Sorority Recruitment Conversation Tips for Chapter Members

Sorority recruitment can feel like a high-stakes series of job interviews… but it shouldn’t. As a chapter member, you’re meeting dozens of potential new members (PNMs) in a short time—and the best conversations are natural, personal, and genuinely fun.

If your recruitment convos feel stiff or scripted, you’re not alone. These sorority recruitment conversation tips will help you ditch the checklist, skip the fake small talk, and connect for real.

Step 1: Stop Treating Sorority Recruitment Like a Job Interview

When PNMs walk into the house, they don’t want to feel like they’re being grilled on their résumé. And you don’t want to sound like you’re reading off a script either.

Sure, there are things you need to find out—like her involvement, her values, and how she could contribute to your sisterhood—but if you only ask the same “safe” questions, you’ll never get past the surface.

Think of it this way: sorority recruitment is about finding your people, not hiring an employee.

Step 2: Ditch the Checklist. Go for Real Talk.

Instead of working through a mental list (“Where are you from?” ✅ “What’s your major?” ✅), focus on creating a conversation that flows naturally.

Ask yourself: What do I genuinely want to know about this person? What would make me remember her after she leaves the room?

The best recruitment conversations feel less like a formal interview and more like a great late-night chat in the dorms.

Step 3: Ask Better Questions

When you ask interesting questions, you get interesting answers—and those are the ones that will stand out later when you’re comparing notes with your sisters.

Here are some sorority recruitment conversation ideas that spark real connection:

What’s something you love now but used to dislike?
What’s something you learned the hard way?
Dream dinner party: who do you invite?
What’s something small that always makes your day better?
What’s something you’ve done that doesn’t go on a résumé?

These open-ended prompts get people talking about experiences, feelings, and personal details—much better than just swapping hometowns and majors.

Step 4: Listen for the Good Stuff

Once you’ve got her talking, listen for the details that reveal who she really is. You’re not just learning facts—you’re picking up on what’s important to her and how she shows up in the world.

Things to listen for:

Leadership that doesn’t always show up on a résumé (coaching, organizing community events, running a side hustle)
Empathy and caring for others
“Growth moments” where she overcame a challenge
Taking responsibility instead of shifting blame
Signs of grit or strong work ethic
Learning from mistakes
Resilience after setbacks

These are the qualities that make great sisters—and they’re often revealed in stories, not lists of accomplishments.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Nonverbal Cues

Body language and tone can tell you as much as her answers. Ask yourself:

Does she light up talking about certain topics?
Does she get thoughtful when reflecting on a question?
Does she talk over you or dominate the conversation?

These clues can help you understand her personality and how she might fit into your chapter.

Step 6: The Secret Weapon Question

Sometimes, you’ll get a PNM who’s nervous, tired, or just giving you one-word answers. When all else fails? Ask about her pets.

It’s a magic icebreaker—most people love talking about their animals. And even if she doesn’t have one, it usually sparks a fun story or a laugh.

Why These Sorority Recruitment Conversation Tips Work

Recruitment is about connection. When you stop treating it like a series of “right” answers and start making it about real conversation, you’ll:

Remember more about each person
Help PNMs feel comfortable and authentic
Spot qualities that really matter for sisterhood

Whether you’re a chapter member or on the recruitment committee, the best conversations happen when you’re genuinely curious, you listen more than you talk, and you keep it fun.

You’re not hiring an intern—you’re meeting your future sisters.

Sorority Recruitment Conversation Tips for Better Chats With PNMs