Cat’s Declassified Recruitment Survival Guide (Zoom Edition)

Coming out to recruitment can be daunting. You’re meeting so many people at once, you’re trying to put your best foot forward, and on top of that, there’s the added baggage of doing it in an online environment. It can all seem insurmountable. As pledge educator this quarter, I want to not only equip prospects with the tips you need to make sure you can be confident during recruitment but also make sure that you are getting the most out of this upcoming week. No matter the end result, I want every prospective to walk out with some networking practice, interviewing experience, and business connections under their belt. 

Here are my tips for getting the most out of recruitment week, and how to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success!*

1. Network, network, network!

As a freshman, I had no idea what this word really meant, much less how to go about it. In this context, networking means getting to know as many brothers as possible in the time that you have in a meaningful way. This means trying to find common interests, and asking good questions that will help brothers remember you. Even in a group setting on Zoom, don’t be afraid to call out specific brothers with any questions or replies to what they’ve said. You can even use the chat function if you really don’t want to interrupt!

2. Follow up

We understand how difficult it is to get face time with brothers in an online setting. This makes it even more important to try to reach out to brothers that you’ve had interesting conversations with or those who have interviewed you on platforms such as LinkedIn or email. This not only helps brothers remember you, but it also opens the door for you to expand your network. Whether or not you become a pledge, brothers are more than happy to take the time to give advice or help prospects after recruitment week.

(Side note: reaching out on social media such as Instagram are advised against)

3. Be Professional, but be yourself

While we love to see the professional side of every prospect and the excitement that you have for the business world, it is also important that you let your personality shine through. This is what is most memorable, not just at DSP recruitment, but at any job interview or networking opportunity. No one is looking for someone who is perfect, but someone they can relate to!

4. Do your homework

Why do you want to join DSP? What is it that you are looking to get out of it, how do you see yourself being involved with DSP in the future, and what are you hoping to learn? These are all important things that will help you stay focussed during recruitment week, and are going to be the basis of many of your answers during interviews. This is once again applicable not just next week, but for any job interviews and networking events in the future. Knowing your stuff and knowing what you want will impress recruiters, so remember to always do your research!

5. Have fun

Remember to relax and have fun! Recruitment week is supposed to be exciting, and it is obvious to everyone around if someone isn’t having fun. If you find yourself really not enjoying recruitment, DSP may not be quite up your alley, and that’s ok! There is no pressure at all to follow through with the whole recruitment week or the pledge process (and I promise you won’t hurt our feelings if you don’t). But we hope that everyone who comes out is able to have a good time and learn something new!

I hope this post helps with learning how to navigate online recruitment, and I am super excited to see everyone next week to what will surely be our most interactive recruitment cycle yet!

*Be sure to update your Zoom!

Last Quarter’s Pledge Class: Alpha Xi