The Internship Interview: It’s All About Preparation
Just because you’ve researched college internship opportunities and set an appointment for your interview doesn’t mean your work is done. You’ve got some preparation to do. Think of the internship interview as good practice for entering the workplace after you get your college degree. Hopefully you already know to dress appropriately for the situation, to arrive on time and to power down your cell phone before the very first hand shake. Also, take a resume along to leave behind and brush up on the following:
1. Research the company. Spend some time online to find out who they are, what they are up against in the marketplace and any recent developments in their business category. Not only will you feel more confident as you walk into the interview, you will show that you are truly interested in contributing.
2. Listen first, talk later. Nothing shows interest like good, old fashioned listening. Establish eye contact as you let the person across from you lead the interview. When asked a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts if you need to, but be sure that stay on track as you completely answer the question.
3. Be ready to explain why you’ve made some of the decisions that you have thus far in college. As a prospective intern, rather than a job seeker with experience in the field, the questions asked of you are somewhat limited. Your interviewer will be looking for what you are capable of instead of what you’ve already accomplished. “What guided your decision to declare your major?” “What have you learned about yourself so far on your way to your college degree?” You get the idea.
4. Bring samples of a class project. While it may not be required, sharing a theme paper or group presentation that you are especially pleased with might just separate you from the other candidates. It wouldn’t hurt to offer to follow up with a letter of recommendation from a professor or work-study employer either.
A firm handshake and you’ve done all you can do, right? Not yet. It’s always good form send a thank-you note. It shows that you appreciate the time they gave you and encourages them to further consider you over anyone else for the internship. If your initial mode of communication was an email, it’s suitable to send your note of appreciation via email as well. Otherwise, rely on snail mail for your follow-up. If it turns out that your hard work and dedication didn’t lead to the internship you wanted, you can at least chalk it up to good practice for next time, right?
Julie Clark Robinson writes for a wide variety of publications. Her many interests include online degree programs and online college graduate programs.