The Interview! DUN DUN DUUUUN!!!

Once your application has been turned in, an interview date will be scheduled. Don't be nervous about this- it'll be okay.

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to attend practice interview sessions with the aforementioned Dr. Duban. This was by far the most beneficial decision I made in preparation for the scholarship. Dr. Duban went through every step of the process. From first walking into the door, to correcting someone politely if they mispronounce your name, to having a firm hand shake to answering questions. Not only were Dr. Duban's suggestions and tips helpful in my interview with Rotary, but they were helpful in general with LIFE. I will try my best to give you some of his tips now, but I still recommend actually GOING to a practice interview session if available.

* First impressions really are everything. I've been told that interviewers can tell within the first 10-20 seconds if they like a person or not. So make this count. Smile :D Shake everyones hand firmly and go in with confidence and a great attitude.

* Dress appropriately! Business dress. I'm talkin' suit and tie attire. If you have a purse, don't bring it- it'll only get in the way.

* Have a good conversation. Forget that you are in an interview! Forget that there are maybe 10-15 people in the room with you and that you've come really far to get where you are at that moment and that you really really want the scholarship. I know it'll be hard... and it's nerve wracking... and you're a perfectionist and want to do well, but for the next 20 minutes just have fun and have a good conversation. :)

* Answer all questions honestly.

* Know when to stop talking!

* If you don't know an answer to something just say so! You don't need to explain why you don't know the answer or make something up. Just smile and say, "I don't know!"

*Smile :D

* Be natural- I was able to watch a LOT of practice interviews at UNT (another benefit of going to practice sessions) every single one I watched was helpful. I learned what not to say or do as well as what would fly and be acceptable. I found most people were stiff and seemed terrified to be sitting at the front of a room full of people (at least at first. After attending more practice sessions I was able to watch myself and others improve).

* Read up on current events. The only "current/controversial event" question I can remember from my interview was about the death penalty.

* Know the city you want to study in, the university you want to study at, and the surrounding areas of where you want to be. They will ask you about this! It won't look good if you're fumbling about why you want to go to Spain to study art history for a year. Know what you want to say, but don't rehearse it.

* KNOW ROTARY!

The ABCs of Rotary

4-Way Test
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?

* When they ask if you have any questions for them you say YES! Because you DO have a question! If you have been researching Rotary (like I know you have!) then you'll quickly discover that there will be a lot of questions you want to ask. This is your time to sit back and listen to them now :) To add to this- do you have any idea how BAD it looks when you don't have a question (this goes for ANY interview)? It's almost like you're saying, "Okay, I'm-done-now-and-I'm-not-really-interested-in-what-you-do-or-what-you-can-offer-me. Can-I-please-leave-the-room?". Maybe that's a personal opinion- but dangit, just have a question! :P

* Remember to thank them for their time :)

And last but not least...

* Have a good conversation and be yourself!



I hope these tips helped in some way- if there's a tip you would like to add feel free to leave me a comment!