Interviews for future interns are always exciting, especially when you are interviewed for a full-time position the first time. Especially when everyone keeps talking about how difficult the internships are to secure, and how they’re a must have to stand out in the current labour market. As someone who have managed to secure an internship myself, it’s nowhere near as impossible and scary as people presume! Here are some of the tips that can help you to prepare for the interview and present yourself in the best possible light:
- Rehearse a story about yourself
A big plus will be the ability to tell what interests you in the internship, why should you be hired. Recruiters really appreciate interns who can tell about themselves succinctly and vividly.
- Prepare for the technical issues of your area
Go through the taskbooks of the industry to feel more confident. Don’t be afraid to ask your lecturers what you should prepare for and what topics you may be asked in an interview. Do not memorise them, but try to understand the subject area in general. Your lecturers are people who know the industry, so never be afraid of asking them about the current issues and challenges, it will only help you stand out at the interview.
- Don’t treat the interview like an exam
It’s more a matter of psychological comfort. You have already done well: you have successfully passed the first stage and reached the interview! Think of it as a conversation on a professional topic that interests you, and not as a scary exam with the strictest teacher. Interviewers don’t have a goal to fail you, they want to get to know you better.
- Tell the recruiter about motivation
Your goal is to understand whether the internship motivates you or not. You will not be able to get into Mercedes or J.P. Morgan for the sake of a tick in your resume. Show your interest in the chosen industry, it will give you a noticeable advantage.
- Feel free to ask questions
If you did not understand or did not hear the question, ask again, do not hesitate. If you want to learn more about the project, where you want to train, please specify. Substantive questions will show your interest.
Seeing that internship interviews are not as scary as they may seem, why not to apply for one yourself? There are many internships still available: