Because many of you have already sent off your Recruitment Information Packets—and because I’m betting that you’re also up to your eyeballs in graduation gifts—I thought today would be the perfect time to discuss thank you note protocol! While I’m not an etiquette expert like Emily Post, I am an alum who frequently writes Letters of Recommendation for girls going through sorority recruitment. Based on that experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind when it’s time to show your appreciation:
1. INCLUDE A SHORT + PERSONAL NOTE OF THANKS VIA YOUR COVER LETTER
Your cover letter is your first opportunity to tell the alumna writing your Rec Letter just how much her time means to you. If you’re modeling your cover letter off of my free download, you can include a handwritten note of thanks at the bottom of your typed (generic) letter. I also recommend including your university’s deadline for receiving recruitment materials!
2. SHOW YOUR THANKS STRATEGICALLY
I’ll admit it. I have received a Recruitment Information Packet (or two) well in advance, and have still almost missed the deadline for forwarding the packet on to the appropriate sorority house along with my carefully-crafted Rec Letter. This is by no means intentional—it’s just that as a working momma of two girls, l have lots of opportunities to be distracted over the course of any given week! Because many of the alumnae writing your Rec Letters will be juggling a similar schedule, I recommend strategically sending a thank you card to each woman’s home address two weeks in advance of your university’s deadline. If she has already mailed your packet, she’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness. If she hasn’t, she’ll be reminded to do so…as quickly as possible!
3. CONSIDER INCLUDING A SMALL TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
Along with her Recruitment Information Packet, one of my sweet clients recently sent me a $5 gift card to Starbucks as a way of saying thanks! This is one of those above-and-beyond gestures that is by no means mandatory, but from personal experience, is highly appreciated. If you happen to know that one of the alumnae on your list is extra busy, but still agreed to write you a Rec Letter, this is a great way to acknowledge the time she’s investing on your behalf.
P.S.
In January 2017 I launched a BRAND NEW WEBSITE exploding with all things sorority recruitment! You’ll find previous Rush 101 posts + fresh, frequently-updated content at SororityPackets.com. Stop by the new blog here to catch up on the latest rush news!
