Are you getting ready to graduate college and enter the workforce? Before you do, make sure you complete an internship.
Studies found that students who completed multiple internships were more likely to find employment within six months after graduation.
Getting an internship is a great way to make connections, learn about your industry, and gain important, relevant work experience.
But before you can advance your career, you'll need to ace the interview.
Keep reading for some tips to help you shake off those nerves and crush your internship interview.
1. Dress the Part
As top companies and educators point out, internships are a great way to get hands-on experience.
And while you'll certainly need to "wow" interviewers with your talent and drive, certain forms of non-verbal communication, such as how you dress, can influence the outcome of your interview.
Do your research before the interview. Ask about a dress code and do your best to replicate it on the day of your interview.
If all else fails, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. A suit and tie or pantsuit never lost anyone brownie points.
2. Bring Your Resume and Portfolio
You likely already submitted a copy of your resume along with your application. However, it never hurts to bring a few extra copies. And make sure it's tailored for a specific position.
Though most interviews are conducted in a one-on-one setting, these extra copies can come in handy if your interview turns out to be with a group instead of an individual.
If applicable, bring samples of your relevant work. If you're looking for a job in publishing, for instance, bring clips from articles you've worked on in the past.
3. Rehearse
Intern interviews are as nerve-wracking as they are exciting. It's understandable that when it comes time for your interview, you may be so nervous that you get tongue-tied and forget about your skill set.
Don't worry, this happens to almost everyone.
But you can shake off the nerves by rehearsing ahead of time. Look at some of the most commonly asked interview questions and come up with a rough answer to each.
You won't want to memorize an answer, as it'll come across as canned and inauthentic, but looking at lists of common questions can give you an idea of what to prepare for.
4. Be Specific in Your Internship Interview Answers
The more detail you provide through your answers, the better. Your aim is to give your interviewer a complete guide into how skilled and capable you are.
The best way to do that is with cold, hard facts.
When answering questions, avoid one-word answers. Get into the specifics about your skills.
If you're claiming to have raised awareness for your company at your last job, tell them how. What methods did you use and what results did you see?
Whenever possible, back your claims up with data.
5. Ask Questions
As your internship interviews wrap up, your interviewers may ask if you have any questions.
Don't say no. This is a great opportunity to show that you have been listening or learn more about the position.
Inquire about the position or follow-up on any details that may have been unclear.
Crush Your Internship Interview with These Tips
An internship interview is a big deal. But you can handle this! Remember what you've learned today and don't forget to highlight your unique personality and skill set.
You're sure to get the intern gig!
It's time to find your dream job. For more tips, check out how you can shake up your career or find an exciting new career path.
