Unique Questions To Ask Pnms During Recruitment

Okay, so recruitment is coming up, right? And you're probably staring at your recruitment guide, feeling like everyone's gonna ask the same boring questions. "Why did you join?" "What's your favorite thing about your chapter?" Yawn. Let's be real, PNMs have probably heard those a million times already! Let's ditch the script and get to know them for real, shall we? I mean, we want genuine connections, not canned answers, right?
Let’s talk about crafting questions that are actually, dare I say, fun. Questions that'll make them think, maybe even laugh. Questions that will give you real insight into who they are. Ready? Let's dive in!
Ditching the Script: Questions That Spark Conversation
Forget the typical interview vibe. We want to create a conversation. Think icebreaker, not interrogation. We want PNMs to feel comfortable enough to let their personality shine through, and that begins with asking the right questions. Which, BTW, are definitely not the ones they expect.
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The "Get To Know You" Remix
These are your bread and butter, but let's add a twist. Instead of asking "What are you involved in?" try something like:
- "If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?" (This tells you so much about their taste, their personality, and maybe even their hidden karaoke talent!)
See? Way more interesting than just hearing a list of clubs. Think about it: Are they a pop princess? Indie darling? Country crooner? And why? That's the gold!
- "What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?" (Do they crave adventure? Are they a planner with a wild side? Intriguing!)
Maybe they jumped on a last-minute road trip! Maybe they dyed their hair purple on a whim! Whatever it is, it shows you how they handle the unexpected, which, let's face it, is basically college in a nutshell.
- "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it (for good, of course!)?" (Beyond the fun factor, this reveals their values and what they care about.)
Teleportation to avoid early morning classes? Reading minds to ace exams? Or maybe something truly altruistic? You'll be surprised what you learn!
- "What's a skill you're currently trying to learn?" (Are they ambitious? Curious? It shows they're not afraid to step outside their comfort zone.)
Learning to code? Mastering a new language? Perfecting their sourdough starter? This shows their drive and willingness to grow. Plus, you might find a study buddy for that dreaded statistics class!

- "What's your go-to comfort movie or TV show?" (Everyone has one! This is a quick way to find common ground and discover shared interests.)
Is it a cheesy rom-com? A gripping drama? A hilarious sitcom? This gives you a glimpse into their personality and what they find relaxing. Bonus points if you both love the same show – instant connection!
The "College Life" Unfiltered
Let's face it, college is a unique experience. Skip the generic questions about classes and ask something that digs a little deeper, but keep it lighthearted! Things like:
- "What's the most unexpected thing you've learned since starting college (besides academics)?" (Navigating the dining hall? Mastering the art of the all-nighter? Hilarious and insightful!)
Maybe they learned how to do laundry without shrinking everything. Maybe they discovered the secret to getting the best seat in the library. This gives you a sense of their adaptability and resourcefulness.
- "What's one thing you wish you knew before coming to college?" (Everyone has regrets! This shows self-awareness and a sense of humor.)
Wish they knew where all the hidden study spots were? Wish they packed more warm clothes? This is a relatable question that can spark a fun conversation and show that you’re all in this together.
- "What's your favorite study spot on campus (and why)?" (Practical and revealing! Are they a social butterfly or a solitary scholar?)
Do they love the bustling coffee shop or the quiet corner of the library? This can give you insight into their study habits and preferences.

- "If you could create one new class at this university, what would it be?" (Creative! Imaginative! Reveals their interests and passions.)
Maybe they'd create a class on the history of memes or a course on perfecting the art of napping. This is a great way to see what they're passionate about and what they think is missing from their college experience.
- "What's the biggest difference between college and high school (so far)?" (A simple question that can lead to insightful answers about their adjustment to college life.)
Are they enjoying the freedom? Are they overwhelmed by the workload? This can give you a better understanding of their challenges and triumphs.
The "Values and Aspirations" Elevated
These are important, but we can avoid the cliché questions. Instead of asking "What are your goals?" try something that prompts reflection:
- "What's one thing you're really passionate about changing in the world?" (Shows their values and what drives them. Get ready to be inspired!)
This is a great way to see what they care about. Are they passionate about environmentalism? Social justice? Animal rights? Their answer will reveal their values and what they want to contribute to the world.
- "What's a piece of advice you've received that's really stuck with you?" (Reveals who they admire and what they value in life.)
Did they receive wise words from a grandparent? A mentor? This shows who they look up to and what lessons they've learned along the way.
- "What's something you're really proud of accomplishing (big or small)?" (Boosts their confidence and gives you a glimpse into their character.)
Maybe they raised money for charity. Maybe they aced a difficult exam. This gives you a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and show that you appreciate their hard work.

- "If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?" (Shows their interests and what they value in history.)
Would they choose Marie Curie? Nelson Mandela? This reveals their intellectual curiosity and what they hope to learn from the past.
- "What does leadership mean to you?" (A subtle way to assess their leadership potential and values.)
Do they see leadership as a position of power? Or as a responsibility to serve others? This gives you insight into their leadership style and their commitment to making a difference.
The "Just For Fun" Questions (Because, Why Not?)
These are pure icebreakers, designed to get them laughing and feeling comfortable. Think of it as a palate cleanser between the more serious questions. Consider asking things such as:
- "If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?" (Hilarious! Guaranteed to get a laugh. My money's on squirrels.)
Everyone has an opinion on this one! This is a fun and lighthearted way to break the ice and get everyone laughing.
- "What's the most embarrassing song on your playlist?" (Everyone has one! This promotes vulnerability and creates a fun atmosphere.)
We all have guilty pleasures! This shows that you don't take yourself too seriously and that you're willing to have fun.

- "If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?" (A classic, but still fun! Reveals their personality and their dietary priorities.)
Pizza? Sushi? Chocolate? This is a great way to start a lighthearted debate and learn about their favorite foods.
- "What's the worst fashion trend you ever participated in?" (Nostalgia trip! Promotes laughter and shared experiences.)
Leg warmers? Shoulder pads? This is a fun way to reminisce about fashion faux pas and create a sense of camaraderie.
- "If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?" (Totally random! Guaranteed to get a creative answer.)
A blender? A toaster? This is a quirky question that will reveal their personality and their sense of humor.
Important Reminders
Okay, we've got a bunch of awesome questions. But remember these crucial tips:
- Listen more than you talk. Seriously. You're there to hear their stories, not tell yours (although a little bit of sharing can build rapport, too!).
- Be genuine. Don't pretend to be interested if you're not. Authenticity is key.
- Read the room. If a question isn't landing, move on. Don't force it.
- Make eye contact and smile. Body language matters! You want to project warmth and openness.
- Take notes (discreetly). You'll be talking to a lot of PNMs. You'll want to remember details!
- Be respectful. Duh. But it's worth saying. Avoid controversial topics.
Putting It All Together
Don’t just fire these questions off in a robotic way. Weave them into the conversation. Let the conversation flow naturally. Ask follow-up questions! That's where the real magic happens. Trust me, you'll be surprised at the connections you make when you ditch the script and embrace authenticity. And who knows? You might even have some fun in the process!
Recruitment can be stressful, but it’s also a chance to meet amazing women and build lasting friendships. So, take a deep breath, relax, and remember to be yourself. Good luck! You've got this!
