I NTERVIEWING T O W IN THE I NTERNSHIP
INTERVIEW SKILLS You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Y OU 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?
K EY 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
T HE M OST C OMMON Q UESTIONS ? 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
U SE THE STAR T ECHNIQUE TO ANSWER Q UESTIONSSTAR 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 notenote Stay in pursuit Don’t wait too long
W HAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO WEAR INTO AN I NTERVIEW ? AA smile
T HE B IGGEST N ON -V ERBAL C UES ? How you dress Your handshake
NACE 2008 S TUDY OF P HYSICAL C HARACTERISTICS 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…
I F YOU ARE NOT SELECTED Ask specific questions as to why. Feedback is valuable learning!
NO FAILURES, JUST LESSONSLESSONS