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Some scholarships will require personal interviews as part of their selection process.

Interviews can be very


helpful as it offers you an opportunity to share about yourself face-to-face with a judge or committee. Many
people are afraid of interviews and are intimidated by them. However, with plenty of practice and proper
instruction, you can learn to ace your interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your interview.

RELAX AND BE YOURSELF

Don’t feel pressured going into the interview. Don’t feel like you have to impress the judges or say what you
think they want to hear. Think of it this way–they already like you so just be yourself. The interview is
nothing more than a conversation between you and judges about yourself and your thoughts. They are
scoring you on the way you answer your questions, how well you understand the question, and how well you
conduct yourself. If you’re scared or have a few butterflies, it’s completely normal. But remember to relax
and just simply talk about yourself and your views. Before long, the nervousness and anxiety will be gone.

KEEP YOUR ANSWER TO THE POINT AND SUCCINCT

When you are asked a question, it should ideally evoke a response from you–whether one of agreement or
surprise or excitement. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions and thought process when you’re in the
interview. If the question is a little difficult to answer right away, it’s ok to say, ―Hmm…that’s a difficult
question.‖ From there you should start to answer the question. Have a big picture idea of how you want to
answer the question as you’re speaking. In other words, you should be thinking about your second point
while explaining your first point. It’s best to give an example following the old adage, ―Show, don’t tell.‖
Frame the question by stating your core answer. Then elaborate by using an example. Avoid going on long
tangents or rambling about an unrelated story.

BE PERSONAL AND ENTHUSIASTIC

You should be confident in your answers so show your enthusiasm. Don’t be overexcited to the point that it
seems forced, but you should not look bored. If you can use examples that you’re passionate about, your
enthusiasm will come through naturally so have four or five examples ready in your mind so you can use
them if necessary. You should engage the judges but don’t embellish. Of course, remember to smile as
you’re speaking.

DRESS, LOOK, AND ACT PROFESSIONAL

The dress code should be business attire. It’s always best to dress nicer. It’s easier to go from formal to
casual than from casual to formal. Girls should wear skirts, dresses, business suits, etc. While it is fine to
wear open-toed shoes to an interview, you may want to be more conservative and wear closed-toe shoes.
Guys should wear slacks or dress pants, a dress shirt or collared shirt, a tie if you have one, and in some
cases, a blazer or sport coat. Remember to shine your shoes as judges will notice many of these details.

INTERACTION BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. You should not arrive more than 10 minutes early. Be nice,
respectful, and courteous to everyone you meet, including receptionists, servers, and secretaries. Be proactive
about introducing yourself, greeting people, and shaking hands. During your interview, remember to make
and hold eye contact with the judges. When you talk, find something for your hands to do. Don’t click your
pen or make any noise, but think about how you can use them to help your interview (i.e. using hand
motions/gestures to elaborate a point). After the interview is over, stand and shake hands with each judge and
thank them for their participation in the scholarship selection process. Be careful that you don’t sound
insincere. You should send them a thank you note after your interview.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Work with your counselor or career advisor on interview questions and your speaking style. Find some
sample interview questions and practice answering them. For the few days leading up to the interview, begin
thinking about how you might answer the questions and what questions they might ask. Practice your
speaking abilities by looking in a mirror or record yourself on a webcam. Work with other people to further
develop your own answers.
For more information on preparing for interviews, check out FastWeb’s article on preparing for
interviews.

Interviews are a great opportunity for you to set yourself apart from other applicants. The judges have seen
your resume, your application, and your qualifications. Use the interview to show them you as a person. For
a list of tips and sample questions, check out this Interview Questions and Tips guide sheet to prepare for
interviews. Remember to be yourself, be honest and genuine with your answers, and to have fun. With a bit
of practice, you’ll be smoking all of your interviews.

Sample Interview Questions Can Prepare You For


the Real Interview
Author: Keith Londrie | Posted: 28-08-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 300 | Rating: (52) (?)

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Before most people go in for a job interview, they will read over some sample interview questions to be prepared
for what is expected of them. Some colleges and private schools require an interview in order for you to get
accepted. If you've never done an interview before, you will want to know what questions may come your
way and how you should answer them to leave a good impression, which is why sample interview questions
are a great tool.

Sample interview questions that you can expect when you are trying to get a job will mostly be relevant to
your goals and qualifications. The interviewer at some point should ask what you can offer to the company in
terms of employment. It is important to be prepared for this question because they want to hire someone who
will be good for the company. Show an interest in the company and make sure you convey that you would be
proud to be an employee. Enthusiasm goes a long ways, but don't over do it so that it looks like you are not
sincere.

The questions you will be faced with when you are trying to get into a school are slightly different than the
question for a job interview. Your good grades and accomplishments alone are not good enough to get you
accepted. You must do a good interview. A couple of sample interview questions that you can expect will be
"Why do you wish to attend this university?" and "What have you done to prepare for college?" Be
interesting, and make sure that you do not seem full of yourself. Modesty and honesty should go hand in
hand for the most successful outcome.

Whether you are trying to get a job or trying to get into a good school, it is vital that you have a good
interview. Interviews are stressful but it should go relatively smoothly if you have familiarized yourself with
sample interview questions. You can never be too prepared for an interview. The range of possible questions
is very broad and you will not be able to be 100% prepared. This is due to the differences in managers that
you may interview with. Each has his/her own style and you must quickly adapt to that style for success.

I have both interviewed people and been interviewed myself and the most significant aspect is being prepared
for the interview. I almost always went with the candidate that showed me that they could contribute
positively to the company. When interviewed, I would show just the right amount of enthusiasm mixed with
genuine interest in my employer.

The Interview
Congratulations! If you have made it to the interview stage, you are a finalist, entering the last phase of
evaluation. The face-to-face interview is an excellent way for the judges to get to know you and, particularly,
assess your maturity, composure, performance under pressure, etc.

Preparation

It is impossible to predict what questions you may be asked in a personal interview but it is possible to
prepare yourself by working out answers to some of the more common questions that get asked in interviews,
whether for scholarships or employment. Write down the answers to these questions.

What are your greatest strengths?


What are your career goals?
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Tell me about a personal achievement that makes you proud.
Tell me about a mistake that you made and what you learned from it.
Who has influenced your life and why?
Why would you be an excellent recipient of ___ scholarship?

These are the basics. Know these answers cold.

Next, think specifically about the scholarship award that you are seeking. Be sure you are very well informed
about the organization.

What is the mission of the organization offering the award?


Who have they given the award to in the past and why?
Who are the judges?
What is it about your application that made you a finalist?

Use this information to develop responses that you may be able to introduce into the discussion to provide
the content that you would like to be sure that the judges hear from you. For example, if you are a finalist in a
scholarship competition from an environmental group and you believe that your volunteer work on the local
Conservation Commission was key to your selection as a finalist, consider finding examples from that
experience to highlight your strengths or describe lessons you have learned.

Finally, prepare yourself to make a good impression. If you need a haircut, get a haircut. If you are a nail
biter, invest in a professional manicure or even a set of acrylic nails. Select your interview outfit with care. It
may or may not be advisable to wear a suit or dress, depending upon the specific situation. However, it is
always appropriate to make sure your clothes are clean, they fit correctly and there are no loose buttons or
hanging threads. Familiarize yourself with the working of a steam iron and press your clothes even if the tag
says they don’t require ironing.

Logistics
Be sure you know where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Think about traffic flow at
different times of the day. It is really hard to concentrate on the questions you are being asked when your
heart is still racing from the parking lot dash, there are rivulets of perspiration running down your face and
you have to go to the bathroom but didn’t have time.

Presentation

You look great. You have arrived with enough time to visit the restroom, run a comb through your hair and
pick the dog hair from the car seat off your clothes. You’re under control.

It’s probably impossible to relax under these circumstances but it may help to remember that you are here
because these people think you are a competent, qualified candidate. You earned the right to have this
interview. The judges will use this time to get to know you better and you are working from the advantage
that they are already supporters. Help them to help you have a great interview by being as genuinely pleased
to be there as you can. Let your enthusiasm for your education show. The personal interview can be a
wonderful experience if you can approach it as an opportunity rather than as a trial.

What If…?

What if, despite your logistical preparations, you are late or arrive with a big coffee stain on your shirt. Well,
you now have the opportunity to exhibit the grace under pressure and ability to adapt that has gotten you so
far already.

Acknowledge the problem (―I had a flat tire on the expressway‖), apologize if appropriate (―I’m so sorry to
have delayed our scheduled meeting‖) and then move on. Don’t continue to focus on the initial negative; try
to get the process moving forward so you can shine. (―I realize that I’m late but I’m very interested in
participating in the interview if you are ready to move forward.‖)

What if you can’t think of a good answer to a question that’s been posed? Or, you can’t even think of a bad
answer because your mind has gone blank? Again, grace under pressure is key. Explain that you’re having a
mental block on that topic just now and ask if it’s possible to come back to the question a bit later. Or,
suggest that it’s a really interesting question that has prompted a lot of different ideas for you and you’d like
to take a moment to organize your thoughts. In situations such as this one, it may be best to take a little
pressure off by giving yourself a moment to collect your thoughts.

There are a lot more possible what-ifs. The key is to remain confident and don’t let a problem shake your
sense of yourself. The judges recognize the pressure you are under and, as in life, you are often judged not by
the reality that problems occur, but by the style with which you manage those problems. Approach the
interview with a sense of confidence, some humility and enough good humor to get you past any awkward
moments.

Some, but not all, scholarships require a personal interview. Interviews usually last 15-20 minutes and
involve a small group of people. You will find the interviewer(s) to be pleasant and focused on you at your
interview. They’ll try to put you at ease and make you comfortable, because they want to judge you at your
best. Remember, they want you to succeed.

First, come prepared to your interview. Know as much as possible your course of study, job outlook, and the
college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure about your major or the school you plan to attend, let the
interviewer(s) know the areas you’re interested in as well as why you applied to a particular college. Don’t be
afraid to have notes with you and to use them. Finally, be sure to have one or two questions in mind that you
might ask the interviewer.

Scholarship interview: The do’s and dont’s

The Do’s:

 Be punctual! Get directions to the interview location before leaving your home. Check in when you arrive.
 Dress appropriately as if applying for a job, which means neither too casual nor too dressy.
 When you meet the interviewer(s), introduce yourself, make eye contact and use a firm handshake, but not
too hard.
 Listen to the interview questions carefully; think about what you’ll say before replying.
 Be brief and honest with your answers.
 Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s).
 Demonstrate interest and confidence.
 Have one to two questions ready to ask the interviewer(s).
 Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time and consideration. If possible, send a thank you note after the
interview.
 Remember to SMILE!! Don’t be shy.
 Practice interviewing with a friend.

The Don’ts:

 Assume the interviewer(s) are knowledgeable about you and your background – regardless of what you’ve
included in your application.
 Be negative or critical about teachers, school, or friends.
 Be afraid to say, “I don’t know”.
 Expect the interviewer(s) to make a decision on the day of the interview.
 Use political, racial, ethnic, religious or other sensitive statements.
 Chew gum, bite nails, smoke, yawn, stretch, or slouch.

Questions you may be asked:

 Be prepared to discuss your college choice, career goals and any other information you included in your
application.
 Information on your background.
 Obstacles or personal circumstances that were included in your application.
 Personal matters such as how you plan to finance your education, future plans, and your hobbies and
interests.
 Your personal value structure, which may include the things you think are important in your life.

This is the list of the most frequently asked scholarship interview questions I collected while helping friends
to win scholarships in the States. Feel free to comment.

1. What achievement are you the most proud of?


2. How have you been a leader or displayed leadership?
3. What is your greatest strength or weakness?
4. Who is a role model for you?
5. What is your favorite book?
6. Why do you deserve to win this scholarship?
7. What would winning this scholarship mean to you?
8. Why is education important to you?
9. What has influenced you to get a college education?
10. Why did you choose your college?
11. What is your favorite subject in school and why?
12. Why did you select your major?
13. Which Educator has had the most influence on you?
14. Can you tell me about an academic class, project or other experience that was meaningful to you?
15. Why do you want to enter this career?
16. What are your career plans?
17. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
18. What activities are you involved in?
19. How have you contributed to your community?
20. What is the most important issue to you?
21. Is there anything else you want to add?
Common Interview Questions and Answers

A good interview is vital to your scholarship application. It is an opportunity to supplement your credentials
with the kind of impression that can not be put on paper.

But for most, interviews are a major source of stress. Keep the anxiety level under control by thinking ahead
and following these tips from a scholarship expert.

It is a Conversation
To keep yourself relaxed, think of your interview as a conversation rather than a test. The interviewers are
there to learn more about you. View the interview as an opportunity to discuss your goals, plans, and
concerns with experienced professionals.

Be Prepared
You can also decrease your anxiety level and improve your experience by anticipating the questions you will
be asked. Be prepared to discuss:

 Your background: educational history, employment experiences, family background, and upbringing
 Your academic achievements: class-ranking, grade point average, awards you have won or projects
you have undertaken (science fairs, debate competitions, etc.)
 Your future plans: academic plans, career plans
 Your hobbies and interests: extracurricular activities, skills, jobs, etc.
 Your financial profile and needs: income, savings, parent's resources, level of financial need,
anticipated expenses, etc. Information about your financial resources is especially important if the
scholarship is need-based.
 Your personal "value structure": the things you think are important in your life. Information about
your personal value structure helps the interviewers determine whether you would serve as an
appropriate representative for their organization.

Do Not Forget the Basics


To keep your interview running smoothly:

 Be punctual. Check the interview time and location before leaving home.
 Dress appropriately. Select conservative, semi-formal wear: slacks and a jacket or a dress shirt for
men; dresses, skirts, or pantsuits for women. NEVER WEAR JEANS OR T-SHIRTS TO AN
INTERVIEW.
 Make a good first impression. When you meet the interviewers, introduce yourself, make eye contact,
and use a firm handshake.
 Be brief and honest with your answers. Try to sum up your thoughts quickly. Interviewers will ask
follow-up questions if they want to know more.
 Have some questions ready for the interviewers. Prepare these questions in advance by researching
the sponsoring organization, school, or company.
 Be prepared to reiterate the basic information you supplied on your application. Review your
application before the interview to jog your memory.
 Do not be negative. Interviewers value the individual who perceives difficult situations as challenging
and interesting.
 Do not be afraid to say "I don't know" or ask questions. It is better to ask for clarification than to miss
an opportunity to produce an insightful answer.
 Do not chew gum, bite nails, smoke, yawn, stretch, or slouch.
 Show your appreciation. Thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the interview. Afterwards,
send a thank-you note.

Use these tips to prepare, and you may find the interview is not so scary after all.
Common Interview Questions (and Answers)

Roxana Hadad

The resume and cover letter were perfect. You look great on paper and you might just be perfect for the job.
Time for the next step: The interview.

While the job interview can be nerve-wracking, there's a lot you can do to prepare. Knowing what to expect
and planning your answers can help you make a winning impression. Start by reviewing this list of some
common interview questions.

"Tell me about yourself."

This is a common question—and sometimes the hardest. It's a broad, general question, and the worst thing
you can do is give a broad, general answer.

So how do you make the most of this question? Use it as a springboard to introduce the topics you want to
discuss. Decide in advance what you want the interviewer to know: Your favorite job experience, your most
valuable activities in college, your goals and dreams. Focus your answer by picking one or two things and
then use specific details to bring the topic alive.

Example:

I'm a hard worker and I think I generally have good organizational skills. In college, I led a team of
designers to create the Web site for each of the University's volunteer organizations ...

"Why did you decide to pursue this career?"

Questions like this one do double duty. On the one hand, they allow you to foreground your most relevant
and impressive achievements, such as honors coursework or special research projects. On the other hand, this
kind of question also allows you to talk more generally about "what makes you tick"—what motivates you
and how you make decisions.

The key, as always, is to focus your answer by picking a few specific events and providing details so your
answer doesn't become too vague.

Example:

I've always been interested in math, but I also wanted a secure career that had a strong practical bent.
I did a little research and decided to look into accounting. By the time I applied to college, I was sure
accounting was what I wanted. I attended State University because they have a really strong
accounting program. I also had a great opportunity to serve as president of the Accounting Club.

"What have you gained from your work experiences?"

Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or
two work experiences and think about them in detail. What were your duties? What particular activities,
events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while
doing that job.

Example:

My work at the community pool really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to
lead people. When I was teaching swimming, it was up to me to give my students a sense of
confidence and motivation—and to keep them safe while doing it.

"What difficulties have you faced on the job?"

Even if you've had bad work experiences, you should never use the interview as a chance to lay blame or
complain about a past job or employer. Instead, turn a negative into a positive. Describe problems as
challenges, and focus on solutions rather than the difficulties.
Example:

While working at the daycare center, I had to balance a lot of competing demands—from the parents,
the children, the teachers and the administration. It really taught me how to view all sides of any
situation, and how to prioritize my time. I found that differences of opinion usually occur because two
people can't see both sides of the situation. I learned to see the other person's side and explain my
position.

"What is your greatest weakness?"

The key to answering this question is the same as the last: Turn a negative into a positive. Don't try to come
up with a character flaw or personal weakness. Instead, rephrase the question for yourself: "How do I want to
improve to become better in my career?" Identify areas in which you want more training or guidance.

Example:

I would like to get more experience as a manager. In the past, I've really enjoyed supervisory roles,
but I know there's so much more I could learn to make me a better manager. I'd like to build on that
foundation and develop more skills.

Use these questions as a guide as you prepare. But don't assume every question will show up, and don't try to
memorize answers. Instead, use them to help you review your experiences and plan some possible answers.
When you get to your interview, relax and draw upon your preparation as you respond to your interviewer.
Hopefully, the last question you'll have to answer is "When can you start?"

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