Question about asking for recs- I promise I searched!!

[BMC88]

I know everyone gets upset when questions are asked over and over again, but I really looked through probably hundreds of posts for this answer.

When I am writing local panhellenic people that I do not know for recs, how should I go about asking.

Should I ask for their address (I have email addresses), or just send everything electronically initially (resume, letter requesting help getting a rec, etc etc) with the first email, and then ask if I should send them to them by mail as well if they prefer that?

What exactly should I cover in the letter asking for assistance getting recs?

Should I offer to meet with them in person?

Sorry, I just always see questions about how to get recs, but not what I should say to these people. I want to make a good impression, so I can get a good rec!

I was thinking maybe writing a letter requesting their help with a rec for their sorority, and asking for an adress where I could send a packet with the rec form/stamped envelope, my resume, a bio about me, a picture (should I send a picture?) and anything else you may all suggest, and the I can send those out.

Is it too soon to be doing this for Fall Rush?

Thanks so much!

[FSUZeta]

i suggest that you use the email address as an initial contact. introduce yourself, tell them what h.s. you are attending and what college you are going to attend. let them know that you are in the process of securing recommendations.you might ask if they will be holding a recruitment seminar in the spring for graduating hs seniors. in addition, ask them if they have a recommendation board that helps local potential new members secure recommendations.

while you await their reply you could update your resume and choose a photo-just head and shoulders-that you would use.

certainly, you can meet in a coffee shop or other public place, if any of the alumnae offer to meet you.

i don't think it is too early to begin-to me it shows that you are organized and on the ball.

good luck!

[Kitemom]

My daughter contacted them by phone first and then she mailed resume and pictures. For some reason the few we sent out of town by e mail were hard to go through and open. She had to send a resume, photo and hs transcript. So it was a hefty little manilla envelope. Buy cute paper for your resume if you are going through rush at a southern school. I don't think its too early to start but you probably have another month before it gets real active. The women were all very nice even if she didn't lnow them and were happy to help. Many referred her to others who could write recs and were in different sororites. So ask for help. After they write you a rec send a thank you note.

[Kitemom]

I found this still on the comptuer hope this helps. This was the letter she sent after she talked to them on the phone.


Thank you so much for all of your help in rush. I truly appreciate everything you have done. I am so excited to go to college at XX this fall, and starting the rush process has only made it more special. I have enclosed my Panhellenic form, my legacy form, my resume, my transcript, and pictures as you requested. My letter of recommendation and letters of support are as follows. Feel free to contact me for any other items or information you may need.

Recommendation:
CF
Support:
Julie

Please note that I am having more letters of support being sent to the XX chapter. If you have any questions please call.

[Fleur de Lis]

One note on photos - make sure it's just you in regular clothes. Don't send in a picture with your prom date or in graduation gear. They are always welcome, but at many school they have rules against asking for them. It's best to put a face with a name!

[Kitemom]

Another thing about photos make sure they look like you. If you had red hair and now it is blonde don't send it the HS senior pic taken last Aug. We had pics shot that were cheap outside and with no props. Simple. And since my daughter went through rush 7 months after they were taken she didn't look quite, not near as tan, the same but I know when she went to school people know her by saying something like you look so familiar where are you from whats your major was your mom in a sorority?
Another word of advice. This is the mom in me. Watch what you put on Facebook/My Space. People do look at this stuff. FYI many sororites have a rule NO RED cups or bottles in your hand etc. So if it is going to be a rule why break it before you get started. I know friends who went through Tech rush commented on some pics they saw on Facebook.

[Football Fan]

Kitemom has some good advice. I would add two things. Try to discover if there are any Panhellenic Orientation meetings in your area. Attend these.

If any of these women do write a reference for you, please write them a formal note of thanks.

Best of luck to you.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by Fleur de Lis

One note on photos - make sure it's just you in regular clothes.

Originally Posted by Kitemom

We had pics shot that were cheap outside and with no props. Simple.

So will professional pictures give PNMs an edge or is a flattering snapshot just as good?

[Kitemom]

The photographer was a professional, not expensive and we picked the most flattering

[Leslie Anne]

Great advice so far! I've just got to suggest that you use the word "Recruitment" instead of "rush." It's the proper term these days.

And kudos to you, BMC88, for taking care of recs early in the game. Good luck with everything.

[BMC88]

Thank you all for the great advice.

I had already found these women through a local panhellenic association, so I ended up emailing them all earlier introducing myself and asking if they would mind helping me secure a rec for their sorority, and I could send them a packet (resume, bio, transcripts, photo, etc) if they would send me their address ( I wanted to send hard copies, and also i wanted to make sure to have their address for proper thank yous!). I have already received emails back from two very kind ladies.

I don't want to give away too much, as I have been warned not to! But it is a big southern school where competition is fierce so I am trying to get everything in order! I can't wait for the fall!

[Fleur de Lis]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

So will professional pictures give PNMs an edge or is a flattering snapshot just as good?

I don't think it matters what kind of picture it is. It's much more important that is accompanied by a shining recommendation.

[AZ-AlphaXi]

Originally Posted by Fleur de Lis

I don't think it matters what kind of picture it is. It's much more important that is accompanied by a shining recommendation.

I also think it important that the picture really looks like you. Glamour shots are not a good choice.