Treat sorority rush like job interview

Dear Mr. Walberg:

Although I'm not looking for a job, my information request is relevant I think. I'm a freshman in college and although I didn't "rush" for a sorority, I became interested in a multi-cultural sorority that refers to itself as "non-traditional." It is rather new and waited until after the traditional "rush" period to interview interested students. In addition to the social advantage, this group is very community involved. I have an interview coming up this week and wonder what I can do in preparation, and how you would suggest I present myself. I hope my question is relevant to your work. -- E-mail from W.L., Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Dear W.L.:

Thank you for the information request, and yes, it is extremely relevant. You are interested in selling yourself to the sorority, and the sorority is considering you for admittance. You are the job seeker and the sorority is the employer. Here are some suggestions:

-- Use your time before the interview wisely. Go online and see if there is a website for this sorority and learn as much as you can about what they do and why. Why do they call themselves "non-traditional," and what is their definition of "multi-cultural?"

-- If you know any members of this sorority who you feel you can learn from, do lunch, or ask around for anyone you can find who has already interviewed. Get as much information in advance as you can.

-- Dress appropriately for the interview. If you don't know what to wear, ask someone. They will only respect you more for wanting to make a favorable first impression.

-- Be yourself. You'll never be anyone else, so don't try to fake it. Demonstrate your sense of humor, but also show your interest in learning and participating in what you have discovered are the group's activities.

-- The more you know about the sorority's activities before the interview, the better you can impress your interviewers, and if you share a passion for their activities, show it.

-- Just like a job interview, it wouldn't hurt to send, or hand-deliver, a thank-you note following the interview, and don't forget to ask what happens next. What is their timetable? When should you expect to hear from them?

(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)