Do chapters search for PNMs on social media during recruitment?

[ribs]

Basically what the title asks. Plus, does it matter? How much?

My presence on social media is by no means a negative one, but at the same time I don't want to say the wrong thing publicly. I don't have my last name associated with my Twitter or Instagram, but some people are super sleuths anyway. Admittedly, I'm terrible about the golden rule; "Do you want your grandmother reading what you post?"

I want to try to go through colonization as a senior and I want to make the best impression possible; without having to mold myself into a woman I am not for the sorority, of course.

Thanks for the help everyone!

[SWTXBelle]

Yes, they do.

As to how much it matters - that depends on what they find.

[Benzgirl]

I tell PNMs three things about social media:
Clean it up
Clean it up
Clean it up

[ribs]

When "cleaning it up" I assume that means check the cursing, check the alcohol references, etc?

My personality and sense of humor really shines through Twitter particularly, and I'm sort of worried about it being misunderstood on some level.

Do locked accounts raise a red flag or should I be forthcoming?

[33girl]

If you're an upperclassman, the horse is probably already out of the barn. Even if you scrubbed everything to the point that you looked like a nun to the national sorority volunteers doing the colonization, there would still be a chapter full of people younger than you who may know you through one venue or another.

Also, be aware that if you do get a bid, you may be told what you are and aren't allowed to do on social media.

[ribs]

That's a fair point. I have always tried to be low-key about certain subjects and hobbies mostly for potential employers, so I hope that's enough. I still plan on going through and deleting things (tweets, mostly) that might be pushing the envelope.

I think cleaning up my social media in exchange for a shot at sisterhood is a fair enough exchange.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by ribs

My personality and sense of humor really shines through Twitter particularly, and I'm sort of worried about it being misunderstood on some level.

If this is indeed true, why would you want to hide it? Wouldn't that just result in having to hide your personality the entire time you are a collegian in your sorority?

[AnchorAlumna]

DURING recruitment?
No, they're way too busy. However, some may.
BEFORE recruitment, absolutely.

[DubaiSis]

You should put your best foot forward in your social media. Don't shut it down and don't overly sanitize it, but yes, keep it clean and sharp. And make sure your privacy settings are such that people can't tag you in stuff you don't want attributed to you. If you don't post the drunk photo of yourself but your best friend does and then tags you, it doesn't matter how careful you've been about your own posts.

[kaeb]

Yes.

But it's not always a bad thing. Like obviously don't have anything public that's stupid (i.e. handles of vodka in your profile picture if you're 18—not a great idea, and something I've actually seen), but if it gives the impression that your personality would vibe well with the personalities of the girls in the house, that's not a bad thing.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by kaeb

Yes.

But it's not always a bad thing. Like obviously don't have anything public that's stupid (i.e. handles of vodka in your profile picture if you're 18—not a great idea, and something I've actually seen), but if it gives the impression that your personality would vibe well with the personalities of the girls in the house, that's not a bad thing.

She's planning to participate in colony recruitment. National volunteers will be the ones evaluating her, not 18-21 year old chapter members. There aren't any girls in the chapter for her personality to vibe with.

[ribs]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

If this is indeed true, why would you want to hide it? Wouldn't that just result in having to hide your personality the entire time you are a collegian in your sorority?

I think it's honestly just nerves that's making me over think this. You're absolutely right, because I shouldn't have to pretend, but the unreliability of text interpretations as opposed to conversation makes me a little nervous!

Overall, I'm pretty sure I'm in the clear! I don't like offensive humor and I'm trying to cut back on my sailor mouth, so hopefully by September I'll be in my prime.