How to prepare for an Internship Interview?

Congrats!!

You have secured an interview. Now what?

You are feeling anxious, and all sort of things are running through your head. Relax!!! As not knowing what to expect is totally normal.

Here are few steps that you can take and prepare for your upcoming interview.

Research the Company & its culture

If this business and what they stand for are important than you have one chance to put your best foot forward. What should you do if you have been short listed for an interview.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare.

Research the company and its background. Learn about the company’s mission, vision, and goals. This information will allow you to answer questions during the interview and allow you to prepare follow up questions. First step to lookup their website and familiarize yourself with information that is shared to the public.

Prepare questions.

One of the most important part of interview is when interviewing panel will ask you, what questions have you prepared for us. You should make a list of questions after you have researched on the company, department that you are applying for and any specific details about this internship. You can prepare questions that are important to you as well. Remember its not only the employer that is interviewing you, but you are interviewing them as well. Asking these questions will help you decide if the internship meets your needs, and it will show your future employer that you’re genuinely interested in this internship.

Dress Code.

You must have read or heard this before, “first impression is the last impression”. Choose your clothing based on any direction the company offers before the interview. You can always ask the recruiter if no such information is given if its business professional or business casual. If no information is shared or given that it is a good idea to assume that business casual attire is expected. Prepare your clothes a night before to reduce stress before the interview.

Arrive on time.

It is always a good practice to familiarize yourself with the location and area that should include parking, especially if you are visiting a location in Downtown. Look at couple of routes between location A to B and arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview appointment. One should keep in mind to account for drive time, parking and walking to the location for your interview.

Personal Hygiene

It is important for all candidates to follow proper hygiene, grooming and dress code practices to create a positive impression on the interviewer. Good grooming is an indication to the interviewer that you pay attention to details, and that you take care of yourself. If you don’t take the time to look after your own basic hygiene or dress appropriately, that sends a signal that you will not make an effort as an employee.

Mock interview.

There are many resources that are available for you to prepare for this interview. Use your career services department. Attend mock interview sessions offered either by the school or employers.

While there is no way to guess what kind of questions, will be asked during an interview but you can always prepare by looking up some general questions asked during interviews.

As a resource you can also use a classmate or a friend that can help you prepare for interviews. You don’t have to memorize any specific questions or answers but come up with a plan that will help you respond with clear and concise answers.