Are you confident or arrogant?

Judges for C-CAP Arizona’s scholarship competition are in clear agreement: candidates need to project a thoughtful, confident attitude.

But there’s a big difference between being confident and displaying a cocky arrogance.

For one thing, confidence indicates you’re comfortable with your abilities and understand that others also have talents and skills. You’re willing to listen to (and perhaps learn from) those with more experience.

Arrogance, on the other hand, insists that you are the best and no one else can touch your skills. This is self-centered and indicates you are likely a little insecure about genuine abilities and performance.

Arrogant people never admit mistakes, revel in other people’s mistakes, and always know how others could be better.

Confident people believe in their talents and understand their own potential. They’re not afraid to recognize their own mistakes, and are still willing to help others.

“The judges look for students who understand they’re not yet a chef. They need to be willing to learn and to find a good path,” says Jill Smith, C-CAP Arizona’s executive director.

This means that students need to have a flexible point of view and approach during their interviews.

To gain that flexibility, make sure you’ve considered more than one school, and have thought about your long-term goals for your education and career.