How to ACE that Scholarship Interview!

When many hear the word "interview", they immediately become nervous. Let's face it, interviews are dreaded by a plurality of people, but for some scholarships, especially local ones, interviews are required. Do not panic! By following these steps, you will ace your interviews and secure scholarships to pay for your education.

#1: Do not be nervous. When you are nervous, you are more likely to perform poorly during the interview. I remember not too long ago, I was being interviewed for a scholarship, and I was terrified. In the waiting room, I could feel my heart pacing and my mind was swirling. The questions that were asked of me were basic and easy, but I failed to answer them properly because of how nervous I was. For example, one of the questions was "What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?". It was a simple easy question. There were plenty of answers that I could have given, but what I said was something like this, "Umm.. social media... c-can be used as... as a.. a way to get your message across.. but some..umm some.. some people may take your views wrong.. and umm.. yea thats it." Before the interview, take some deep breaths and reassure yourself that you will do great. The company/organization that offered you the interview was already impressed by your application. There is nothing to worry about. Practice with your friends or family so that you will get an idea about how being interviewed feels like. Clear your mind and think positive thoughts only. Hold your head up and smile!

#2: Make sure that you dress appropriately. Scholarship interviews are not the time to be wearing flip flops, jeans, excessive makeup, etc. Keep it simple! This is not a fashion show. No one is going to offer a scholarship to someone who did not dress properly. When the scholarship interviewees first see you, the way you are dressed will be the first thing that they notice, so please dress accordingly. Also, please ladies and gents do not be generous with the perfume! 

Here are a couple ideas of how to dress:  

#3: Make sure that you also do some research on the company/organization that is offering you the scholarship. In all my scholarship interviews, I was asked "what do you know about the organization that is offering this scholarship?" Try to get as much information as possible.