Interviewing for Scholarships
These tips cover some common mistakes and some of the factors that come into play. You hopefully already know many of the items mentioned here. Just remember:
* Nobody can do all these things perfectly.
* Every conversation is different. Read the moment.
* You can improve your skills through practice and reflection.
1. Prepare
Logistically
* Bring your ID and whatever the panel has asked you to bring.
* Pack everything you need. Print a good travel checklist from the web if necessary.
* Scout the location well ahead if possible.
* Buy/download a map well ahead otherwise.
* Build flextime into your travel schedule. Allow for the unexpected.
* Arrive a few minutes early.
Physically
* Dress suitably for the interview. Nice. Conservative. Professional.
* Consider packing two options for clothing.
* Your clothes should feel comfortable.
* Test drive them prior to the day.
* Have them cleaned and pressed.
* Polish your shoes and belt.
* Eat two to four hours before you arrive. Moderate. Healthy.
* Consider taking an early walk
* Bladder status . . . empty when you arrive.
* Take some slow deep breaths before you enter. Discretely.
Mentally
* Know thyself.
* Work through this Names You Should Know checklist.
* Bring a copy of your application. Review what they know about thyself.
* Know the scholarship. Know the organization that gives the award.
* Read the newspaper that morning.
* Look forward to the challenge of difficult questions.
* Visualize a confident and comfortable meeting.
NonVerbals
- Visage
* Smile when you enter and when you leave. At least.
* Make eye contact. Spread it around evenly.
* Show an interest. Let them see an engaged candidate.
- Body
* Do not swivel just because your chair does.
* Sit erect even if your chair leans back.
* Lean slightly forward to communicate interest.
* Pull up to the table when you sit down. The table is the playing field.
* Never give a judge your shoulder.
- Hands
* Keep them away from your face.
* Avoid repeated tics like picking at the edge of the table.
* Let them out of your lap. Hidden hands seem tentative.
* Some gesturing: not bad. Makes you seem animated.
* Same gesture over and over again: bad. Makes you seem automated.
* Shake hands with a firm grip. Present your hand with confidence.
* The gesture is incomplete unless you smile and make eye contact.
Holistic
* Stay focused but relax . . . interviews are not lethal.
* More deep breaths if the jitters hit you.
2. Content
Delivery
* Make sure you are clearly heard. Articulate carefully. Project across the room.
* Avoid jargon and slang.
* No chewing gum.
* Budget the time you spend on any single answer.
* Pause to collect your thoughts as needed. Keep your brain ahead of your mouth.
Substance
* Listen carefully to each question.
* Follow general statements with concrete examples. Particulars. Details. Instances.
* Realize when you have no more to say. Dead air beats rambling.
* Show respect for opposing views as you articulate your own.
* Have an introductory or concluding comment ready. Read the situation if asked for one.
* Admit it if you don't know an answer. Provide the facts or context that you do know.
* Reveal your expertise and knowledge.
* Reveal what you are passionate about.
Troubleshooting
* Move on if you botch an answer.
* Almost all questions are an invitation to talk. Yes or No is insufficient.
* Filter your strengths through your experience and goals. No bragging.
* Don't try to guess what the judges want to hear. Show them how you think.
* Ask for clarification if the question is unclear or too broad.
* Try not to introduce topics about which you are unprepared to talk.
* Do not ask the judges topical questions. It eats your time if they answer.
General
* Thank the judges for the opportunity to talk with them.
* Show your positive side.
* Make it feel more like a discussion. Less like an oral exam.
* The judges want to get to know you through the discussion. Let them.
* Have the confidence to sound as sharp and insightful as you really are.
Adapted with permission from: http://www.k-state.edu/artsci/scholarship/interviews.shtml
