Have an interview scheduled for an internship you applied for? Don’t know how to carry yourself and what to do during the interview? Here are some tips that you definitely need to look at before you do anything else then.
- Prepare Properly!
The first and foremost requirement for any interview is proper preparation. You have to prepare for it well before time and must have everything nailed down properly. Select the proper clothes and accessories, do your homework about the company and prepare questions, and get fresh printouts of your resume. Practice answering questions during the interview with a friend or with sample questions you can find online. You can also check out recruiting services like InspiringInterns.com for advice and help for training.
- First Impressions Matter!
First impressions go a long way so make sure that you impress the interviewer with yours. The paperwork you have sent ahead of you creates a certain impression about you. You have to make sure that you one up that impression and don’t miss a beat. Confidence is key but let’s face it. You will be nervous. Everyone is. What you can do is tackle that nervousness as best you can and be as professional and courteous as you can. Small gestures such as a firm handshake and eye contact go a long way so use them to your advantage. Your posture should be poised and stable.
- Focus On Your Skills And Achievements!
Your experience, skills and achievements such as major research papers or volunteer work, previous internships, strong interpersonal communication, problem solving or analytical thinking, are what recruiters and organizations want. Flaunt them!
- Give Examples!
One or two examples to explain your point of view give your responses extra weight. If the interviewer places you in a specific scenario, you could give them some examples of how you have tackled such situations previously. Use these examples to highlight your skills and problem solving capabilities. Behavioral Interviewing as it is called is very popular nowadays so prepare for such questions well.
- Make Sure You Understand What’s Being Asked!
If you’re not sure what the interviewer meant when they asked a particular question, ask! If you don’t know what he meant to ask, how can you give him the right answer?
- Don’t Linger On A Question For Too Long!
The interviewer should have the lead. Follow it and don’t spend too much time on any question. Answer the question properly, and then let the interview go forward.
- Push Your Strengths Forward!
The age-old question of listing your strengths and weaknesses has been around for years now. Chances are it will still be around when your grandchildren will go for their first interviews. Make sure you focus on your strengths, push some of your strengths forward as weaknesses, and always talk about how you are improving your weaknesses. Remember, examples are your best friends!
- If You Have Samples Of Your Work, Bring Them!
Samples speak a lot better than words in some cases. If you’re a designer or something, bring some copies of your work and show them to the interviewer as examples of what you can do. They can work wonders if used properly!
- Confidence Is Key!
Just as important as your first impression, you have to make sure you close the interview as confidently and positively as possible. The better you do this, the more your chances of being hired. Thank the interviewer for their time and ask when you should expect to hear back. Remember to tell them that it was nice talking to them because you might as well get on their good side!
- Make Your Follow Up Strong!
The stronger your follow up, the better your chances will be of nailing the internship. Send a thank you note to the interviewers and be sure to mention that you look forward to working with them in the future. Show them that you are interested in working with the organization and the internship and make every word count.
Featured image courtesy of bpfusf.
