Chevening interview preparation tips

So, you have just received one of the most exciting emails of your life- a Chevening scholarship interview invitation. Congratulations! What’s next and how do you prepare for what could possibly be a life-altering interview? Here are my few tips:

1. Identify your weakness areas and work on them

Ahead of my own interview last year, I was well aware that my biggest weakness was my fear of addressing people. I immediately set out a plan to work around that fear. I organised several mock interviews with close friends and even Cheveners I had only met online. The more I did those interviews, the more confident I felt sitting in front of people and telling my story. So, whatever it is that may affect you at the interview, identify it now and work on it immediately.

2. Don’t be afraid to seek help and guidance from Cheveners.

By their nature, Cheveners are very welcoming and helpful. So, do not be afraid to approach any Chevener, even if you haven’t met before, and ask for guidance or tips. One of the people who helped review my essays was a Chevener from Nigeria who I only met online. Then, during preparation for the interview last year, another Chevener from Algeria, who I also connected with online, agreed to be my mock interviewer over a video call. Whatever guidance you need, don’t be afraid to respectfully approach a Chevener online or via whatever platform and request for assistance- they understand what you are going through and they will assist you.

3. Read and watch interview preparation material available online.

There is loads of information available online to help you prepare for your interview- use it. The Chevening website has great insights from real-life interviewers themselves while Cheveners have created videos and various social media content with helpful tips for your interview. During my own interview preparation last year, I watched Instagram live sessions by the 2021/22 SMA Sharon Zaaruka and they were incredibly helpful! Make sure to keep an eye on current SMAs social media platforms for more helpful tips!

 4. Pick your references wisely

While this is not necessarily part of your interview, it is a critical element you have to fulfil once you have been invited to an interview. Make sure you think about this carefully- go for people who know you well, and who can comment adequately on your academic and professional capabilities, and back it up with solid examples. My references were my lecturer from my undergraduate studies who had taught me for four years and had supervised my research project while my second was a boss I had worked directly under for three years. Make sure your references elevate your entire application.

Finally, to be invited to interview is a big marker of your capabilities, so, well done. I like to use football analogies and to use one here, I would say, you are now like that team with a six-point lead on the league table with three matches to go in the season. Basically, much of what happens now is very much in your control. Prepare well and you will most likely be arriving in the UK in September. All the best!

By Sibongiseni Zondi (Chevening Social Media Ambassador)

NB: Sibongiseni Zondi writes this blog in his personal capacity. The views expressed here do not represent the views of the Chevening Scholarship Secretariat, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Chevening partners.

Zondi is a 2022/22 Chevening Scholarship recipient pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Relations and Digital Communications at the University of Salford, in Manchester, United Kingdom. 

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK Government to develop international leaders.