How to Prepare for an Internship Interview
II. Research the company
III. Prepare your resume
IV. Practice your answers to common interview questions
V. Dress professionally
VI. Arrive on time for your interview
VII. Be yourself
VIII. Ask questions
IX. Follow up after your interview
X. FAQ
Interview Preparation | Interview Skills |
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I. Introduction
An internship interview is a great opportunity to show a potential employer what you can do and why you would be a valuable asset to their company. It is important to prepare for your internship interview in order to make a good impression and increase your chances of getting the job.
II. Research the company
Before your interview, it is important to do some research on the company. This will help you to understand the company’s culture and values, and to come up with some questions to ask during the interview. You can find information about the company on its website, social media pages, and news articles.
IV. Practice your answers to common interview questions
One of the best ways to prepare for an internship interview is to practice your answers to common interview questions. There are many resources available online and in books that can help you with this. Here are a few tips for practicing your answers:
- Write down a list of common interview questions.
- Think about how you would answer each question in a way that highlights your skills and experience.
- Practice your answers out loud, with a friend or family member.
- Record yourself answering the questions and listen back to see how you can improve.
It is also important to be prepared for behavioral interview questions, which ask you about specific examples of your experience. When answering these questions, be sure to provide specific examples and details, and focus on your accomplishments and results.
By practicing your answers to common interview questions, you can increase your confidence and be better prepared to answer questions in your internship interview.
V. Dress professionally
When you are interviewing for an internship, it is important to dress professionally. This means wearing clothes that are clean, pressed, and appropriate for the office environment.
For men, this typically means wearing a suit or a dress shirt and slacks. For women, this typically means wearing a blouse or a dress and skirt or pants.
It is also important to make sure that your clothes are fitted properly and that you are comfortable in them. You should not wear anything that is too tight or too revealing.
When you are dressing for an interview, it is important to keep in mind the company culture. If you are interviewing for a conservative company, you should dress more conservatively. If you are interviewing for a more casual company, you can dress more casually.
However, you should always err on the side of caution and dress more professionally than you think you need to. You do not want to give the interviewer the impression that you are not serious about the internship.
VI. Arrive on time for your interview
Being on time for your interview shows that you are respectful of the interviewer’s time and that you are organized and reliable.
If you are running late, call the interviewer as soon as possible to let them know.
When you arrive at the interview, be sure to be dressed professionally and to introduce yourself to the receptionist.
You should also be prepared to answer any questions the receptionist may have about your application.
VII. Be yourself
The most important thing to remember when interviewing for an internship is to be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.
This means being honest about your skills and experience, and being enthusiastic about the internship opportunity. It also means being yourself in terms of your personality and demeanor.
If you try to be someone you’re not, the interviewer will be able to tell, and it will reflect negatively on you. So, relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
Ask questions
During your internship interview, you should be prepared to ask questions of your own. This shows that you are interested in the company and the internship program. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the position and the company culture.
Some good questions to ask include:
- What are the company’s goals for the internship program?
- What are the responsibilities of the internship position?
- What is the company culture like?
- What are the opportunities for growth within the company?
By asking thoughtful questions, you can show your interviewer that you are a serious candidate who is interested in learning more about the company and the internship program.
IX. Follow up after your interview
After your interview, it is important to follow up with the company to thank them for their time and to express your continued interest in the internship. You can do this by sending a thank-you email to the person who interviewed you, or by calling the company to follow up.
In your thank-you email, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the internship. You can also mention something specific that you learned about the company or the internship during the interview.
If you call the company to follow up, be sure to introduce yourself and ask to speak to the person who interviewed you. You can then thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the internship. You can also ask if there is any additional information you can provide or if there is anything else you can do to move the process forward.
Following up after your interview shows the company that you are interested in the internship and that you are a motivated and proactive individual. It also gives you the opportunity to further impress the interviewer and to remind them of your qualifications.
FAQ
Q: What should I wear to an internship interview?
A: You should dress professionally, in a way that is appropriate for the company and the position you are applying for. This may mean wearing a suit or business casual attire.
Q: What should I say when I’m asked why I’m interested in this internship?
A: Be honest and enthusiastic about the internship. Explain why you are interested in the company, the position, and what you hope to learn from the experience.
Q: How can I answer common interview questions?
A: There are a number of resources available online and in books that can help you prepare for common interview questions. Some of the most common questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your goals for the future?