Getting a job because of Greek ties?
 

Does anyone think they have ever gotten a job because of their membership in a fraternity or sorority? I was recently lucky enough to get a job thanks to a woman who is in another sorority who I serve on a board with. She actually told me she prefers to hire people who were in the Greek system.

Has anyone experienced this? I know that many of you have other co-workers who are Greek.

I've never gotten a job through my Greek ties - however I've been able to connect with some Kappa Sigs in my field (attorneys) who have given me some good career advice.

No.

And while I am very proud of my Greek affiliation and involvement, I am even more proud that every job that I have ever had was offered to me based on merit.

One of my sisters got an internship because she was in the Greek system. They said it was because being Greek meant more outgoing which was needed as she was in advertising.

My son has made many contacts through his membership in his fraternity.

I don't think it has to do with the greek affiliation, more through friendships and meeting the parents of members who happen to be in his field.

I helped a sister get a job by telling her the position was going to open and would be closed when X number of applicants were reached, but she was hired on her own merits.

Due to one of our alumni being one of the VP's for a Fortune 500 company, I got an internship there.

No, but a good portion of my chapter was placed on a database that Nationals made for Engineering companies to contact us through. I don't expect anything out of it, though.

I know some alumni that have gotten jobs or interviews thanks to other alumni, though.

I would hope that an eventual job offer would be made based on merit. But, in today's economic climate, having contacts, whether through family or friendships, including fraternity or sorority members, can be invaluable to get your foot in the door.

My saying is always, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!" and take advantage of every contact you can!!

When my son says something like, "I met so and so's dad, he is a partner at blah di blah." I advise him to keep up with him because he might be looking for a job there one day.

^^^all good advice.

Admittedly the last time that I had to apply for a job was in 2004 and by then I had a pretty thorough resume. In addition, my field is in health care and has not been negatively impacted by the economy.

You are correct that things are different now than they were in 2004 and for many fields having as many contacts as possible is certainly beneficial.

Over the years as an advisor I've written numerous letters of recommendation for members for scholarships, grad/law/med school, jobs, even state's Bar Associations. I've gotten many reference check phone calls too.

1 of our alumni gives internships to our brothers yearly

I've gotten my foot in the door at previous jobs because of my affiliation, but it was my experience/merit that actually got me hired.

I think this is the most common experience you'll find. The advantage the greek system gives you is the contacts, not the job.