So, you have landed for an internship interview – Congratulations! Internship interviews can be more stressful than the finals. This is the first time you are facing a professional call or position. So, to crack it, you need a positive attitude and solid preparation to make a great impression.
Check out this article till the end to learn how to prepare for an internship interview.
What Is An Internship?
The short and simple answer is – a short time or temporary work opportunity. This offer only applies to students or new graduates willing to gain practical experience in a particular field.
Many companies offer unpaid internships, and some offer stipends to boost the positive energy of the newcomers.
Differences Between Internship And Full-Time Jobs
When you join a company as an intern, you are not categorized as an “employee” of that company. Internship is different from regular jobs in many ways.
💥The internship is a short-term job that lasts only a few months, whereas regular jobs are permanent or long-term.
💥Interns are not allowed to work independently; they need more supervision and mentoring.
💥Companies hire interns to provide practical training and support to develop their skills.
💥Interns get either less payments or are not paid at all compared to full-time employees.
💥Most interns are not eligible for the company’s benefits and advantages that the other full-time employees are authorized to.
Create A Resume
Before sharing the tips on preparing for an internship interview, let me share the most essential information. You must prepare a well-organized and professional resume or CV for you.
Most freshers are stuck here because an experienced one might have many things to showcase on the CV, but it’s tough to tailor a resume to a fresher. Don’t worry. This is not a problem at all.
Make a simple and clean resume. And if you want, you can also include several impressive things.
✪ Volunteer Work: If you do any volunteer work, it is ideal to showcase information. It proves how socially conscious you are and how careful with your time and management skills.
✪ Academic Achievements: You can proudly include them in your resume if you have exemplary academic achievements. Enlist the grade point average (GPA), honors, and awards you have received. But never exaggerate your achievements, as employers may verify your data.
✪ Relevant Coursework: When applying for a related field, you must include relevant coursework you have completed. This will indicate that you have a core knowledge of the field. If you are a web developer, graphic designer, or social media marketing professional, your resume must have that course certification or portfolio.
✪ Skills: It is not necessary to have work experience, but you must have acquired some valuable skills during your academic years, like another language, design skills, coding, leadership, creativity, etc.
There are two categories: hard skills (technical) and soft skills.
How To Prepare For An Internship Interview
Being an intern, you must follow these steps for an internship interview. It will boost your chances of getting hired.
1. Research The Company
I was an IT firm HR, so during the interview phase, I noticed candidates make many blunders to prove themselves smart and classy.
Most of the time, candidates come to an interview without researching without knowing what the company does. And they smartly ask interviewers what their company provides. This is one of the massive blunders that you should avoid.
Visit the company website, read the ABOUT US section, and the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Check out the social media channels to gather as much information as possible.
2. Read The Job Description
Another common and disgusting mistake candidates make is to go through the job description (JD) properly. Without a proper knowledge of the job requirements and responsibilities, you may not be able to present yourself with the company’s target and goals.
Make sure to check the qualifications and skills listed in the job description.
3. Prepare Your Answers
You must always find out what type of questions are waiting for you. Most of the questions will be standard. So, check out some common questions about your skills and job profile.
Don’t write long details; use bullet points and short conversation tones with the interviewer.
4. Dress Professionally
“First Impression Is The Last Impression.” So, it’s important to dress professionally while going for the interview. Whether it’s an in-person interview, a virtual interview, or a pre-recorded one, you must dress professionally.
Ensure your clothes are pressed or ironed perfectly, comb your hair correctly, and, most importantly, wipe the sweat off your face and palms! That’s all! You are good to go!
5. Keep Relevant Materials On Hand
As I told you, always read the JD carefully; all the information will be mentioned in the description. What are the documents required for the interview? The company will say that, so carry those materials to the discussion. Otherwise, you may need help to sit for the interview.
6. Body Language
Another important thing is to pay attention to your non-verbal communication and body language. You must look confident and reliable and be comfortable and neat. Don’t forget to make eye contact, sit up straight, smile pleasantly, and use proper gestures according to the situation.
7. Be On Time And Be Honest
In the corporate world, ethics and punctuality are essential. As you know, “Time Is Money.” No matter what you do, don’t land late for the interview. If you arrive late, it can be a red flag, which won’t make a good impression on your career.
Never manipulate your interviewer with fake documents, skills, or experience. The HR department will cross-check and verify your every single data. So, any fake information will harm your chances of getting hired.
8. Listen Carefully
As I told you, gestures play a significant role. So, paying attention during the interview is the most recommended tip. Put your phone on silent, and never keep your bag on the interviewer’s table. Maintain eye contact, and listen to each word when speaking and being spoken to.
Final Thoughts
These will help you learn how to prepare for the internship interview. These are elementary steps to follow and fulfill your dreams. Be confident, be calm, and face the interviewer with a positive attitude. Let your best self shine and win the match. Good Luck.
