questions a PNM should ask during rush

[elizey7]

Originally Posted by Alpha O

As a general rule, that the question of "Why do you want to join [insert organization]?" or "Why do you want to do [insert activity here]?" is best answered by a response that is unique to that organization or activity.

"I want to join a sorority so that I can participate in philanthropic activities and hold leadership positions," would therefore be not be the best answer. At any campus, there are plenty of organizations that would allow someone to hold leadership positions and/or participate in meaningful service. What sets being in a sorority apart from those other organizations to you? That's an unasked question that a good answer would allude to.

Don't try to answer it directly because that would be highly awkward. What would you think of someone who said something along the lines of, "Unlike Philanthropic Club X, being in a sorority would allow me to..."? It'd be very awkward. Don't do that.

Try and bring some finesse to your responses and to bring up unique aspects on both sides (unique aspects of the organization that appeal to you as well as things that stand out about you in a good way).


I agree with you. There's nothing wrong with talking about leadership or having a desire to hold leadership positions, but I don't think this should be the primary stated reason that someone wants to join an organization. And I also don't think it should be that prevalent in recruitment conversation. Leadership aspirations are something that I think are to be kept more personal until someone joins an organization and those opportunities present themselves. Entering an organization by saying, "I want to be a leader here" is just a bad way to go.


Yes. As a PNM, one is attempting to gain membership into the organization. One is not running for an executive board position at that point. It's presumptuous and rude to attempt to unveil plans of how one would try to improve an organization s/he is not even a member of.

That is basically saying, "I think your organization has faults and this is what you should do." Elizey7, would you like to hear that type of sentiment about an organization that is dear to your heart from a complete stranger? My guess is no. And then that stranger wants to join your organization to "fix" things as s/he sees fit? I'm sure that most people would not take kindly to this.


Yes. Your job is to sell yourself. Not your ideas about what improvements the sorority needs. Your future plans for this organization are not applicable in this case. Keep a focus on what you have actually done that makes you an asset to the organization. And if you haven't done enough, get started now. You have a whole two months to get involved in things you can talk about that show instead of tell.

So you are basically saying that all the websites about rushing that suggest a good reason for joining is leadership opportunities are a load of crap?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by elizey7

So you are basically saying that all the websites about rushing that suggest a good reason for joining is leadership opportunities are a load of crap?

No, we're saying that the women in sororities are, first and foremost, looking for women they could be FRIENDS with. Sure, we all want awesome singers for our rush skits and awesome athletes for our intermural teams and awesome leaders for our executive boards, but really, the most important damn thing is that you fit well with the women in the chapter. That's not something you can force or fake, and even if you could, it wouldn't get you anything except a bid to a chapter where you aren't comfortable.

[Alpha O]

Originally Posted by elizey7

So you are basically saying that all the websites about rushing that suggest a good reason for joining is leadership opportunities are a load of crap?

Nope.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

No, we're saying that the women in sororities are, first and foremost, looking for women they could be FRIENDS with. Sure, we all want awesome singers for our rush skits and awesome athletes for our intermural teams and awesome leaders for our executive boards, but really, the most important damn thing is that you fit well with the women in the chapter. That's not something you can force or fake, and even if you could, it wouldn't get you anything except a bid to a chapter where you aren't comfortable.

This right here. DeltaBetaBaby is exactly on point. I wholeheartedly agree with her. I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment!