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Tips on interviews

Dress classy. This isn't the time to look trendy. You're dressing for "the girls" who are most likely national officers and older professional women.

Write out a list of questions -- things you want to know about the organization. Bring this list with you.
(IE: What will dues be like? Will there be a house? How many spots are open? What is the new member period like? Will there be alumnae support? If I become a member and I am interested in becoming an officer, what do I need to know? What is your best advice to me regarding this process? And... soften your interviewer up by turning the tables on them: ask her about herself and her sorority experience! People love to talk about themselves and they will be flattered that you are listening.)

Write out a list of things you want them to know about you. Make an effort to touch on these points. Practice how you might talk about yourself and your interest in being a member.

Practice in front of a mirror how you might answer questions like:
* Tell me about yourself: major, hometown, family, interests, campus activities, grades, personal attributes....
* Why do you want to join a sorority? Why do you want to join THIS sorority?
* How are you financing your college education? (Scholarships, student loans, parents paying, financial aid with part time jobs?) HINT: This is a softball. Answer the question and follow-up with, "But I've decided that joining a sorority is part of my personal goals, and I'm prepared to handle the dues and other expenses through (my family paying, my work-study job at the library, as part of my scholarship money, etc.)"
* Tell me about your career goals
* What are your hobbies and interests?
* What is your special talent? (Great time to relate an anecdote about your athletic prowess, musical/dancing talent, arts and crafts, being a good event organizer, someone people look up to, a person who takes direction well and is able to explain it to others, being a good student and a good daughter/niece/sister/friend, your ability to juggle volunteerwork/parttime paid job/full time school and still be ready for more.)
* What does the word "Sisterhood" mean to you?
* A sorority is an important time committment, and so are your classes. How do you manage your time now and what are some ways you will manage your time if you join a sorority?
* What leadership positions have you held?
* Tell me about your most important accomplishment to date.
* Tell me about a mistake you made. What happened and what did you learn from it?
* Tell me about past experiences where you have been part of a team
* What has really stood out to you about this GLO throughout this recruitment process?


ABOVE ALL.... do tell that you are very interested in membership in the GLO, based on your experience meeting the potential members and the national officers, and that you would be honored to be considered. This is the number one mistake people make during interviews of any kind-- not verbally expressing their sincere interest in the organization, position, etc. DO NOT LEAVE THE INTERVIEW WITHOUT TELLING THEM YOU WANT TO BE A MEMBER! It's one thing to sell yourself, all your great accomplishments, aspirations and your pretty face... it is another to communicate that "I'm here because I really like this organization and I want to become a member of the organization."

Last but not least-- shake hands firmly, smile and LISTEN to the content of the interviewer-- you're trying to hold a conversation where you answer her questions and follow up with questions of your own and personal anecdotes.

Good luck! It helps to practice answering questions in front of the mirror and having a good friend ask you questions, too.

ETA: Eat something before you go into your interview! Even if it is just a piece of toast. Go to the bathroom before your interview! Pop a listerine breath strip before you head into to the interview. If you are still feeling jittery as you walk in, and they ask how you are, it's ok to say, "I'll be honest. I'm a little nervous! I'm really excited about XYZ and I'm so happy I've made it this far in the interview process! How are you doing today?"