A+ Internship Interviews
It is time to apply for a summer internships. The most dreaded part of the process for most candidates is the interview. Interviewing causes anxiety for almost everyone. However, with some practice, interviewing becomes easier. Here are five simple suggestions to help you ace the interview for your dream internship.
Be Authentic
The interviewer wants to get to know you. They read your resume, so they know your key statistics and history. This is a chance to make yourself memorable; show what motivates you. Some candidates make the mistake of trying to present an image they think the interviewer wants to hire. Most good interviewers can sense when someone is putting on a false front. Be the best version of you. Do not try to present yourself as someone or something you are not. To do this, make talking points of your selling points; this will boost your confidence. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a small healthy meal, and listen to music to adjust your mood in a positive way. Then, enter the interview and be yourself.
Keep Your Answers Brief
Each answer should take less than 60 seconds. Share your concise answer and allow the interviewer to ask you to expand. Avoid talking too long and drifting off topic. Answering in a succinct and straight-forward manner is a skill that most people must practice to attain. Create mock questions and practice interviewing with a friend. You’ll find that you get better with each practice session.
Prove Why You Will Succeed
Point to your past accomplishments from all aspects of your life, including school, work, campus organizations, and community service. Accomplishments go beyond awards and scholarships. Leading projects or attending a professional conference are two examples of accomplishments that may boost you above other intern candidates. Past achievements are the best indicator of your future success.
Show That You Are Easy to Manage
Many hiring managers have nightmare stories of difficult-to-manage interns. Through examples of your accomplishments, demonstrate that you are a quick-learner, conscientious, able to work independently, and collaborate well with others. Also, it is worth sharing that you are happy to perform any task given and that you are grateful for the opportunity.
Close Strong
Conclude by stating the reasons for applying to the internship. Take time to share why you are interested in this internship and this employer. Explain the connection between your chosen field of study and this intern opportunity. Thank the interviewer for their consideration.
Prepare well for your internship interview, and you will make a positive impression. Research the company. Create interview study cards with predictable questions. Find a colleague and practice mock interviews until you feel sure of your skills. Review and adopt the suggestion above to enhance your interview performance. In no time at all you will have a few opportunities from which to choose!