14sept19

14sept19

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

The Definitive Guide for (CCAP Scholarship) Interviews

First off, let's learn about the biggest difference between an in-person and a phone interview.

That's it.

No, really. That isit. One's in person, and one isn't.  It might be Skype or FaceTime, but it's not in real time, same physical place.

There are, however, some differences.  You'll see.

When you're getting ready for your interview, you might want to take along a copy of your essay, along with a sentence or two about why you think you're ideal for the ______ scholarship.  

You might also want a note or two about how important working with CCAP has (already) been for you.  
If you are doing a phone interview, make sure you have a quite place and a fully charged phone.  Have a space for your notes, and copies of your essay - and anything else you feel you might need.

When you walk into that interview, you want to smile and greet your interviewer.  If there are more people in the room, greet each one  individually.  

Mention that you are happy/glad/pleased to be talking with them - ("Really happy I made it here."  "It's great to have this chance to talk with you."----- You get the idea.)

If you are on the phone - ditto! If you smile as you're speaking on the phone, people will "hear your smile" - your voice will sound friendlier and warmer.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Remember to  look directly at your interviewer.  

If more than one person is in the room, look at each person from time to time - and definitely if they are asking you a question.

On the phone, make certain to use your interviewer's name from time to time.  If there's more one person on the interview side of the call, use that person's name when answering a question from them.

Before you answer any question, stop for just a second to take a breath.  It will help to relax you - and also gives you a moment to think.

If you realize you've misspoken, take a moment and catch your breath.  And then you say, "Excuse me.  I think I made an error, here.  This is what I meant to say…."  And say it.  

And then don't worry any more about it.  At least, not that minute.

FOLLOWING THROUGH

Make sure you have one or two questions for your interviewers. 

("What do you think are the most important differences in culinary programs?"  OR  "What should I expect in my first year of school?"  OR  "Is there anything you'd do di)fferently in your career?  Why?"  OR (this is easier on the phone than in person, but it is possiblein person) You have taken a couple of notes during the interview.  Ask about that issue that was important enough to make a note about.)

Finally, before you leave or end the call, say thank you (to each interviewer, if there is more than one).  ("Thanks for talking with me.  I appreciate the opportunity to be here.")

Remember, you're prepared - so you can be calm and collected.  You can walk out of the interview or end the call and know you've done your best.

When you get home or away from the phone, take a minute to enjoy the feeling.  Then, sit down and write your thank you notes.

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