How to nail those internship interviews?

University courses Politics
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Nailing internship interviews requires preparation, confidence, and effective communication. Here are some tailored strategies to help you succeed:

Know the Company and Role

  • Research the Organisation: Understand the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and industry position.
  • Understand the Role: Review the internship description to know the required skills and responsibilities.

Prepare for Common Questions

Some typical questions include:

  • “Why do you want this internship?”
    • Link your goals to the company’s work.
  • “Tell me about yourself.”
    • Provide a concise overview of your background, academic achievements, and why you’re a great fit.
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
    • Use specific examples that demonstrate self-awareness and growth.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Even if it’s academic or extracurricular, tie your experiences to the role. For instance:

  • Volunteering in Panama and Thailand can showcase cross-cultural skills.
  • Your political society involvement demonstrates teamwork and leadership.

Showcase Transferable Skills

  • Soft Skills: Communication, problem-solving, adaptability.
  • Hard Skills: Research, data analysis, or proficiency in software/tools relevant to the job.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)

For questions like, “Describe a time you worked in a team,” use the STAR method:

  • Situation: Set the context.
  • Task: What was the goal?
  • Action: What did you do?
  • Result: What was the outcome?

Ask Intelligent Questions

Impress interviewers by asking thoughtful questions:

  • “What does success look like for interns in this role?”
  • “How does this internship align with the company’s long-term goals?”

Body Language and Presentation

  • Maintain eye contact and sit confidently.
  • Dress professionally, even for virtual interviews.

Practice Interviews

  • Mock interviews with friends or mentors can build confidence.
  • Record yourself to improve delivery and timing.

Be Ready for Virtual Interviews

  • Test your tech setup in advance.
  • Have a professional background and good lighting.

Follow Up

  • Send a polite thank-you email within 24 hours. Reiterate your interest and appreciation for the opportunity.
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These tips are so helpful, especially since internship interviews can feel like such a big deal, haha! :sweat_smile: I always get nervous about the “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question though. Like, do you talk about something that’s genuinely a weakness, or do you turn it into something positive? And I love the STAR method for behavioral questions! Do you think it’s okay to rehearse answers to questions beforehand, or does that make it sound too scripted?

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I think its okay to mention a genuine weakness, but use it in away where you can weave a strength in there, for example how have you adapted to a weakness and how have you overcame challenges ? Rehearsing answers can be helpful its probably best not to have a script but flashcards are a good idea as they can help provide you with prompts.

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Helpful tips!

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