INTERVIEWING TO WIN THE INTERNSHIP

INTERVIEW SKILLS

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

YOU MADE IT TO THE INTERVIEW...

So now what???

INTERVIEW PREP TIPS

Research the organization

RESEARCH - WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Trends?

Expansion?

History?

Culture/Philosophy?

Services?

KEY FACTS TO MEMORIZE

Annual revenue

Key dates in the organization’s history

Recent news articles

Also what is their reputation? With the public, customers, media….

THE DAY BEFORE...

Decide what to wear

Review notes

Check traffic routes

Practice

Get a good nights sleep

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Directions to the interview

Company Info

Writing materials

Copies of resume

Reference letters

Portfolio

YOUR questions-printed in bold

THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS?

About your major

About what you did in classes

Why do you want this internship?

Your career goals

What do you think you can do for them

USE THE STAR TECHNIQUE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

Situation or Task- Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. Be specific1 This situation can be from a previous job, a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.

Action- Describe the action you took Keep the focus on you.

Result- Describe the outcomes. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

TAKE AIM AS YOU PRACTICE

Be specific—

use examples,

tell stories

TIME TO PRACTICE

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW

Always ask this question: “Can you tell me what the next step will be as I remain very interested…”

Thank the interviewer

Shake hands

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Request a business card from everyone

Send a note

Stay in pursuit

Don’t wait too long

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO WEAR INTO AN INTERVIEW?

A smile

THE BIGGEST NON-VERBAL CUES ?

How you dress

Your handshake

NACE 2008 STUDY OF PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Most influenced by overall grooming

Least Influenced by facial hair and earrings for men

Nontraditional hair color, handshake, obvious tattoos & body piercing of at least SOME influence. Piercings…

Strongly influenced-31%

Not influenced-28%

WHAT YOU CAN ASK

Qualities for success

Traits of past successful interns

Describe some past “intern” projects

Wait to negotiate…

IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED

Ask specific questions as to why. Feedback is valuable learning!

NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONS