UP YOUR GAME: RECRUITMENT CONVERSATIONS

Recruitment is by far my favorite time of the year. Yes, it can be a little stressful, but the excitement seems to overshadow all the craziness for me. When I was in chapter the cause of most of my anxiety associated with recruitment had to do with having meaningful conversations with PNMs. We always had a consultant visit our chapter to host a recruitment workshop during Work Week. Year after year the consultants always told us to ask more than the superficial questions. Knowing what I know now, I think it is important to ask those superficial questions, but it is more important to delve into real conversations to get to know these PNMs.

By superficial questions, I mean:

• Where are you from?
• How is your recruitment going? (Be careful asking this question because it could be against your Panhellenic recruitment rules.)
• Are you living on-campus, off-campus, etc.?
• Did you play sports, do journalism, etc.?
• What's your major?

You can begin with these questions, but I think by the second and/or third night of recruitment you should not be asking these superficial questions. These are the same questions she will be asked in her other recruitment parties and she will be tired of answering them. You absolutely do not want to stagnate your conversation!

Below are a list of meaningful questions to have good conversations with PNMs. These will help you get to know her and for her to get to know you and your chapter. By talking with her about these topics you can learn if her values are in line with your chapter's values or if she has a talent that your chapter is lacking.

• What is something that makes you happy?
• What is your favorite TV show?
• Where were you born?
• What is the most daring thing you've ever done?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• Who do you most admire?
• What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
• Where is your favorite place?
• What is your favorite type of music?
• Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?
• What do you want to do after graduation?
• What was the last experience you had that made you a stronger person?

These are just a few, but the possibilities are endless. I hope these suggestions have sparked some ideas for you also. These should be questions that generate a response other than "yes" or "no." Just keep in mind what your recruitment rules are on what you can and cannot ask PNMs. 

A fun way to practice this with your chapter would be during Work Week or a conversation workshop with Jenga blocks. (Here is a video on how to make your own custom Jenga blocks.) You and your sisters could brainstorm together for beforehand and then practice the questions together.

Make sure you listen to the PNM and that she is comfortable answering your questions. Also, if she asks you a question like this make sure you can answer it comfortably. By asking these types of questions, you will hopefully open up to each other and you should be prepared for her to respond by asking you questions too.

Most importantly, be kind to her. Don't rush her through a list of questions. Take your time and listen to get to know her!

What meaningful questions do you ask during recruitment or when getting to know someone new? Share in the comments below!