Poor ways to begin an interview - Judges’ Roundtable: the Interview

How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018

Poor ways to begin an interview
Judges’ Roundtable: the Interview

Various Scholarship Judges

First impressions are priceless since you only get one shot to make them. The following is a collection of tips from scholarship judges on how to avoid making a bad first impression.

“When walking into the room don’t appear timid or afraid.

Stride in with confidence. We learn a lot about an applicant from the way he or she crosses the distance from the door to the chair.”

“Drink some water right before the interview. When nervous your throat naturally dries out and you don’t want the first words the judges hear to sound unnaturally hoarse.”

“Don’t forget to look at all members of the judging panel when you speak. Some applicants look only at the members sitting directly in front of them but forget to turn to address those on the sides.”

“Don’t get our names wrong. Since we interview with a panel of five judges we don’t expect applicants to remember our names. It’s better not to use our names in conversation if you can’t remember them than to call everyone by the wrong name.”

“Sit up straight and still. Don’t slouch or fidget. It can be very distracting.”

“Don’t hold pens or paper in your hands. It’s too easy to unconsciously play with these objects while talking.”

“Smile when you first walk in even if you feel nervous.”