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Hot Tips For Your Internship Interview
While you are carefully preparing for your internship interview, here are some tips that can be used while you are actually sitting across the desk from your interviewer.
Things To Bring
Make sure to bring pen and paper so you can take notes at need. By doing so, you show that you take the proceedings seriously, and that you are prepared for whatever possibilities you may face. If you are given forms to fill out, you will not want to have to ask for a pen.
Make sure to have on hand at least one copy of your resumé as well as any application form that you've had completed. You will want to have them available to review as you are waiting to be called for the interview. The answers you gave on them should be fresh in your mind so that you do not inadvertently contradict yourself and give the impression of fabricating your credentials.
Don't Be Shocked
Depending upon the company, you may face several different kinds of interviews. The traditional meeting across the desk that you see in movies and television shows is not the only interview format you may face. You may also have to undergo various tests or demonstrate various skills.
There are also group question and answer sessions. These are often done in an informal setting, almost like a conversation. If it is done more formally, it can vary from being a presentation to a panel interview.
You may also encounter interviews in which you are part of a group of interviewees. Your group may be assigned a task or an impromptu presentation and have to work together with little or no time to get to know one another's personalities or work styles. Always try to expect the unexpected. Nevertheless, there are still some common questions that are likely to appear in any interviewing situation.
The Key Questions
The question that would top the list of the most common interview questions would be "Why do you want to work for this company?". Cliché as it may have become, this question is absolutely critical to the perception you will present. Think carefully on how you can answer it to show yourself in the best possible light. Make sure to communicate what you can do for them, not just what you hope to gain from working for them.
Another important question is "Why have you applied for this job in particular?" Since you are applying for an internship position, you can refer to your need to gain more experience and practical knowledge through exposure to the job.
The next two most common questions delve into your personal opinions and self-concepts. The questions are: "How do you think you can add value to the role?", and "Where do you see yourself in, say, ten years time?". If you are to answer these questions orally, try to give a prompt, but meaningful answer. You do not want to appear caught by surprise, but equally you do not want to give a vacuous answer without any real content, which can make you look like an airhead or someone who's simply memorized answers out of a book.
You may want to practice interviewing with a trusted teacher or other mentor before your actual interview. Doing so will help lower performance anxiety and avoid situations in which you know the right answer but still panic and freeze when it comes time to actually say it.
