The process is almost over and you're this close to that prestigious scholarship. But come interview time, between your jackets and your jeans, you have no idea what's acceptable, or expected. Rest easy, because we're here to equip you with spit, polish and professional image to nail that scholarship.

By Joshua Rayan

You’ve filled out application forms in triplicate, written about your goals, and submitted testimonials singing your praises. So far, the scholarship prospects look good. Only one more thing to settle – the interview.

No problem. You’ve practised what to say, and how. But a look into your closet causes panic: it consists almost wholly of jeans and T-shirts, assorted tops and party outfits! What to wear? Knowing that how you look can be as important as what you say, you groan. Can’t they do a phone interview that you can handle in your underwear?

Don’t panic. Being invited for the interview means you’ve “made it” this far – congratulations! However, this is it. Your fate will be decided by a few moments with an interview panel. A large part of your impression will be visual. You don’t need lots of expensive clothes to dress well for a scholarship interview, but what you have should be of good quality, properly fitted, clean, well pressed, and tasteful.

If in doubt about the dress code, ask. The institution itself may have stipulations. The venue can also indicate formality – an interview at a hotel suite might be slightly less formal than at the institution itself. Some scholarships have dinners or receptions, for which you may be evaluated. Check the dress code.

Dress comfortably, and make sure everything fits
You’ll have to answer questions intelligently, pleasantly and seated upright for anything from 20 minutes to several hours. You can’t do that if you can barely breathe, or wearing clothes that are cutting into your skin. If you’re not used to them, then practise wearing them to get the “feel” of it. The easiest way to look comfortable is to actually be comfortable.

Avoid clothes that are baggy or tight, as these look sloppy and dishevelled. A streamlined look conveys professionalism. Make sure you’ve secured all necessary “bits” and your outfit will stay in place. You don’t want to be wondering whether your bra strap is showing, or whether that button hanging by a thread will hold up your pants.
From Head to Toe
Hair should be clean and neat. Keep styles simple and fuss-free. During the interview, don’t fiddle with your hair or scratch your head, or you’ll look uncertain or itchy (neither is good). Guys should have short haircuts and no facial hair.

Women, wear pantyhose, in fact, bring an extra pair just in case. Guys, no holes in socks, please! Choose fabrics that let your feet breathe, in colours like dark blue, black or grey. Make sure that your shoes are conservative, clean and polished. Women should wear flats or low pumps; no open-toed shoes. Guys should wear black or dark-coloured shoes that blend with the pants and match the belt.

The Outfit Proper
“Appearance is very important in an interview. The interviewees should dress in proper ‘Shenton Way’ working attire, with smart long sleeves and tie for men, and girls not showing too much cleavage or legs,” says Eric Koh, an ex-scholar.

“Invest in a new pair of shoes, pants, shirt and a good haircut. This may cost about $200 but it is worth it if you really want to get that scholarship.”

No-nos are: T-shirts, jeans, casual or garish numbers, and traditional outfits.

Eric recalls that many of the other interviewees in the room with him at that time made the T-shirt-and-jeans mistake. Worse, there were a few who dressed well but destroyed their image because of little details that were forgotten.

“Some people wore professional outfits but carried along their big rectangular schoolbag, which obviously made them look like misfits.” So please, leave your backpack or schoolbags at home. Instead, carry a professional-looking briefcase or a nice file to keep all your documents.

Women should also avoid transparent, tight fitting, or low-cut blouses or details that provide distraction from the face. Arms should be covered at least to the upper arm and often to the wrist. Men, wear a white or light blue dress shirt. Choose a silk/silk-like tie that matches with the shirt and pants. If you have full business suit that fits well, great, wear that. If not, don’t try to assemble one with separates because it’s very difficult to match the exact colours (there are many shades of “black”). You do not want to wear a two-tone black suit. If you do not have a suit or don’t wish to invest in one, wear a dark-coloured (black, dark blue, dark grey) pants in light wool or wool blend material.

Eric adds that interviewees may want to bring along a few “props” to go along with the entire outfit and image.

“I had a friend who applied for a technology-related scholarship and brought technology magazines along to his interview. He had the intention of creating a conversation topic and it worked. Needless to say, he got the scholarship.”

Fragrances and Jewellery
Use deodorant, but go easy on perfume or cologne. Some people have allergies, or just dislike them. You don’t want to be remembered for triggering an asthma attack.

For both sexes, keep jewellery simple, and keep the focus on the face. Lose the facial/body piercings (except one earring/stud), and keep tattoos under wraps. Women can use accessories to lightly accentuate their personality. Think necklaces, rings, earrings or scarves – but not all four! Men, avoid all but rings. For both sexes, wear no more than one ring per hand and one dress watch.

In expressive fields like design or photography, you can include one accessory that lightly expresses your personality. However, in a science or professional field, dress professionally and without being too bold. Whatever your field, don’t let accessories jeopardise the image you want to project, which is a ”professional” and not a ”party-goer”.

What’s all the Fuss About?
You may wonder if all this is necessary. After all, nobody really dresses up like this. You may even be better-dressed than the interviewers! Don’t worry, they won’t mind. And they’re not the ones eager for the scholarship – you are. The worst risk you run is that it shows how much you want the scholarship. That’s not a bad thing.

Well, you’ve done the preparations to project the self-assured and professional image you want. Ultimately, you’ve proven your worth on paper. Now it’s just a matter of letting them see what they’ve already read about.

After all the trouble you’ve taken with your appearance, don’t ruin it by being late. Also, don’t forget other basic interview preparation steps either. Practise for the interview, bring appropriate documents, double-check the time, place and venue, and, above all, sleep well the night before.