Landing an internship can be a major step in your career journey. It offers valuable experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting — but it can be challenging to know how to stand out.
Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Research the Company
Before your in-person or phone interview, take the time to research the company. Understand its mission, values, products or services, and recent news or achievements. Become familiar with the industry and the company’s position within it.
2. Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the internship role you’re applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and responsibilities. Think about how your background, whether academic or extracurricular, fits these requirements.
3. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
While you may not have extensive work experience, you likely have relevant skills and experiences from school projects, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Use specific examples to explain how you’ve applied these skills in real-life situations.
4. Prepare for Common Questions
Internship interviews, whether they’re in-person or on Zoom, often include questions about your background, your interest in the role, and how you handle different situations. You might hear questions like, “Why do you want to intern with us?” “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it,” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Practice your answers to these questions, keeping them brief and relevant.
5. Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity
Employers want interns who are eager to learn and contribute. Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company by expressing genuine interest during the interview. Ask thoughtful questions about the team, the projects you might work on, and the company’s future plans. This demonstrates your curiosity and helps you determine if the internship is a good fit for you.
6. Be Ready to Discuss Your Goals
Internships are a stepping stone in your career path, so be prepared to discuss your career goals and how this internship fits into your plans. Explain what you hope to gain from the experience and how it fits with your long-term goals. This shows you’re proactive and have a clear vision for your future.
7. Mind Your Body Language
Non-verbal communication is just as important as what you say. Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. These signals convey confidence, positivity, and professionalism. Avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or appearing distracted, as these can give off the wrong impression.
8. Dress Appropriately
First impressions matter, so dress appropriately for your interview. Even if the company has a casual dress code, it’s best to err on the side of professionalism. A clean appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the company’s culture.
9. Bring Copies of Your Resume and Portfolio
Bring copies of your resume, a list of references, relevant work samples, or a portfolio. This shows that you are prepared and organized. If you’ve created projects, reports, or presentations relevant to the role, be ready to discuss them and how they demonstrate your skills.
10. Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention a specific point from the interview that you found especially interesting. This can help confirm your interest in the role and keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
