When interviewers ask this kind of question, they really want to know what inspires you. They want to see that you have a rationale for entering a profession. More than that, they want to find you enthusiastic about your choice. Be sure to give a reason for selecting your career (don't say, "I don't know!"), even if it is something as simple as being influenced by a school speaker, book or TV show. Help the interviewers feel your inspiration by using lots of examples. You want them to understand why you want to work in this job field and what motivates you in general.
Fight the urge to answer this question by spouting off a laundry list of activities. Instead of telling all 12 clubs that you are a member of, select a handful in which you've made significant contributions. This will be more meaningful to the selection committee and will better capture their attention. For scholarship interviews, be sure to highlight activities that match the goal of the awards. If you are applying for a writing award, speak about your journalism experience. If you are applying for an award in medicine, speak about your medical-related experience, studies or volunteer work. Make the activities relevant to the interview committee.
Don't be shy about bringing up something important that the interviewer didn't ask you. If you've forgotten to speak about something or a topic never came up during the conversation, now is the time to say so. Use this question to bring up a strong point or two that weren't discussed. The last impression you leave is often the strongest. If you think you've already left a strong impression, then you don't have to say anything. But if you think you need to reemphasize an important point, this is the time to make a final statement.
Practicing for these questions will not only make your answers better, but it will help to give you confidence before the actual interview. During your interviews, try to relax and have a real conversation with your interviewers. The interview is not designed to be an interrogation. After you complete the interview, follow up with a thank-you note or email. Remember that interviewers are typically volunteers and have made the time to meet with you. If you feel that there is some important piece of information that you forgot to share in the interview, mention it briefly in your thank-you note. If not, a simple thank you will suffice.
Gen and Kelly Tanabe
Founders of SuperCollege and authors of 13 books on college planning.
By: Gen & Kelly Tanabe
The only how-to book which shows all students how to get into the school of their dreams. Based on the experiences of dozens of successful students and authored by two graduates of Harvard, this book shows you how to ace the application, essay, interview, and standardized tests.
By: Gen & Kelly Tanabe
More than anything else the essay and interview determine whether you will win a scholarship. Ace both with this new book. Includes 30 winning essays, 12 essays that bombed, and 20 sample interview questions and answers.