A couple of months ago, I applied to a foreign exchange program through the U.S. Department of State, called NSLI-Y (the “Y” stands for “Youth”). I was fortunate enough to be cleared to the semifinal round of selection for the program. A part of this stage of the application process is an interview with an alumnus of the program. Upon hearing this I was worried. I had never been interviewed before and it was something that was quite intimidating to me. 

I tried to prepare as much as I could for the interview and work on the way I approach questions.  I googled blogs and posts from previous semi-finalists.  Several of them posted varying lists of questions that they were asked during their interviews.  I studied the questions and noted the overlapping questions, as I thought those were more likely to surface.  I asked my Mom to “mock” interview me.  She asked me various questions and in different orders.  We did this at least 3 times.  We talked through my answers for the situational questions.  The preparation for the situational questions was really important, for two reasons.  First, this was my very first interview-ever.  Second, some of the situational questions required some thought and the questions were multi-faceted so I needed to make sure to answer them fully.  

Finally, “interview” day rolled around.   I had to leave school early in order to be home and situated in time for the interview via Zoom. My interviewer was incredibly friendly and I was able to speak freely about myself and my goals that I hope to achieve through the program.  I felt relaxed and prepared.  After all the nerves and preparation, it ended up going really well! 

I am currently waiting to see whether I have been accepted into the program.  Notifications are to occur in March and April of 2023.   While I hope I am selected as a finalist, I am happy with what I learned about myself during the interview process.  This interview helped me to get over my personal anxieties about interviewing.  No matter the outcome, my next interview will not be my “first” interview. 

Stay Tuned!