How Sorority Recruitment Prepared Me For Job Interviews

One of the most exciting and stressful times being in college was sorority recruitment. My school hosted deferred recruitment in the spring, as opposed to the traditional fall semester process held at most colleges. As a first year, I stressed for a semester, making sure that my "resumé" would help me get a bid from a sorority.
When it finally arrived, I was frankly overwhelmed by the number of women that I talked to each night, walking from house to house hearing the chants of each sorority urging me to "Go Greek" and whatnot. At the end of the week, I opened up a bid from Alpha Omicron Pi. I couldn't have been more thrilled to run home to my new sisters!
Much to my surprise, job interviews are almost one in the same. Sure, I wasn't welcomed with a group of singing women when I went to interviews, but the process of the interview mirrored the structure of sorority recruitment.

Recruitment takes months to coordinate. Unlike some girls who shared my recruitment experience, I came in prepared, and it made a difference. I knew exactly what I was looking for in a sorority and what I wanted out of it. I knew I wanted a sisterhood and a home-away-from-home, a place that I could grow and be involved, and, most importantly, a place where I could become a leader. Although I kept an open mind, I was sure of what I wanted out of a sorority and was determined to find it.

Landing the perfect job is a lot like that. It takes preparation. It's unlikely that you'll step foot in an interview without knowing about the company, what position you are being interviewed for, and what you're looking for in the job. Just like recruitment, I arrive at interviews with background information and what my expectations are of the position being offered.

Also like recruitment, interviewers want to know all about you. This means being able to give a brief summary of yourself, highlighting accomplishments, and showing what you can bring to the table. Sororities are similar - they want to know what you have to offer to their chapter and what you can contribute. Companies aren't going to hire someone who won't add something to their business, just like sororities are unlikely to extend bids to those who aren't interested in getting involved.

Company culture is an increasingly important factor as well. If your personality and work style doesn't flow with the current team, chances are you won't be happy there. Same with sororities; they're looking for people to call their sisters, women who will mesh well with their chapter. Every house is different, just like every company is different. They're all working to find the one that suits you.

Last but certainly not least, small talk is key. You have to be able to expect the unexpected with both recruitment and interviews. While it's always good to rehearse in advance, there will always be questions that you haven't thought of answering. I laugh now, but that improvisational theater class I took as a freshman always helps here. You always have to be on your toes. Most importantly, you have to be yourself!

While I might not have been invited back to every sorority each night, I also don't always get a call back after interviews. However, I know it will all pay off when I get a job offer I can't refuse - just like when I accepted my bid!

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