Scholarship Interview – Key Tips to Ace the Interview, Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Code

A scholarship interview plays a significant role in the selection of scholars for various scholarship schemes. While many scholarships are just given on the basis of your submitted application, various other scholarship providers conduct a telephonic or face-to-face interview as part of their selection process. One of the prime reasons for providers conducting an interview is refining the selection process, especially in cases when there is a huge number of applications. 

Applicants must note that it is good news for them if they are getting a call for a scholarship interview from the provider. Now, the questions that arise are – Are you prepared for it? How will you appear for the interview? Are you ready with your answers? Read further to find answers to all these questions. Here, we have compiled the key tips to ace a scholarship interview.

Scholarship Interview Tip #1: Start with the Basics

To make sure that your interview goes smoothly, here are some of the basic tips that you must remember –

• Keep yourself well-hydrated.
• Make eye-contact with the interviewer while answering.
• Dress formally for the interview.
• Be honest and brief while answering the questions in the interview.
• Do practice the answers to the questions as much as you can.
• Do not beat around the bush while answering. Try giving to-the-point answers.  
• Enter the interview room with a positive attitude and a smile on your face.
• Remember that there is nothing to be afraid of while asking questions for clarification.
• Do not forget to thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. 

One of the most obvious points to remember for any interview is punctuality. Being late is surely going to create a negative impression on the interviewers. This shows that you lack interest in the scholarship that is being offered. Also, it’s disrespectful towards the interviewer. So, if you have received an interview call for any scholarship, you must be there before time. To do so, remember the following points –

• Keep note of the time, date and venue (online or offline) for the interview. 
• Set a reminder on your mobile phones or in your diary.
• If the interview is online, get ready with your laptop or mobile devices half an hour in advance. Also, please test your audio/video quality and internet connectivity in advance to avoid any disruption during the interview. 
• If the interview is offline, please check the location where you have to report for it. 
• If you are not aware of the location, take help of Google Maps and get an estimated time that you will require to reach the interview location. Plan your travel accordingly. 
• Remember, reaching early will not cost you anything. Rather, it will give you some time to relax and keep calm for the interview.

Scholarship Interview Tip #3: Wear your Confidence

Besides being well-dressed, you must also look confident for the interview. Your first meeting with the interviewers should create a lasting impact on them. A simple smile on your face can reflect your level of confidence to the interviewers. It can only happen if you – 

• Dress comfortably (Note: It is important for you to dress formally, but make sure that you are comfortable in what you are wearing.)
• Make eye contact with the interviewer while answering. 
• Come with your answers prepared.
• Lighten your mood with some music or do what cheers you up before entering the interview hall.
• Do not worry about the outcome or result of the interview.

Scholarship Interview Tip #4: Prepare your Answers

Standing blank in front of the interviewer is not going to work in your favor during a scholarship interview. Thus, it is advised to prepare well in-advance for the interview. To start your preparation, you need to prepare answers to some of the commonly-asked questions. Given below is the list of some key scholarship interview questions that you must know and have answers to –

• Tell something about yourself.
• Share your strengths and weaknesses.
• What are your academic achievements?
• Despite the academics, what extracurricular activities do you participate in?
• Share your instance of how you overcame an obstacle or adversity in life.
• Why should you get the scholarship? 
• What are your professional goals?

Scholarship Interview Tip #5: Remember, it’s a Conversation

Often, candidates create a hype about the scholarship interview which further results in increased anxiety and stress. This can adversely impact your performance in the interview. Thus, it is advisable to keep yourself calm and relaxed. Further, we would recommend not to consider your interview as a test. Rather, consider it as a conversation. The selection committee or interviewers are just willing to know you in a better way. You simply need to be honest to yourself while communicating with them.

Scholarship Interview – FAQs

List of State Scholarship portal are as follows: