Prepare Yourself for an Internship Interview. Tips from a Human Resources Manager
In the world full of competition sometimes it is normal to question your skills, especially when you are applying for a dream Internship. Don’t panic, although the selection process also means the elimination of some candidates. The first step to reaching your objectives is to believe in yourself and, of course, to be properly prepared for the interview. If you have an opportunity to do what you love, don’t miss it!
After years of experience with the best candidates, our Human Resources Manager gives you some advice to help you present yourself in the best light and get the Internship you want!
Presentation
The first minutes of an interview are very important because they help us break the ice. Even though the employer already knows your name, take a few minutes to present yourself and share some basic information about your studies and career.
Type of Questions
There are two types of questions you are going to deal with during an interview. The first type is actually related to your studies or previous experiences. The employer will try to understand what your expectations are and why you are interested in the position. The second type includes the famous "surprise questions." Yes, it sounds scary, but this type of question can help you get the job, as there are no right answers. Your response is your power. So, it’s very important to be yourself and show your motivation.
Motivation is the Key
A specific position requires a specific profile with a certain type of studies. You have to convince the employer that your profile is the right one. What will differentiate you from other candidates is mostly your motivation. Think about what attracted your attention and why you became interested in the company. Employers will try to reveal your motivation not only for the position but also for your career or areas you liked the most during your studies. You don’t need to repeat the information from your resume; try to find something interesting that would really set you apart from other candidates.
Previous Experience
Before the interview, try to inform yourself better about the company; it can help you adapt your profile to their needs. Talk about all the tasks you did during your previous experience, as well as what you liked the most or which skills you have improved.
Skills
Trainees give support to different departments, and a quality that employers really appreciate is teamwork. Let them see you are a good team worker by providing examples from your previous experience.
The job description can be very useful to identify a list of skills the employer is looking for. Once you know what kind of profile they are searching for, it can help you manage your answers better. You should be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and have a clear vision of the skills you want to improve. Also, if you have the opportunity to talk about activities in your free time, try to be creative, as it can reveal a lot of your interests.
Psychological Part
Don’t forget that you are applying for an Internship. Employers understand that you may not have previous experience. They will value other qualities like motivation, ambition, or the ability to adapt to different environments. They will try to see your autonomy in resolving specific problems and your proactivity in various situations.
Other Important Details
Make sure you know if the company has a specific dress code policy. If you are applying for an Internship in a big company, you'll have to pay more attention to what you wear. Be formal but feel comfortable; don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.
Recently, many companies are operating on an international level and are looking for trainees with knowledge of a particular language. This means that you may have a Skype interview. Before you start, check the connection and pay attention to your environment.
Be there on time! Be professional and don’t keep them waiting; show up or be online at least 10 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
Remember, the way you talk is very important. It reveals a lot about you. Choose your words carefully!
So, what do you say? Are you ready for your dream Internship?
If you want to do an internship abroad, don’t hesitate to take a look at our offers. Create an account on www.Trainingexperience.org and start applying for your favorites. We are here for your questions, and we can help you find the perfect internship without any cost involved.
Find out more details here.