Get ready with me for your Chevening interview: tips on how to shine

It was 14 February when I received my invitation for a Chevening interview. I couldn’t have asked for a better Valentines gift!

After months of waiting for that email, I suddenly felt both proud and nervous. I knew I had to give it my best shot.

The Chevening interview is your final opportunity to showcase why you deserve the scholarship. I’ll be sharing my experience of the interview process, breaking it down step by step.

Hopefully, my story will give you the insight you need to approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of getting chosen!

Preparation before the interview

Go back over your essays. There were many moments when I found myself drawing on examples I had previously written about. Going through and remembering what I wrote in my application, enabled me to expand on my answers with confidence. I built on my application by including new examples that demonstrated recent growth.

Know your ‘why’.

Be clear on why you want to study in the UK and how it aligns with your career goals. Make sure your vision is both ambitious and realistic. The panel might ask you about your leadership and networking skills, career goals, or why you chose your courses and universities.

Stay up to date on current affairs in your field. Since my field is international security and global governance, I closely followed recent developments in cybersecurity which allowed me to demonstrate an awareness and genuine interest in the topic during my interview.

I called a friend and announced that I felt ready. But when I did a mock interview with them, I realised that actually, I was not ready. Having the support of others and doing a practice run helped refine my answers for the real thing. Make sure to find an opportunity to assess how prepared you are.

The interview itself 

On the day of the interview, I was up at the crack of dawn. I wanted to make sure that I gave myself enough time to get ready and shake off my nerves. Be sure to arrive on time at your interview location.

In the interview it’s important to structure your answers and be clear. Detailed answers are more than welcome, but they need to be focused and well-rounded. My go-to technique is to use the competency-based method: STAR (situation, task, action, result).

Expect follow-up questions. The interviewers may want to know more about the answers you provided. This can be an opportunity to elaborate and clarify your points. Don’t panic if you don’t know the answer to a question! When I was unsure about something, I took a moment to think before responding.

Most importantly, aim for the stars, literally. Sometimes, your vision can feel overwhelming, and you might wonder how to achieve it. Dreams can feel intimidating, especially when they seem out of reach. Trust the process, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the appeal of your authentic self.

What to expect after the interview

Once the interview was over, I felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The results aren’t immediate, so you have to be patient. It took around four months before I received an update, so I tried to keep busy and focus on other activities in the meantime.

Chevening might send your results via email, so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder just in case)!

When I received the email that I’d been waiting for, I was over the moon. The happiness and satisfaction I felt was unforgettable. I was chosen for Chevening! All the years I had invested in my growth had been recognised.

Succeeding in the Chevening interview isn’t about having the ‘perfect’ answers; it’s about demonstrating your leadership, vision, and commitment to making a difference. By preparing thoroughly, staying composed, and showcasing your authentic self, you’ll stand out to the selection panel.

To future applicants, be confident – you’ve got this!