Chevening interview tips from current Cheveners!

There is arguably no better group to help you prepare for a Chevening interview than the current cohort who went through the interview only about 12 months ago.

So, to help aspiring scholars, I asked 19 current Chevening scholars to share the top tips that helped them ace their interviews. Let's read on to find out what they shared:

1. Guljahan Tursunova, MSc. Education Leadership and Policy, University of Bristol.

From: Turkmenistan

"Focus on the outcome of your story. When responding, spend more time talking about the RESULTS, and how it was important. Numbers, years, people - the impact it brought, and its potential for your country."

2. Michelle Mothibi, MSc Project Management, University of Reading. 

From: Botswana 

"Remember to answer your questions using the STAR approach to avoid being all over the place when giving your answer. Also make sure you are listening to what the other person (interviewer) is saying and engaging because it is a conversation after all."

3. Yasmine Francois, MA International Social Development, University of East Anglia

From: Saint Lucia

"At the interview, you will be asked questions around the same four themes that your essays were based on. Do not reiterate the examples provided in your essays. Share new and recent examples that demonstrate your commitment to growth, networking and being a leader."

4. George Njoroge, MSc Neuropsychiatry, University of Birmingham. 

From: Kenya

"One thing that really worked for me was having a mock interview because I was able to hear and listen to myself to find out if I was making sense. I also watched a lot of preparation videos on YouTube. Also, be authentic: be real and speak from the heart. Be human, talk to the panel, they are human. So, converse with them."

5. Lindokuhle Mthupha, MSc Marketing and Brand Management, Nottingham Trent University 

From: Eswatini 

"Know your story, and tell it with conviction. Have a map in your head of how this qualification and Chevening will help you in achieving your leadership (educational) goals. Be you!"

6. Esineya T. Chilumbu, MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

From: Zambia 

"You need to research the school and area you are likely going to. Know your motivations for picking these areas."

7. Peter-Paul Mbele, MSc Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University College London 

From: South Africa 

"It is important to go through your course choices, the why you chose them and how you see them helping you achieve what you want to in future. Look into these in detail and where possible, point out specific modules or courses that interest you and be able to speak to their significance. This is not necessarily across all choices, but certainly enough to show the panel that you have done your homework and put some serious thought into the future."

8. Musa Lewis Nhlabatsi, MSc Health Research, Bournemouth University

From: Eswatini 

"During the eve of the interview, I slept very early to avoid being cranky during the interview day. Then, on the morning of the interview, I arrived an hour before my appointment. Arriving early for the interview helped to calm my nerves."

9. Allan Hagwelele, MA Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation, University of Sussex 

From: Zambia 

"I was very clear on how the education I would get from the UK through the chosen masters programme would help me achieve my short, medium and long term goals. I also anchored my responses on how the course I am doing would help my country accelerate the attainment of SDGs particularly on poverty alleviation."

10. Mau-Ting Nee, Master of Laws LLM, King's College London

From: Taiwan 

"Have them (panel) at 'hello.' Prepare well for your two minutes-ish self-introduction. It helps you to set the tone and make a good impression. The introduction is not about what you have done in the past, it is more about how you present with confidence and gives a sense of authenticity."

11. Linda Assani, MA Education, Gender and International Development, University College London.

From: Malawi 

"Be authentic. Do not try to be someone or something you are not, or talk about stuff you are not familiar with. When you are authentic, you do not struggle to back up your answers with examples, because you know what you are talking about, you did the stuff. They shortlisted you because they liked your essays, stick to that, do not depart too much from the picture you painted of yourself to them."

12. Marie Josiane Ettien, MA Conference Interpreting, London Metropolitan University

From: Côte d'Ivoire

"My top tip would be to re-read your essays and keep the core message around them when answering questions. It's all about telling your story: past, present and future with Chevening."

13. Alhaji Mohamed Kamara, MSc Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

From: Sierra Leone 

"I remember using the strong history of my chosen Universities (LSHTM and LSTM) and my country Sierra Leone and linking that to the reason why I choose those universities (both universities established clinical research labs and are still conducting research in the country on ebola, malaria, etc)."

14. Walid Jomni, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, University of Liverpool 

From: Tunisia 

"You should be confident about your desire to pursue a career in your chosen field of study. Follow your instinct and take this passion to another level. During the interview, you will be assessed on that since the most critical factor is your willingness to learn and contribute in that particular field in your country. Also, prepare questions to ask your interviewer so that you can show your interest in the programme and its goals."

15. James Faiumu, MSc Accounting and Financial Management, University of Essex. (Chevening Social Media Ambassador).

From: Samoa 

"Practice! Go back to your essays and structure how you will answer each questions, only this time it will be verbally. Write your answers down and take some time to re-read them and say them out loud. Follow the STAR approach when answering your questions. Identify the Situation, then the Task you need to do, the Actions to take and finally the Results one will expect."

16. Yolanda Solano, MSc Venture Capital, Private Equity and Fintech, University College London 

From: Mexico 

"Do a lot of research about the programme you want to study. Also, be unique and find something that no else can bring to the table. Lastly, remember that all your points need to be connected."

17. David Contreras, MA Socially Engaged Photography, University of Salford 

From: Venezuela 

"Practice, practice and practice. Rehearse the interview with someone or in front of the mirror. Be very clear about your objective, why it is necessary and how you intend to achieve it. Being nervous at this stage is completely normal, but if you are sure of what you want and have the conviction to achieve it, you will have positive results. Bonus: if you need a few seconds to organise your ideas, take the glass of water that will be in front of you."

18. Janneille Morgan, MSc Health Management, City University of London. (Chevening Social Media Ambassador)

From: Jamaica 

"Prepare for your interview in the way that best suits your personal and most comfortable style. If interviews are not one of your greatest strengths, it's best to simulate a mock interview as a part of your preparation. This can be with past Cheveners, your family, friends or any objective person who will give you honest and constructive feedback. On interview day, it is ok to be gut-wrenchingly nervous and the panelists expect this. Don’t be afraid to ask for a minute to recompose yourself and get settled before your start responding to the questions."

19. Mahmoud Khalil, MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), Manchester Metropolitan University.

From: Sudan 

"Read as much as possible before the interview. Then just be genuine, be enthusiastic, and believe in yourself and your chances."

So, there you have it. You have heard it from the people who have been through exactly what you are preparing for. Now, go on and put your best foot forward. 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.