Ace that interview

Top tips to get you fully prepared for that scholarship, college or job interview

First, pay attention to your image. Dress better than what you think the interviewers would expect. It is always better to dress higher than dress lower. Be presentable; think about what you are wearing.

Business attire is always appropriate for an interview, no matter what position you are applying for. For a man, business attire includes a smart pair of trousers worn with a belt and a plain white-, blue-, or pastel-coloured buttoned shirt. A jacket or blazer is also ideal. If you don’t have a jacket, then wear a tie. Make sure everything is coordinated, including your shoes – polished of course.

For a lady, wear an outfit that is not too sexy or revealing but is business-like. Make sure that it fits you, and that it is not too tight. It can be a dress. A jacket over a dress is a good look. For your shoes, no 10-inch heels! Wear comfortable shoes that look attractive with your outfit. Slacks are fine, too, as long as they are neat. Wear slacks with a fairly plain, smart shirt. A jacket over the shirt would be appropriate. Wear only earrings that are the size of a quarter or less – nothing dangling or too ostentatious. A useful guide to jewelry and accessories is the rule of 10. That is, wear a maximum of 10 items. Your eyeglasses count for one, a bracelet is one, a ring is one, and so forth.

Hide your tattoos. The interviewers haven’t gotten to know and care about you yet, and if you walk in with a lot of tattoos, a judgment might be made. Hide your tattoos with long slacks and a shirt with long sleeves. You may love your tattoos – but not everybody will share your passion.

Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive, just neat and professional. The interviewers will be looking at you and deciding whether you will be someone who is going to be on time to work, someone who is professional, someone who would get along with other people. Our image and how we look translates to all those things. Further, dressing well shows respect for the interviewers, says that you are taking the interview seriously, and that your application is important to you.

Perhaps the most important tip about dressing appropriately for an interview is this; always wear a smile.

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When you arrive for the interview (early of course), politely wait until the receptionist is done with a phone call or anything else she is addressing, and then introduce yourself. You might say, “I’m here for the interview, my name is Alex. Where would you like me to wait, please?” While you are waiting, do not pull out your cellphone and start making calls or texting. A cellphone can be a terrible distraction, and if the interviewers see you using one on this important occasion, they’ll be thinking that on the job you will always be on your phone. Leave it at home, in the car, or lock it in the box on your bike.

You may want to do some “mind settling” before you get in the interview room –whatever that practice is for you. Positive affirmations can be extremely helpful. Say to yourself, “I am successfully navigating this interview today to the best of my ability.” Make your brain think that you are already doing it. Another example might be, “I am currently enjoying my interview today for my new job.” Put in the action step that you are already doing it. Affirmations can be powerful.

Be ready for the interviewers to call you so you can jump right up and look enthusiastic. You could be reviewing the notes you have prepared for the interview while you wait patiently. Which is another good tip – always have a pad of paper and pen. It looks professional, and you may need to jot something down during the interview.

A bottle of water (not coffee) also may be helpful. If you get nervous, or you find your mouth dries up during the interview, a quick sip will help you relax.

When you are shown into the room, smile and be gracious and polite. Give a good handshake to the interviewer – not too firm, not loose, just right, comfortable. Practice this with a friend or relative and ask for their feedback on the strength of your handshake.

Here’s something you could say, “Thank you for inviting me to this interview. My name is Alex; I am so happy to be here.”

When you are offered a seat, don’t sprawl out. Sit upright with a straight back. Look the interviewers in the face; don’t start looking around the room. Focus and listen carefully to everything they say. Here’s where you may want to make notes. The interviewer will be looking at you and saying to himself or herself, “Are they making notes? This is important information.”

The end of this article features a few commonly asked interview questions. Study these and prepare your answers. Remember, the interview is not about you; it’s about the scholarship or the job – it’s always about

Most commonly asked interview questions

How have you been a leader or displayed leadership?

What is your greatest strength and weakness?

Who is a role model for you?

What is your favorite book?

Why did you choose this scholarship/college/job?

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

What is a meaningful academic class, project, or other experience?

Why do you want to enter this career?

With what activities are you most involved?

Tell me a little about yourself

Why should we hire you/give you this scholarship?

Tell me about a challenge or conflict you faced and how you dealt with it the client. For example, if you are asked, why do you want this scholarship or job, you need to frame your answer in terms of the benefit, not to you, but for the company or the scholarship fund. Your answer should not focus on you needing the money or that the job is only 9 to 5. You should tell them what you will contribute to the company, what talent and benefits you will bring to help make the company even more successful. Tell the scholarship committee that you will represent the scholarship with pride, that you will give back to the community with the learning that this scholarship will make possible.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What’s your dream job?

Are you interviewing with any other companies or scholarships?

How would others describe you?

Once the interviewers have finished their questions, be prepared to ask a few of your own. If you’ve done your research, you may know the answers to most of the important points, but you can still ask. For example, you could ask, “Just to clarify, when will you be making a decision on this scholarship or job?” or “How soon would you be needing someone to fill this vacancy?”

One of the most delicate subjects is, of course, money. You may know exactly how much the scholarship award is worth, or maybe the job salary was advertised, but if you want clarification you could phrase it as follows: “I know we haven’t talked about it, but I am wondering if you were going to cover the value of the scholarship/salary compensation for this job.”

Don’t leave the interview with any questions in your mind. Ask, and when you do, use “I” messages as much as possible. For example, state, “I am wondering when a decision will be made,” as opposed to “When will you be making a decision?”

It is critical to remain polite during the interview – always says please and thank you. After the interview, send an email or a thank you note and say you look forward to hearing from them.

Now, go ace that interview!