How to Interview for a Fellowship

You have written your project proposal, found great references and applied for your fellowship. Now it is time for the interview. Many fellowship recipients feel that the interview process is the most nerve wracking and difficult part of the application process. Here are some ideas about what you can do to ensure a successful interview.

Instructions

1. Prepare for the interview by reviewing old student reports. Most fellowship committees make this information available to applicants and will include student feedback, questions that they were asked and a review of the general tone of the fellowship interview. These reports can be very helpful in preparing you for your own interview.

2. Be very familiar with, and confident about, your project proposal and application essay, as you will be asked various probing questions about what you have written. Be prepared to defend your research proposal, choice of university or research location and the work of people that you have cited in your proposal.

3. Catch up on current local, national and international news, so that you can present an educated and informed opinion when your interviewers question you. You are being asked to perform an ambassadorial leadership role, so you must prove that you are aware of what is happening in the world and be able to provide intelligent responses.

4. Remain calm and collected. Appear relaxed and be aware of nervous habits, such as: touching your hair, smiling constantly, fumbling or saying, "Um" repeatedly. Always greet the panel kindly with a handshake, maintain eye contact and engage the entire committee instead of focusing on one single individual.

5. Consider each question carefully and try to keep your answers concise, interesting and insightful. It is better to pause for a moment to think about your answer than to jump into a long and confusing response. Be honest and admit that you cannot answer a question if you do not know the answer.

6. Prepare a closing response, as most often the fellowship panel will ask if there is anything else that you would like to add. Keep the responses brief and honest and never forget to say, "Thank you."

7. Participate in your university's fellowship workshops and practice interviews. Contact the dean or registrar to find more information about interview practice before you have been notified of the time and date of your interview.