The Interview Process

The selection panels for New American Fellowships consist entirely of successful New Americans and Soros Fellowship alumni. Twelve people are interviewed each day, preceded by a dinner the previous night. The purpose of the dinner is for candidates to meet staff and some panelists, to learn more about the interview process, and to meet each other. It has been the experience of past dinners that candidates get to know and appreciate each other, but they also are grateful to discuss their New American experience with others.

With two teams of panelists, each candidate has two thirty minute interviews. The objective of the interviews is to allow the candidates to tell their story as they wish to tell it and then elaborate on items they included in their two essays. It cannot be emphasized too greatly how important these essays are to having a good interview. Candidates are interviewed either in the morning or afternoon and are then free to return to their home or institution. The Soros program pays for transportation and accommodations. Increasingly, the selection panels include Soros alumnae/i.

• Dress professionally, but comfortably. A suit and tie are appropriate attire for men, and a suit, dress, or skirt (or slacks) and blouse for women.

• Body language is an essential part of making a good impression. Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact, and try to engage the entire panel, not just the person who asked the question.

• Be aware of your particular nervous habits, and avoid them. Try to convert your nervous energy into enthusiasm. Clasping your hands in your lap can help control stress-induced fidgeting. Try to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the interview.

• Be sure to re-read your application before the interview. Anything you have written therein may come up in the questions, and it is embarrassing to forget what you wrote.

• Don't be surprised at unexpected questions. Prepare to think quickly. One of the most effective methods of practicing is to stage mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Often they will ask harder questions than any panelist might.

• Don't take too long on any one question. You want the panelists to ask you as many questions as possible, so that you have lots of chances to shine!

• Don't fake an answer you aren't sure of: just say that you don't know.

• Be yourself.