2 answers
Vanessa
Student
Merced, California
1
Question
Updated
208 views
What should i not say when I am trying to get a scholarship. How can I make a great impression that lands me job without being fake? And why a good beginner question to ask during interviews?
I’m majoring in Child Development I am a sophomore in college undergraduate, and I love spending time painting and raising animals.
Login to comment
2 answers
Annie Saraceno 🏳️🌈
Senior Product Designer
7
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Annie’s Answer
Three great questions, I'll share answers one by one.
For scholarships, what NOT to say:
- Don't give generic answers like "I've always wanted to help people" without backing it up with a real story or example. Committees read hundreds of these.
- Avoid exaggerating or stretching the truth. It often shows, and it's not worth the stress of maintaining it.
- Don't focus only on what you need (the money). Show what you'll do with the opportunity and how it connects to your goals.
- Skip the filler phrases like "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm passionate". Instead, show those qualities through specific examples from your life.
Most importantly: be specific about why this scholarship and not just "any scholarship." Committees can tell when an essay is copy-pasted.
For job interviews, how to make a great impression without feeling fake: This is something I think about a lot! The key is that genuineness and preparation aren't opposites. In fact, preparing helps you be more yourself, because you're not panicking.
- Do your research before the interview. Learn about the company, their mission, recent news, and the role. When your questions show you've done your homework, it signals real interest, not flattery.
- Look up common interview questions for your field and actually write out your answers ahead of time. I do this myself! When nerves hit and your brain goes blank (it happens to everyone), having those thoughts already organized means you can draw on them naturally.
- Ask mentors (or even AI tools) for feedback on your practice answers. Getting outside perspective makes a huge difference.
- Keep notes nearby during a virtual interview, or review them right before an in-person one.
Good beginner questions to ask in an interview: Asking thoughtful questions shows curiosity and engagement, which are two qualities every employer loves. Some great ones:
"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?" (shows you're already thinking about contributing)
"What do you enjoy most about working here?" (invites a genuine conversation and gives you real insight)
"What are the biggest challenges someone in this role typically faces?" (demonstrates maturity and realistic thinking)
"How does this team collaborate day-to-day?" (practical and shows you care about fit)
One tip: tailor at least one question to something specific you learned about the organization during your research. It always lands well.
Good luck! Your curiosity and self-awareness already put you ahead!
For scholarships, what NOT to say:
- Don't give generic answers like "I've always wanted to help people" without backing it up with a real story or example. Committees read hundreds of these.
- Avoid exaggerating or stretching the truth. It often shows, and it's not worth the stress of maintaining it.
- Don't focus only on what you need (the money). Show what you'll do with the opportunity and how it connects to your goals.
- Skip the filler phrases like "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm passionate". Instead, show those qualities through specific examples from your life.
Most importantly: be specific about why this scholarship and not just "any scholarship." Committees can tell when an essay is copy-pasted.
For job interviews, how to make a great impression without feeling fake: This is something I think about a lot! The key is that genuineness and preparation aren't opposites. In fact, preparing helps you be more yourself, because you're not panicking.
- Do your research before the interview. Learn about the company, their mission, recent news, and the role. When your questions show you've done your homework, it signals real interest, not flattery.
- Look up common interview questions for your field and actually write out your answers ahead of time. I do this myself! When nerves hit and your brain goes blank (it happens to everyone), having those thoughts already organized means you can draw on them naturally.
- Ask mentors (or even AI tools) for feedback on your practice answers. Getting outside perspective makes a huge difference.
- Keep notes nearby during a virtual interview, or review them right before an in-person one.
Good beginner questions to ask in an interview: Asking thoughtful questions shows curiosity and engagement, which are two qualities every employer loves. Some great ones:
"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?" (shows you're already thinking about contributing)
"What do you enjoy most about working here?" (invites a genuine conversation and gives you real insight)
"What are the biggest challenges someone in this role typically faces?" (demonstrates maturity and realistic thinking)
"How does this team collaborate day-to-day?" (practical and shows you care about fit)
One tip: tailor at least one question to something specific you learned about the organization during your research. It always lands well.
Good luck! Your curiosity and self-awareness already put you ahead!
Isida Mici
Cash Accountant
107
Answers
Tirana, Tirana County, Albania
Updated
Isida’s Answer
Hello Vanessa,
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. You are like a mentor to me. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. It's very important not to waste your time, and actively fill your spare time with beautiful activities like painting and animals. Creativity is problem-solving in the arts, not just design. So you improve your creativity. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a project or speaking up in class, because those moments add up to big growth. I suggest that when you are making a plan for a scholarship, do not discuss it with everyone because there is envy all around. Discuss it with the people you trust most. To land a job nowadays, it needs personal branding as well on social media, and there you need to be YOU. Personally, I am not very active on social media, but I am taking baby steps on LinkedIn. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time regarding your career path. Good luck with your college and hopefully I wish all the best to land your dream job when you finish your college in your field of study. Hope it helps.
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. You are like a mentor to me. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. It's very important not to waste your time, and actively fill your spare time with beautiful activities like painting and animals. Creativity is problem-solving in the arts, not just design. So you improve your creativity. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a project or speaking up in class, because those moments add up to big growth. I suggest that when you are making a plan for a scholarship, do not discuss it with everyone because there is envy all around. Discuss it with the people you trust most. To land a job nowadays, it needs personal branding as well on social media, and there you need to be YOU. Personally, I am not very active on social media, but I am taking baby steps on LinkedIn. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time regarding your career path. Good luck with your college and hopefully I wish all the best to land your dream job when you finish your college in your field of study. Hope it helps.