15 Red Flags Sorority Recruiters Might Look For

Sometimes it can be hard to know what red flags sorority recruiters look for. Sorority Recruitment can be really exciting and a great part of your college experience. If your are rushing a sorority, it can be hard to know what recruiters are looking for in potential new members, and what some red flags are. Below are some red flags sorority recruiters might look for.

1. Not being yourself

There is a reason that “be yourself’ is some of the most common advice people often give people before they go into recruitment. when rushing you want to find a sorority you feel most at home at, and the only way to do this is if you are yourself throughout the process. Recruiters can tell when you are not being yourself, and  they want to make sure people will be happy in the sorority they end up in. If you are not yourself, it can be hard to find a place that is genuinely right for you.

2. Blatant Rudeness

Sorority recruiters definitely look for rudeness or being disrespectful to members during recruitment. Even if you are having an awkward conversation, or feel unsure about the house, the general rule is always be nice and considerate. If you are rude to a sorority recruiter, it is not a great impression to leave for yourself.

3. Lack of interest

This might seem obvious, but a definite red flag is if a potential new member seems uninterested in a conversation,  the sorority’s values, or just the house in general. Sororities want members who are excited and enthusiastic about being in a sorority, and if a potential new member seems like they don’t want to be there, it’s not a good sign. There are so many girls who are excited, and not showing your interest is never a good idea.

4. Self Sabotage

Even if you have a particular chapter you want to join, you should never try to purposefully get a chapter to drop you. If you don’t want a certain chapter, you should still try to make a good impression. If you are intentionally rude to a chapter, there is definitely a chance it could negatively affect you at other houses. Many sorority recruiters communicate across houses, and being intentionally rude to a house is never a good idea. Overall, it makes it seem like you are trying to manipulate the process, and you seem closed minded and rude.

5. Ego

If a potential new member assumes they will get a bid to a certain chapter, many sorority recruiters see this as a red flag. Recruitment is a long process, and if people expect to get a bid from a specific house, many sorority recruiters might see that as off putting. It’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward, but you can never go wrong with a healthy dose of humility.

6. Not Embracing core values of the sorority

Every chapter has core values they embrace, these can include, leadership, community service, integrity, among a few. Recruiters look for potential new members that embody their chapters core values. If someone seems apathetic about these values, it can often be a red flag that they won’t embrace the sorority’s mission.

7. Inconsiderate towards other potential new members

Sorority recruiters are not going to look at just how you interact with them, they also pay attention to how you treat other people rushing. If you are rude or inconsiderate to another potential new member, it only makes you look worse. It may be tempting to feel competitive during rush, but it’s important to remember everyone is in the same position as you, and other people rushing are probably just as nervous as you.

8. Not asking questions

Recruitment is a two way process, while sorority recruiters are trying to learn about you, you should also be trying to learn more about the chapter. Asking thoughtful questions about the chapter’s traditions, values and philanthropy is always a good idea. If you don’t ask any questions, it can look like you are uninterested in the house.

9. Making Assumptions

It may be tempting to do some research on the chapters at your school before you rush, and while looking at a chapter’s values, philanthropy, and any major events or alumni is a great idea, websites that rank chapters or allow people to post reviews are not always going to paint a complete picture of a chapter. Chapters can change a lot in a few years, and people that post in forums or on websites often have extreme opinions that may not reflect your own. If you go into rush thinking you know everything you need to about a chapter and its members, you may seem closed minded to recruiters.

10. Fake Flattery

There is a difference between being nice and being too exuberant and flattering to a sorority recruiter. Sorority recruiters can tell when you are being insincere and trying to flatter them too much. There is nothing wrong with complimenting someone, but always remember to be genuine.

See Also

15 Things You NEED to Know For Recruitment

11. No commitment to the College or University

Joining a sorority is a commitment, and depending on the school, and if you decide to have a leadership role, it can be a lot of work and time. Sororities are generally involved on campus, and require commitment from their members in a variety of capacities. Additionally, many sororities and schools have a minimum gpa required to join a sorority. If someone seems noncommittal towards their courses and the university, this could be a red flag for many sorority recruiters.

12. Being Cliquey

Recruitment is all about meeting new people with a variety of interests and backgrounds. Potential new members that seem to have cliquey tendencies are often a red flag for recruiters. Sorority recruiters want members that are excited about getting to know the entire chapter, and want to broaden the people they interact with.

13. Uninterested in Philanthropy

Philanthropy is a huge part of being in a sorority. All sororities have a major cause they typically fundraise and volunteer for, as well as other smaller fundraisers, events, and projects that are centered around community service. Sororities are dedicated to these causes, and expect their members to participate in events and help with organization, outreach, and volunteering in the community in general. If a potential new member seems uninterested in philanthropy, this can be a red flag because it is such a big part of being in a sorority.

14. Inherent Bias

Sometimes sororities have a reputation of being exclusive and lacking diversity. Unfortunately, this can be the case, but most sororities aim to welcome a pledge class of diverse students from various backgrounds. If a potential new member seems to have any bias towards people, such as racism, homophobia, or classism, this can be a major red flag to sorority recruiters. Generally sororities aim to bring together young women who share similar values, and want to create a welcoming environment for new members.

15. Prioritises Partying

Once again, a common assumption about sororities is that most students join them just to go to parties. As mentioned above sororities have so many other priorities, from philanthropy, helping their members grow, and creating a welcoming and supportive community. If a potential new member seems to only want to join to go to parties and formals, this can be a red flag for a recruiter because sororities are so much more than that.

Recruitment can be nerve-racking, and these were some red flags that sorority recruiters might look for. Let us know what you think about red flags during recruitment in the comments!

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