The first thing that many people need to realize when it comes to internship interviews is that it’s a little bit different than a job interview. In a job interview, the employer is looking for skills that you already have and a resume that is already well-developed. What an employer is looking for in an internship interview is a progressing resume, an attitude that will lead to success in the future, and an individual that is willing to learn and develop as a person. You must keep this in mind when preparing for an internship interview.
For most internship jobs, you will need to bring a resume. Even if they don’t ask you for one, you should give them one because they will have something physical in their hands that will tell them what kind of person you are well after the interview is over. So if you don’t already have a resume, make one. There are a lot of templates available online and tutorials that will show you how to do it. Take some time with this and make it the best you can. Put your past jobs, any education you have, any qualifications you have, references, etc. And make sure you include your contact information and a little description of what kind of worker you are. Remember that once you get the internship, you will be able to add it to your resume later.
Just like any other interview, make sure you dress nicely. They don’t want to see you in jeans and a t-shirt or your Saturday clothes. Dressing up is an absolute given so please make sure you do that. Even if the job description does not require you to dress up, do so at least for your interview. When it comes to an internship interview, the first impression is very important.
Take a look at the internship description and write down some questions that you might want to ask. They always ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview, and it’s a good thing if you have something to say. Make a list of at least five just in case some of your questions are answered during the interview. Also, make sure they are questions that you actually need to know the answer to and listen to the answer. This will help you know exactly what you will need to be doing during your internship.
They always ask that terrible question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Make sure you know this answer before you go in for the interview. You don’t want to be stumped and just sitting there thinking. You want to be able to answer immediately. Don’t say that one of your weaknesses is something that is essential to the job description. That will not make the employer want to give you the internship. When you figure out what your weaknesses are, have an explanation for how you make up for your weaknesses.
As with everything else in life, “practice makes perfect.” Write down some questions that you think you might be asked and have a friend be your interviewer. If you can’t think of any questions, grab some off of the internet, there are plenty on there. Practicing your interview will make it easier for you to answer the questions quickly and help you become more comfortable with the situation. Take the practice seriously, because once you are actually in the interview, there is no messing around.
Bring a pen, notepad, and a folder. During any interview, there is always something to write down and you do not want to have to ask the interviewer for a pen. This just shows that you are unprepared. And bring a folder to keep your resume in and just in case they give you any paperwork that you need to fill out or any other papers. You want them to see that you are an organized person.
Be friendly. They want someone with a good personality and someone who can get along well with other people. The interviewer will be able to tell if you are this person or not just by talking with you during your interview. Ask them how they are, don’t mumble, explain things clearly and efficiently, and show that you really want the internship.
Remember these few simple tips and have a great interview! Good luck!
