Kimbrlee
How do you prepare for a scholarship interview?
I just recently got invited to a scholarship interview, and wanted to know your tips on how to make yourself stand out. #interviews
2 answers
Racquel Scott
Racquel’s Answer
Thank you, this is a great question! You would treat it as if it is a regular interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your educational program or major. They may ask you about relevant volunteer or work history, but don't worry if you don't have any experience. They do understand that you are a student and you may not have any experience. You want to sell yourself as a student. Let them know if you are involved in student clubs, organizations, and recreational activities or have been involved with projects. A good way to show interest in your field as a student is to become student members of professional organizations within your field. It will also be a good idea to find a mentor in your field that you can ask to shadow for a day or two. All this will be good information to share with the person you are interviewing with and be a good resume builder when you start applying for a job. I would also advise that you do your research within the company you are interviewing with. Let them know that you are interested in their mission, products, and services and why you will be a great contribution as an intern. Tell and show them that you are passionate and eager to learn. I hope this helps! Good Luck!
Aleksandra (Trpkovska) Stefanovska
Aleksandra’s Answer
Next, interviewing is a lifelong skill, which you can start to practice today!
When most people ask "I want to stand out", I think there is an expectation that you can do something amazing or super creative.
Look - interviews happen every day and every hour. The people that stand out, are the people who are prepared. There is no reason why not to be prepared, because guess what - the subject is you! And...there is no other subject matter expert than YOU on YOU!
So, if you are the expert - why do you need to practice? Well, because WE are all human and we forget what we did in a prior job or role. So speaking eloquently about your experience, and doing the basic things all interviewees should do in terms of preparation and coordination before, engagement during and follow-up after an interview will make you stand out.
I recently published a book called The Pain-Free Path To College. If you have kindle unlimited, you can read for free, or you can get it as a paperback or kindle for a small fee. In the book, there is a chapter on Interviews and it guides students on what to do before, during and after an interview. The book is meant to be a practical guide and based on the feedback thus far, I believe it achieves that goal. (www.PainFreeToCollege.com/book)
I have a template that I think you will find useful - it's the PainFreeToCollege (PF2C) - College Interviews and Prep questions. It is a google doc, and I can share it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18q7TGjFr7Gr26_OTnD6V80tZrpJ_QZuxWWbBwu04RZ8/edit?usp=sharing - Create a copy for yourself and use it. The template is particularly helpful because it gives you questions to outline/answer, and practice.
If you would like to sign up for tips and templates, you can do so on the website www.PainFreeToCollege.com/book.
Hope this helps!
scholarships interviewing interviewing-skills