Introduction
It’s nerve-racking to interview for a scholarship. There are so many ways to make a bad impression, and you know that’s what the judges will remember about you. Say’s Dr. Jon Kiev,but if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to ace your interview and come out on top!
Get familiar with all the elements of the application.
You should read the scholarship application carefully, and make sure you understand what is required of you. You should also be aware of the deadline, as well as how long it will take to complete the application. The interview process varies from school to school; for example, some schools may require an in-person interview while others allow students to conduct their interviews via Skype or Google Hangout. It’s important that you know which elements are required by each scholarship program before deciding on one!
Practice your responses to common questions.
- Practice your responses to common questions.
- Be prepared for the interview. Know what you are going to say and be ready to answer questions confidently and succinctly.
- Practice in front of a mirror, or with a friend if need be! This will help you become more comfortable with answering questions aloud, which is essential during scholarship interviews.
- Finally, practice in front of an audience (like at school or work) if possible! This will give you even more confidence when speaking publicly about yourself–a skill that comes up often during scholarship interviews.
Dress comfortably and appropriately.
- Dress professionally, but don’t overdress.
- Don’t wear a suit unless you are specifically asked to do so.
- Don’t wear jeans or sweats.
- Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet for a long time).
Be confident.
The best way to ace a scholarship interview is to be confident in who you are and what you have to offer. You should know that the interviewer wants to hear about how your past experiences will help them achieve their goals, so bring those stories with you! However, don’t get too cocky or try too hard—that can lead down a slippery slope of arrogance if taken too far.
The best thing about interviews is that they’re a great way for applicants who might not have been able to afford college otherwise (like myself) an opportunity at getting funding without having graduated high school yet or even being able to read cursive writing well enough so as not lose any lettering while writing out their answers on paper during tests like SATs…
Prepare your own questions.
When it comes time for the interview, you should be prepared with some questions of your own. These are not only a chance for you to show off what research skills and interest in the scholarship opportunity that you have, but also an opportunity for the interviewer(s) to learn more about who you are as a person. Here are some suggestions:
- What do I need to know about this school/program?
- How does this program fit into my overall goals and interests?
- Is there anything else I should know before deciding whether or not this is right for me?
Send a thank you note.
Send a thank you note.
Thank the interviewer for their time, reiterating your interest in the scholarship and any questions you have about it. Finally, give them a call to action–for example: “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Conclusion
The scholarship interview is a great opportunity for you to showcase your skills and personality. You should feel confident going into this conversation, even if it’s nerve-racking at first. Remember that the interviewer wants to know more about who you are as a person and how this will impact their organization in the future!
