If you’re reading this, then you must have scored an internship interview, so congratulations! This achievement serves as a crucial step toward securing the internship of your dreams.
It’s natural to feel stressed or anxious before the interview, but such feelings arise simply because you’re unsure of how the process will work. Hence, we’ve created the following guide that will discuss what to expect during an internship interview and the best ways to prepare.
What is an Internship?
Internships are great opportunities for recent graduates, students, and other individuals who want to gain real-world experience and test out various roles on a trial basis. Many companies offer these temporary positions part-time during school semesters or in the summer. Some even provide base hourly pay or school credits.
These opportunities can be advantageous for many reasons, including expanding your skill set and learning knowledge about your desired industry. In fact, having an internship on your resume after graduation is a perfect way to set you apart from the competition. As a bonus, the company you intern for may even offer you a permanent position if you perform well during the internship.
What to Expect During an Internship Interview
Arriving for an internship interview makes most people feel a bit nervous. However, knowing what to expect can help make you more confident during the meeting.
When meeting the interviewer for the first time, it’s common practice to shake hands and exchange pleasantries prior to sitting down for your one-on-one discussion. There are many ways the interviewer can start, with some beginning with questions about your qualifications, interest in the industry, and existing knowledge of the company.
During this portion, it’s wise to address any relevant work or classroom experience you have that applies to the duties of the internship. Keep in mind that asking thoughtful questions is an excellent way to demonstrate your preparation and enthusiasm.
You’ll probably also feel tremendous pressure to perform at your highest level during an internship interview. This is especially true if it’s an opportunity that you really want. The good news is that this is entirely normal, and the person will likely expect you to feel this way. Since most companies offer internships for those who are new to the workforce, the interviewer doesn’t expect you to know everything. Rather than worry about what’s going to happen, just focus on being prepared, remaining professional, and showing that you’re eager to learn.
Near the end of your internship interview, the person may want to inquire about a schedule or possible start date, so spend some time thinking about what you will say. Most discussions end with a handshake and a friendly farewell.
Always express gratitude for the chance to meet with them and learn more about the company and opportunity. If you feel that the position is a perfect fit, be sure to mention this and let them know you’ll look forward to hearing from them. Don’t stress if your response doesn’t come too quickly, as some companies take time before making an offer or inviting you back for a second interview.
Preparing for an Internship Interview
There are several ways to prepare yourself and gain confidence before the interview. Here are some of the best steps you can take to prepare for your internship interview.
1. Learn About the Company
One fundamental way to prepare for any interview is to conduct research about the company. Look at things such as goals, mission, and vision, as this information is crucial for providing knowledge that will help you show interest and prepare questions. Begin this search by visiting their website and becoming familiar with the type of content they produce. You can also visit sites like Indeed, where you can read Q&A and company reviews.
2. Gather Work Samples
Some industries, such as publishing or advertising, are perfect for providing samples of your past work. This isn’t required, so don’t worry if you have none. And not all industries require samples or extensive physical experience, but if you’re assigned a project before the interview, you will want to give it your best effort.
3. Conduct a Mock Interview
There’s no way to prepare for every question you will be asked. However, you can review questions that are commonly asked and prepare responses. This doesn’t mean you have to memorize the answers, but it helps to develop your main points before the interview. Not only does this help you prepare concise and clear explanations, but it also gives you practice presenting yourself.
4. Create a List of Questions
Once your research is complete, compile a list of thoughtful questions about the job position and company. Asking questions can help you decide if the internship is right for you and also conveys that you’re interested in the opportunity.
5. Dress for the Position
Always take any company recommendations for dress into consideration. For example, some companies will specify whether you should dress business casual or professional. If no information is provided, it’s best to assume that the attire expected is business casual. Choosing your clothes ahead of time and getting a second opinion are easy ways to reduce unneeded stress before the big event.
6. Arrive On Time and Organized
You should aim to arrive for your interview about 15 minutes in advance, so be sure to account for parking, walking, and travel. It’s also a great idea to bring several copies of your resume or samples in case more than one person attends the meeting.
Tips for After an Internship Interview
Many people overlook an essential follow-up step: sending a thank-you note to the interviewer. This type of communication shows common courtesy and professionalism. The message can be sent via mail or email, but make sure to do it soon after the interview.
Making this small gesture is a great way to further display your interest in the internship and offers the opportunity to mention information you may have forgotten to add.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, the essential steps for preparing for an internship interview are researching the company, creating a list of questions, and conducting a mock interview. Though the process takes time, knowing what to expect and that you took time to prepare can ease anxiety and allow you to present yourself as the perfect candidate.
