what is a rec

[carnation]

I did not write this--adpiucf did and it's got some great information but 11 pages of followup information were old so I transferred this main post best I could. Thank you,adpiucf!

[HQWest]

Great Points! To this I would just add - think of a rec letter like a letter of introduction. The ladies of the chapter would like to be the best hostesses possible to every PNM. It would be great if they could match PNMs with chapter members with similar interests and to make a connection or network - especially hard at a huge 1000+ person recruitment. That is what recruitment is for a lot of PNMS a chance to meet people fresh on a new campus.

Alumnae: Every little bit you can do to help the chapter helps!

PNMs: A rec is NOT a promise of an invitation, its your foot in the door. You wouldn't show up to a job interview without a resume? A rec letter shows that you take this seriously. That you are going the extra mile to do the best job you can - help your letter writers help you put your best foot forward.

[dgdramadawg]

Thanks for reposting this info, carnation.

PNMs, please pay careful attention to how to contact an alum. Think about this as your first chance to present yourself to the chapter. If you don't know the alum that you are contacting very well (maybe she's a friend's mom, a teacher who you didn't have for class, or a lady at church), be sure to take extra time to make sure that your information presents the "you" you want her to share with her chapter.

Example of something to NEVER do:
A few days ago, I received a mass email requesting a rec (sent to over 30 women). The PNM requested that I friend her on facebook, pull a picture off her account, and print and send it along with the rec that she expected me to mail for her. Or at least that's what I could glean from her grammatically impressive (in the worst way) writing. Did I mention that I've never met this girl and she never even mentioned in the email where she got my name and email?