10 Ways to Ace an Internship Interview

Every student I’ve ever met is eager to find an internship. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of the industry you want to be in, learn new skills, and build your resume. But the interview process can be daunting, especially if you don’t have any professional experience.

This got me thinking, what do internship interviewers really want to see in a candidate? Of course, they’re looking for someone who is intelligent and has the potential to be a valuable asset to their company. But more importantly, they want to see if you have the right attitude and work ethic for the position. With that in mind, here are ten tips to help you ace your next internship interview.

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In this article, I will discuss how you can Ace the internship interview. So please keep reading to find out more.

10 Ways to Ace an Internship Interview

Do Your Research

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many candidates walk into an internship interview without knowing anything about the company or position they’re interviewing for. It’s important to do your research so that you can ask informed questions and show that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity.

You can prepare yourself for the interview by visiting the company’s website and reading through their about page, checking out their blog, and familiarizing yourself with their products or services. If you know someone who works for the company, reach out to them for insights into what it’s like to work there.

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Come Prepared

This part goes hand-in-hand with doing your research. Once you know more about the company and position, you can start preparing for questions you may be asked. Review the job description and make a list of key qualifications or skills they’re looking for. Then, match each one with an experience or achievement from your own life.

For example, if the internship requires excellent written communication skills, you might want to share a story about a time when you had to write a difficult email or report. If they’re looking for someone who is organized and detail-oriented, share an experience where you had to stay on top of a complex project.

The key is to be prepared with specific examples of your skills and experience so that you can answer any question that comes your way.

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Dress the Part

Remember, this is a professional setting and you should treat it as such. That means dressing the part and behaving in a way that is respectful and courteous to everyone you meet, from the person who scheduled your interview to the intern you pass in the hallway.

Ace an Internship Interview
Ace an Internship Interview | Image Credit: Unsplash @dapperprofessional

You’ve already spent time researching the company to learn about its culture. Now it’s time to take that one step further and make sure your appearance is aligned with their values. If you’re unsure about what to wear, err on the side of caution and dress more formally. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview.

Be Confident

Confidence is the key to nailing an interview, but it can be especially important for internship interviews. Remember, you’re likely interviewing candidates who have more experience than you. The best way to offset this is by exuding confidence and conveying your value as a candidate.

One way to do this is by preparing what you’re going to say ahead of time. As I mentioned earlier, review the job description and make a list of your key qualifications. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to answer questions about your experience and skills.

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Ask Questions

An internship interview is not a one-way street. Yes, the interviewer will be asking you most of the questions, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any of your own.

Asking questions shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and are truly interested in the opportunity. It also allows you to gather more information about the company and position so that you can decide if it’s a good fit for you.

When coming up with questions to ask, avoid anything that can be easily found on the company website. Instead, focus on things like the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, what kind of mentorship or support you can expect, or what projects you’ll be working on.

If you’re struggling to come up with questions, here are a few examples to get you started:

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  1. What kind of mentorship or support can I expect from my team?
  2. What projects will I be working on?
  3. Where are the company’s values and how do they guide day-to-day decision-making?
  4. How would you describe the culture here?

Listen and Take Notes

In addition to asking questions, it’s important that you take the time to actually listen to the answers. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people zone out or only half-listen during an interview.

Not only will this make it difficult to ask follow-up questions, but it also sends the message that you’re not really interested in what the other person has to say.

To avoid this, make sure to give the interviewer your full attention and take notes if necessary. This will not only show that you’re engaged in the conversation, but it will also help you remember key details that you can reference later.

Be Professional

It’s important that you act and behave in a professional manner throughout the entire interview process. This includes everything from the way you dress and speak to the way you interact with others.

Even if you’re interviewing for an entry-level position or internship, it’s important to remember that this is a professional setting and you should treat it as such.

Connect with Your Interviewer

One of the best ways to stand out in an internship interview is to connect with your interviewer on a personal level. This doesn’t mean that you need to become best friends, but it does mean taking the time to build a rapport and establish a connection.

One way to do this is by finding common ground. This could be anything from a shared interest or hobby to a similar educational background. If you can find something that you both connect with. It will help make the interview feel more like a conversation and less like an interrogation.

Another way to build a connection is by being genuine and authentic. This means being yourself and not trying to put on an act. Showing your true personality will help the interviewer get a better sense of who you are. And whether or not you’re a good fit for the company.

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Relax and Be Yourself

The most important thing to remember when interviewing for an internship is to relax and be yourself. This may sound easier said than done, but it’s important that you stay calm and comfortable throughout the process.

If you try to act like someone you’re not or come across as robotic or scripted. It will only make the interview more difficult and less enjoyable for both you and the interviewer.

So, take a deep breath, relax, and be yourself. The interview is an opportunity for you to show the company who you are and what you can bring to the table. If you stay calm and focus on being genuine, you’ll be sure to make a great impression.

Bring Samples of Your Work

One of the best ways to stand out in an internship interview is to bring samples of your work. This could be anything from a writing sample to a design portfolio to a project you’ve worked on in the past.

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If you have any relevant work to show, make sure to bring it with you to the interview. This will give the interviewer a chance to see your skills and abilities in action. And will help you stand out from the other candidates.

The End Lines

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to ace your internship interview in no time! Just remember to relax, be yourself, and bring samples of your work. With a little preparation and practice, you’ll be sure to make a great impression. Good luck!

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