Last year our Director of Primary Recruitment, Shane Bradshaw, wrote a blog post detailing five tips for primary recruitment at Ohio University. Although many of those tips remain the same regardless of the format in which recruitment is delivered, virtual recruitment is a different ballpark than what many of us are used to. As Xi chapter’s Director of Primary Recruitment for this fall, virtual recruitment is already in full force, and I’m sure you all are feeling the excitement start to creep in as well. Here are four tips that will make the virtual primary recruitment process go smoothly.
#1: Make sure you are in a quiet space.
Once COVID-19 forced us to convert to a virtual learning atmosphere, we all had to get used to a setting where our family, friends, pets, and other roommates wouldn’t interrupt us. I’m sure you’ve all heard the spiel a thousand times: “Please make sure that you’re in a quiet, uninterrupted space that allows you to think and speak clearly.” The same rings true for virtual primary recruitment. Make sure that your area is free of distractions and that you’re connected to a good WiFi source. All of us are so excited to get to know you, and we want to be able to do so as we would in person, just focused on each other and our conversation!
#2: Show who you are.
Just because you’re talking to someone over a computer screen doesn’t mean that you can’t express your unique style. Wear some funky earrings! Do your hair the way you would’ve if it were in person! Wear that cute outfit that makes you feel unique and confident! One of the best parts about primary recruitment (besides meeting your future bridesmaids, of course) is being allowed to express your style, and dress up in outfits that express yourself. Don’t let virtual recruitment deter you from going all out if that’s what you were looking forward to. I still remember my little coming into our house one round wearing these amazing Vans with hand drawn decorations. Wear what makes you feel comfortable, but also memorable!
#3. Be authentic. Be yourself.
It can be hard to feel 100% confident and like you’re having a “normal” conversation over a screen, trust me! The women in all of the chapters on campus are figuring out how to have these conversations too, just like you are. Despite conversing over a webcam, nothing else changes. We want to have genuine conversations with you because we know that’s what you want with us. Conversations differ at every house, and conversations are a large part in deciding which house feels most like home to you. The format of conversations may change but the value-based ideals behind these conversations never will. Each and every house wants to know and love you for who you are, so take a deep breath and immerse yourself in meaningful conversations!
#4. Have fun.
This is an unprecedented time- virtual primary recruitment is happening for the first time at Ohio University and many other college campuses. Enjoy it! Virtual primary recruitment is new to all of us and we are going to go through it for the first time with you. This is so special to all of us! No matter the format in which recruitment is delivered, you’ll come out of it with the same take-aways as you would an in person primary recruitment. Each day will be unique and will bring their own special memories. Don’t allow the situation to define your outcome. Recruitment is what YOU make out of it, and this will be even more true during virtual recruitment.
Don’t forget to sign up for primary recruitment- you can find the link in the @adpi_ohiou Instagram bio or at ohiowpa.com/recruitment-registration.
We can’t wait for you to #RockWithUs this fall!