The interview is the single most important factor in landing an internship. Preparation is key to having a successful interview. If you take the steps to find out what the position entails, what the company/organization is about, and what value you can bring to the company/organization you have the potential to knock your interview out of the park by simply preparing beforehand.
Prepare a pitch. It is highly likely that, at the beginning of an interview, before you start answering questions the interviewer may ask you about yourself. Be prepared! A short summary of the things that define you is more than enough. Practice at home by choosing a few words or phrases that tell what you like and who you are. This introduction could range from 30 seconds to one minute for a virtual or phone interview, or a longer version for an interview in person. Try practicing out loud, in front of a friend or your mirror, so that the words come naturally and sound good when it is time for the interview.
Candidates who demonstrate a positive attitude are always in demand. Go the extra mile and be an enthusiastic candidate that gets along well with others and is eager to learn.
An interviewee who has set learning goals stands out from the bunch. Do you want to learn more about company culture, career-related skills, get better at communication, or details on that specific industry? Make sure you are able to discuss the goals you set and want to meet during your interview.
Make sure you take the time out to research the organization. If you can try to research the person you are being interviewed by. Be sure to visit the company website, social media accounts, and any journals or articles they have written.
What will be required of you? A good understanding of an intern’s requirements will allow you to showcase your skills that are relevant to the employer’s needs. Take the time to read through the job description and don’t hesitate to do some research online for more information about similar jobs or reach out to people you know who have held similar positions.
What to wear? As an intern, your everyday attire should follow the dress code of the workplace. What kind of company is it? Adapt yourself as much as possible to that line of work and the position. When in doubt, keep your outfit elegant and neutral while staying true to yourself. The company knows you’re a student, that’s why you’re being interviewed. Take advantage of the first interview to observe the dress code of the teams around you and if the interview is remote and you are unable to observe then ask and adjust accordingly.
“If you’re on time, you’re already late”, Be punctual. Try to be at least 15 minutes early for the interview to give yourself time to go over your notes, relax, and collect your thoughts. Being late gives the impression that you’re not reliable or serious. If you get there too early, you can always grab a coffee or a snack while you’re waiting. If you’re not able to make it on time, make sure to let people know you’re running late instead of saying nothing before you arrive.
What to bring? Having your resume, samples of your work, and experiences with you is always great but make sure to bring something for you to take notes with during the interview. This will help you to remember key details and will show your dedication.
What questions will you answer during the interview? Some questions are inevitable, so it’s best to prepare for them. Take a trip to the Career Center or have a friend help you with a mock interview so you can get a glimpse at what your interview will be like.
Prepare questions for the end of the interview. It is highly likely that the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. When this happens, you should have a few relevant questions prepared. Before asking, be sure that your questions weren’t already answered during the interview and that they aren’t written on the company’s social media or website. This will help you to avoid looking like you are not prepared and have not been paying attention. To end on a high note ask for more information and end the interview with an understanding of the next steps in the interview process.
Don’t forget to send a thank you email after the interview. Make sure you ask the interviewer for their contact information and e-mail address to follow up. You can even create a reminder in your calendar before the interview—this will keep you from forgetting about this last step once the pressure of the interview is gone. This extra effort shows your appreciation for your interviewer’s time, reiterates your interest, and reminds the interviewer why you are a good candidate for the position.