what your mind and body are telling you. Recruitment can bring up a lot of emotions, and making space to decompress; whether that’s through journaling, calling a friend, or taking a quiet moment for yourself; can help you stay grounded and present. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as keeping up with the schedule.
Remember that you don’t have to go through this experience alone. Many people around you are feeling the same way, and support is always available. By prioritizing your well-being and asking for help when you need it, you set yourself up for a healthier, more positive recruitment experience overall.
Do Your Research
Doing your research before and during recruitment can help you feel more prepared and confident. Take time to learn about each of the ten chapters participating in primary recruitment at Cal Poly, as well as our newest chapter, Pi Beta Phi. Look into what they do for community service, the philanthropies they support, how their members engage with campus life, and other meaningful aspects of their chapter culture.
When you gather this information, be sure to use direct sources like the Panhellenic website and each chapter’s official social media pages so you get an accurate picture of who they are and what they value. The more you know about each chapter, the more meaningful your conversations can be, and the easier it will be to find chapters that align with your own interests and goals. Being informed helps you approach recruitment with confidence and curiosity.
Doing your research can also help you come up with thoughtful questions and talking points during conversations. Showing genuine interest in a chapter’s values and activities allows for more engaging and meaningful interactions. This preparation not only helps chapters get to know you better, but also helps you make informed decisions throughout the recruitment process.
Take Notes
Taking notes throughout recruitment can be extremely helpful as you meet many new people and visit multiple chapters. Writing down names, conversation topics, and how each chapter made you feel can help you keep everything organized and fresh in your mind. These notes will be especially useful when reflecting at the end of each day and making decisions, allowing you to base your choices on clear memories rather than confusion or stress.
Don’t worry about your notes being perfect or overly detailed, just jot down what stands out to you. Small details, like a meaningful conversation or a moment when you felt especially comfortable, can be helpful later when everything starts to blend together. Your notes are for you, so focus on what feels most important to remember.
Taking notes can also help you notice patterns as the week goes on. You may start to see which chapters consistently make you feel excited, supported, or at ease. Reflecting on these patterns can make the decision-making process feel more intentional and less overwhelming.
Make Your Own Decisions
Making your own decisions is a crucial part of the recruitment process. It’s important to avoid getting caught up in rumors or outside opinions about chapters, as these can take away from your personal experience. Every individual’s connection to a chapter is different, so focusing on how you feel allows you to make a choice that is true to yourself.
Trust your instincts and the emotions you experience during each visit. At the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters is yours, and choosing a chapter you genuinely like will lead to a more fulfilling and authentic experience.
Remember that this is your journey, and there is no “right” or “wrong” choice—only what feels right for you. Confidence in your own decisions comes from listening to yourself and honoring what makes you feel happy and supported. By trusting yourself, you give yourself the best chance to find a chapter where you can truly thrive.
Ask Questions and be Curious
Asking questions and staying curious is a great way to make the most of your recruitment experience. Thoughtful questions help keep conversations natural and engaging while also giving you the opportunity to learn more about each chapter. Being curious shows genuine interest and allows you to better understand a chapter’s values, culture, and what membership is really like.
This is your opportunity to dig deeper and learn what truly sets each chapter apart. Asking about philanthropy, sisterhood events, leadership opportunities, or daily life within the chapter can help you picture yourself as a member. The more you ask, the more confident you’ll feel in understanding where you might fit best.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions that matter to you personally. Recruitment is not just about answering questions, it’s also about listening and learning.
By staying curious and engaged, you create more meaningful conversations and gain insight that will help guide your decisions throughout the process.
Positive Panhellenic
Practicing positive Panhellenic values is an important part of the recruitment experience. Being mindful of how you talk about chapters helps create a respectful and supportive environment for everyone involved. Even if a chapter isn’t the right fit for you, keeping your comments positive shows consideration for others who may feel differently.
If you have negative thoughts or concerns, it’s best to reflect on them privately rather than sharing them openly. What may not resonate with you could be someone else’s perfect match, and maintaining positivity helps ensure recruitment remains encouraging and inclusive for all potential members.
Uplifting one another and all chapters reflects the true spirit of Panhellenic sisterhood. By choosing kindness and respect in your words, you help foster a community where everyone feels supported throughout the process. A positive attitude not only benefits those around you, but also helps make your own recruitment experience more enjoyable and meaningful.
Utilize Your Recruitmemt Councelor
Your Recruitment Counselor (RC) is one of your biggest sources of support during the recruitment process. Each group is assigned an RC, and Head RCs are also stationed at every house, all of whom are trained and ready to help you navigate the week. They are there to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide reassurance whenever you need it.
If you’re feeling stressed, conflicted, or simply need someone to talk through your thoughts with, don’t hesitate to reach out to your RC or a Head RC. They are here to support you every step of the way and help make your recruitment experience as positive and comfortable as possible.
Remember that RCs are here for you and are completely removed from the chapter experience, so their support is unbiased and confidential. Leaning on them can help you feel more grounded and confident as you make decisions throughout the week. You never have to navigate recruitment alone—your RC team is always there to help.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience. Recruitment is a unique opportunity to meet new people, share stories, and make connections that can last a lifetime. While it may feel busy at times, it’s also an exciting moment where you’re opening the door to a new chapter of your life; so embrace it, be present, and enjoy the journey.
Try to stay in the moment and appreciate each conversation for what it is. Every interaction gives you a chance to learn something new, laugh, and grow more comfortable with the process. Letting yourself relax and enjoy these moments can make recruitment feel less overwhelming and more rewarding.
Remember that this week is about more than just decisions; it’s about the memories you make along the way. Whether it’s bonding with your group, sharing meaningful conversations, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, allow yourself to enjoy the experience and celebrate this exciting time in your life.
