SCHOLARSHIP INTERIVIEW TIPS Presentation What to expect Know

SCHOLARSHIP INTERIVIEW TIPS

Presentation What to expect Know the Scholarship Agenda It’s All about You

What to wear? In-Person and Virtual What to wear? Recommended: Dress pants Slacks/khaki pants Collared shirt Button down shirt Sweater Blouse Flats, small heels, closed toes Blazer Minimal jewelry Solid colors /neutral colors In-Person and Virtual Not Recommended: Pajamas T-Shirts Sweat Shirt Shorts Distressed Jeans Sneakers/flip-flops Flashy/noisy jewelry Neon Hats

Timing is Everything In Person Interviews Don’t be late Allow yourself 15 -20 minutes Turn off electronics Applicants are allotted a certain amount of time. Make the most of your time. Virtual Interviews Familiarize yourself with the virtual platform being used Be ready to go (10 min prep time) Test your speakers/microphone Camera Mute Use a professional display Wi-Fi Issues: Back up plan Eliminate Distractions Background noise Virtual Background Use headphones or earbuds if possible Turn off other electronics

Overall Presentation In Person Interviews Introduce yourself Handshake Eye contact No gum or food Posture Body Language Expression: Be confident, enthusiastic, smile! Virtual Interviews Introduction: Initial greeting and name… Thank you Greeting: Thanks for having me today/I’m excited to speak with you today, etc Look into the camera while speaking Technical difficulties No gum or food Posture Body Language Expression: Be confident, enthusiastic, smile!

The Interview Congratulations! You made it to the interview process. You are AMAZING. Time to show them why you are deserving of this scholarship! What to expect: Typically a panel of members (2 -3) 15 -20 minute interview 5 -6 questions

Why was the scholarship created? KNOW THE SCHOLARSHIP What is the organizations mission/purpose? What are the attributes/values the organization is looking for in their scholarship recipients? Commitment Passion Teamwork Strong work ethic Determination Courage How does these attributes/values pertain to you? Make the connection What has this organization done for the community? How do these contributions represent you (now and in the future)?

The interview is all about you. Don’t assume the reader has read your application. Your education and career goals. All About You Why did you choose your education and career? What are your accomplishments, what are you proud of? Financial Aid What is your financial aid need and how will this scholarship help you pursue your education and career goals? Your community involvement, student activities, and leadership roles? Be prepared to talk about your experience, why you took part, what did you learn, what impact did it have on you, how will you pay it forward. Your personal biography: Tell your story: the struggles, the accomplishments, who inspired you, etc. How will receiving this scholarship assist you? Your references; Why did you choose this person How have they influenced you

What do they want to know?

What is your major and why did you choose it? Describe your career goals Questions: Which school will you be attending and why? Where do you see yourself in 5 years, and how will you get there? If we could only know one thing about you, what would it be? What did you do last summer and what do you plan on doing this summer? What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your education? Tell us about yourself What motivates/inspires you? What is your dream job? If this scholarship is not awarded to you, how will you pay for college? What is your proudest accomplishment? Why do you deserve this scholarship over other candidates?

Practice, practice! Prepare Practice in front of a mirror Practice in a zoom Have someone interview you What are 3 -5 key qualities and experience you want them to know about you? Think before you speak

Express your gratitude If time permits: You have reached Is there anything that you want to revisit/clarify Closing statement Questions: What questions do you have for them? About their scholarship What is expected from scholars Next Steps

Accepting Applications! Questions ? ? Visit the LMC Scholarship webpage at http: //www. losmedanos. edu/schola rships for: – Internal and external scholarship opportunities – Workshop information Tammy Oranje Financial Aid Scholarship Program Specialist toranje@losmedanos. edu (925) 473 -7518 – Application tips – Additional resources AAUW Delta Branch - $2000. 00 Deadline to apply: 3/20/21 AAUW Concord Branch - $1500. 00 Deadline to apply: 03/22/21 Community College Transfer Scholarship - Up to $4000. 00 Deadline to apply: 03/25/21 Spotlight on You - Up to $3000. 00 Deadline to apply: 04/01/21 For more information on these scholarship opportunities and others, visit https: //losmedanos. academicworks. com/opportunities/external.