Sorority on Resume

Should You List Sorority on Resume

In the United States, listing sorority membership on a resume can be advantageous, especially when applying to positions in industries where networking and teamwork are essential. However, it's crucial to understand that this practice may vary greatly depending on the country, industry, and context. In other regions or for certain professions, such as law or academia, listing sorority membership might not be relevant or even considered appropriate.

Why to List Sorority on Resume

• Demonstrates Leadership: Sorority membership often involves holding leadership positions, organizing events, and managing budgets, all of which can showcase your ability to lead and make decisions effectively.
• Teamwork & Collaboration Skills: Sorority life requires members to work together on various projects and initiatives, demonstrating your capacity for teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Networking Opportunities: Sorority membership provides access to a wide network of professionals across various industries, which can help you establish connections and potentially secure job opportunities.
• Personal Development & Growth: Engaging in sorority activities encourages personal growth, commitment, and the development of social skills that are valuable in any professional setting.

Where to List Sorority on Resume

• Professional Summary or Objective: If your sorority experience has significantly influenced your career goals or skillset, it can be included here to give context and show your unique perspective.
• Skills Section: Highlight the leadership, teamwork, communication, and networking skills you've gained through your sorority membership.
• Education Section: If listing your college/university education, mentioning your sorority affiliation can provide additional context about your campus involvement.
• Extracurricular Activities or Involvement Section: This is a common place to list clubs and organizations, where you can include your sorority as part of the activities section.

Examples of How to List Sorority on Resume

Example 1 - Skills Section

• Leadership: Served as President of [Sorority Name] for two years, managing a budget of $X and organizing events with attendance up to Y members.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with sisters on fundraising campaigns, academic support initiatives, and community service projects.

Example 2 - Education Section

University of XYZ (Graduation Year)

• Member of [Sorority Name], actively involved in various philanthropic efforts and campus events.

What to Avoid While Listing Sorority on Resume

• Oversharing: Limit the details about your sorority membership, focusing instead on the transferable skills gained from the experience.
• Inappropriate Language or Slang: Ensure that any mention of your sorority is professional and void of insider language that may be confusing to potential employers.
• Focusing Too Much: If your sorority involvement isn't directly related to your professional goals or the job you are applying for, it should not overshadow other relevant experience on your resume.

How to List Philanthropy and Community Service on a Resume

Best Practices

• Specify Role and Achievements: Clearly state your role in the philanthropic or community service activity and any significant achievements. For instance, "Organized and led a fundraising event for our sorority's chosen charity, raising $5000."

  • Example: "Led the philanthropy committee for Alpha Beta Zeta sorority, coordinating volunteer efforts at local food banks and annual fundraisers, resulting in over 200 hours of service and $10,000 donated to various causes."

• Highlight Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible to demonstrate the scale of your impact. This could include the number of people helped, the amount raised, or the hours volunteered.

  • Example: " spearheaded a community service initiative in partnership with our sorority and local elementary school, providing educational resources and mentorship to 50 at-risk students."

• Detail Collaboration: Mention any collaborations with other organizations or departments, emphasizing the diverse network you've built.

  • Example: "Collaborated with a local hospital to organize a blood drive in partnership with our sorority, engaging 150 participants and collecting 60 units of blood."

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight any leadership positions held within the philanthropic or community service activities, demonstrating your ability to manage projects and people.

  • Example: "Assumed the role of Philanthropy Chair for Alpha Beta Zeta sorority, overseeing a team of 15 members in organizing various fundraising events and community outreach initiatives."

• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, making your achievements more impactful.

  • Example: " spearheaded, coordinated, oversaw, engaged, mobilized, and collaborated."

Example 2: Philanthropy and Community Service in Sorority Context

In addition to the philanthropic initiatives mentioned in Example 1, here's another example of how you can showcase your involvement in a sorority context:

• Example 2: Leadership in Philanthropy and Community Service

  • "As the Philanthropy Chair for Beta Delta Chi sorority, I orchestrated a month-long charity drive in collaboration with our university's athletic department. The drive resulted in over $7000 donated to local children's hospitals."

  • "In partnership with our sorority and the city's park department, I coordinated a community clean-up day at a nearby park, engaging 120 volunteers and collecting over 50 bags of trash and debris."

  • "For our annual philanthropy event, 'Run for Hope,' I led a team of 20 members in organizing a 5K run/walk to raise funds for cancer research. The event attracted over 300 participants and raised $18,000."

How to List Events Organized or Participated in on Resume

Listing events organized or participated in can provide valuable insights into your skills, experiences, and achievements. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight Relevance: Include only those events that directly relate to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a position in event management, mentioning sorority-related events can demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to handle large-scale events.

• Example: Organized and executed the Spring Formal for my sorority, involving over 100 attendees, managing catering, decorations, music, and security.

• Detail the Role: Clearly specify your role in each event to showcase your responsibilities and contributions. This could range from planning, execution, to participation.

• Example: Collaborated with a team of four to plan and execute the philanthropy event for our sorority, raising over $5000 for the chosen charity.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, provide numerical data to quantify your impact. This could include the number of attendees, funds raised, or other relevant metrics.

• Example: Coordinated a successful recruitment event for our sorority, resulting in an 18% increase in new member intake.

• Showcase Leadership: If you held a leadership role in organizing the event, make sure to highlight this. This can demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively.

• Example: Served as the Event Chair for our sorority's Annual Charity Gala, overseeing a team of 15 volunteers and ensuring the smooth running of the event.

• Use Action Verbs: Use active verbs to describe your actions and responsibilities. This can make your resume more dynamic and engaging.

• Example: Spearheaded the planning and execution of our sorority's Homecoming float, resulting in a win for our chapter.

Example 1: Events Organized or Participated in on Sorority Resume

Spring Formal Committee Member

• Collaborated with a team to plan and execute the Spring Formal for my sorority, managing various aspects such as catering, decorations, music, and security.
• Assisted in coordinating transportation and ensuring a smooth flow of events throughout the evening.
• Successfully managed a budget of $3000, keeping costs within budget and ensuring a memorable event for attendees.

Example 2: Events Organized or Participated in in Sorority Context

Philanthropy Event Coordinator

• Led a team of four to plan and execute the philanthropy event for our sorority, raising over $5000 for the chosen charity.
• Liaised with various vendors to secure services at favorable rates, negotiating contracts and managing payments.
• Managed logistics, including setup, decorations, and breakdown of the event venue, ensuring a professional and efficient execution of the event.

How to List Achievements and Accomplishments on Resume

Listing achievements and accomplishments on a resume is crucial in demonstrating your skills, abilities, and potential to prospective employers. Here are some best practices for effectively showcasing this subcategory, especially when you've had significant experiences within a sorority context:

• Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, provide specific numbers or percentages to give your achievements context. For example, "Increased chapter membership by 20% over two years as Recruitment Chair."

• Quantify Your Achievements: Provide specific numbers or percentages whenever possible to help employers understand the impact of your accomplishments. Example: "Increased chapter membership by 20% over two years as Recruitment Chair."

• Highlight Leadership Roles: If you held a leadership position within your sorority, make sure to emphasize the skills and responsibilities that came with that role. For example, "Led a team of 15 sisters as Philanthropy Chair, planning and executing annual fundraising events."

• Highlight Leadership Roles: Emphasize the skills and responsibilities you gained from leadership positions within your sorority. Example: "Led a team of 15 sisters as Philanthropy Chair, planning and executing annual fundraising events."

• Demonstrate Initiative: Showcase instances where you took initiative to improve your sorority or its community. For example, "Organized a charity drive that collected over 500 items for a local women's shelter."

• Demonstrate Initiative: Highlight times when you took the lead on projects or initiatives within your sorority or its community. Example: "Organized a charity drive that collected over 500 items for a local women’s shelter."

• Detail Teamwork and Collaboration: Mention situations where you collaborated with others to achieve common goals. For example, "Worked closely with the sorority's alumnae association to secure sponsorships for events."

• Detail Teamwork and Collaboration: Describe times when you worked effectively with others to accomplish shared objectives within your sorority or its community. Example: "Worked closely with the sorority’s alumnae association to secure sponsorships for events."

• Include Long-term Impact: If your achievements had long-lasting effects, make sure to mention them. For example, "Created a mentorship program that connected new members with experienced sisters, fostering strong sisterhood bonds and promoting personal growth."

• Include Long-term Impact: Mention the lasting impact of your accomplishments within your sorority or its community. Example: "Created a mentorship program that connected new members with experienced sisters, fostering strong sisterhood bonds and promoting personal growth."

Example 1: Achievements and Accomplishments on Sorority Resume

As the Social Chair of my sorority, I organized various events throughout the year to foster a strong sense of community among our members. One of my most significant accomplishments was planning and executing a charity event that raised over $3,000 for a local children's hospital. Additionally, I implemented a mentorship program that paired new members with experienced sisters, resulting in increased engagement and personal growth within the chapter.

Example 1: Achievements and Accomplishments on Sorority Resume

As the Social Chair of my sorority, I organized various events throughout the year to promote a strong sense of community among our members. One of my most significant accomplishments was planning and executing a charity event that raised over $3,000 for a local children’s hospital. Additionally, I implemented a mentorship program that paired new members with experienced sisters, resulting in increased engagement and personal growth within the chapter.

Example 2: Achievements and Accomplishments in Sorority Context

In my role as Philanthropy Chair, I led a team of 15 sisters in planning and executing annual fundraising events for our sorority's philanthropy partner. Over two years, we successfully raised over $6,000, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Furthermore, I collaborated with the sorority's alumnae association to secure sponsorships for these events, ensuring their continued success and fostering relationships between current and former members.

Example 2: Achievements and Accomplishments in Sorority Context

In my role as Philanthropy Chair, I led a team of 15 sisters in planning and executing annual fundraising events for our sorority's philanthropy partner. Over two years, we successfully raised over $6,000, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Furthermore, I collaborated with the sorority’s alumnae association to secure sponsorships for these events, ensuring their continued success and fostering relationships between current and former members.

How to List Committee Memberships and Roles on Resume

Listing your committee memberships and roles in a resume can demonstrate leadership skills, teamwork, and dedication - qualities highly valued by potential employers. Here are some best practices when listing this subcategory, particularly in the context of a sorority:

• Highlight Relevance: Focus on committees and positions that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're applying for a role involving project management, emphasize your experience as a Sorority Event Planning Committee member or Chairperson.

  Example 1: Committee Memberships and Roles on Sorority Resume

  • Sorority Event Planning Committee Member: Coordinated and executed successful chapter events such as philanthropy projects, sisterhood gatherings, and recruitment activities.
  • Recruitment Chairperson: Led the sorority's recruitment efforts, successfully attracting new members to our organization.

• Quantify Achievements: When possible, provide concrete numbers or metrics to show the impact of your work. This could include the number of attendees at an event you organized, the amount raised for a charity event, or the number of new members recruited under your leadership.

  Example 2: Committee Memberships and Roles in Sorority Context

  • Fundraising Committee Member: Organized fundraising events that generated over $5,000 for our chosen charities.
  • Membership Intake Coordinator: Facilitated the intake process of 20 new members during my tenure as a committee member.

• Describe Responsibilities and Achievements: Briefly explain what your role was in the committee, and discuss key achievements or projects that you led or contributed to.

• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs such as coordinated, managed, spearheaded, facilitated, and achieved to make your bullet points more dynamic and engaging.

• Include a Brief Context: Mention the name of the sorority and the specific committee or position when listing your experiences to give context to potential employers.

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your committee memberships and roles on your resume, making it stand out to potential employers.

How to List Leadership Positions on Resume

Listing leadership positions on a resume is crucial when you've held roles that demonstrate your ability to guide, motivate, and manage others effectively. Here are some best practices for showcasing these experiences in a sorority context:

• Highlight Specific Achievements: Instead of simply listing the position, describe what you accomplished during your tenure. For example, "Led a recruitment drive that resulted in an 18% increase in new members during my term as Sorority President."

• Highlight Specific Achievements:

  • Led a recruitment drive that resulted in an 18% increase in new members during my term as Sorority President.

• Quantify Success: Use numbers to provide context and show the impact of your leadership. For example, "Organized and executed 5 successful events, engaging over 100 sisters and raising $3,000 for our philanthropy."

• Quantify Success:

  • Organized and executed 5 successful events, engaging over 100 sisters and raising $3,000 for our philanthropy.

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your leadership roles more dynamic and impactful. For example, "Coordinated, delegated tasks, and motivated team members as the Philanthropy Chair."

• Use Action Verbs:

  • Coordinated, delegated tasks, and motivated team members as the Philanthropy Chair.

• Showcase Soft Skills: Leadership positions provide opportunities to demonstrate essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. For example, "Responded effectively to challenges, such as managing a crisis during an event, demonstrating my ability to think on my feet."

• Showcase Soft Skills:

  • Responded effectively to challenges, such as managing a crisis during an event, demonstrating my ability to think on my feet.

• Tailor to the Job Description: When applying for jobs, adapt your leadership experiences to align with the job posting's requirements. For example, if the job requires project management skills, focus on leadership roles where you had the opportunity to manage projects.

• Tailor to the Job Description:

  • Managed various projects, including organizing and executing 5 successful events as Sorority President, demonstrating my ability to manage projects effectively.

Example 1: Leadership Positions on Sorority Resume

Here's an example of a leadership section for a resume in a sorority context:

Leadership Positions

• Sorority President (Spring 20XX - Spring 20YY)
  • Led a recruitment drive that resulted in an 18% increase in new members during my term.
  • Organized and executed 5 successful events, engaging over 100 sisters and raising $3,000 for our philanthropy.
• Philanthropy Chair (Fall 20XX - Spring 20XX)
  • Coordinated, delegated tasks, and motivated team members as the Philanthropy Chair.
  • Responded effectively to challenges, such as managing a crisis during an event, demonstrating my ability to think on my feet.

Example 2: Leadership Positions in Sorority Context

Here's another example of how to list leadership positions for a sorority context:

Leadership Positions

• Recruitment Director (Fall 20YY - Spring 20XX)
  • Managed the recruitment process, including scheduling and organizing events, and successfully increased new member intake by 15%.
• Event Planning Committee Member (Summer 20XX)
  • Worked collaboratively with a team to plan and execute a successful alumnae reunion event, engaging over 200 sisters and raising $6,000 for our philanthropy.