Other scenarios may involve dealing with rude customers or sensitive company information. In all your answers try to convey a level of maturity and clarity of purpose that would serve your workplace well.

Like the situational interview, conversational interviews usually start out as factual ones. But instead of remaining a formal question-and-answer session, this interview quickly becomes an unstructured conversation between you and the interviewer about things like the internship, the workplace, your background and any other topic that arises. Often the style is relaxed, and even fun. While this interview is less stressful, don't take it any less seriously than the other two. Whether you realize it or not, your interviewer is still assessing your character, poise, articulation, and ability to relate to other people.

 

In a conversational interview you should adjust your conversation style to better fit your interviewer's style. But don't get too chummy or informal, and avoid saying things that reflect badly on you as an applicant. For example, don't say things like the following, even in light moments:

 

•  I am really bored by school.

•  Most of my professors are clueless.

•  Nobody works because they like to, but because they have to.

•  My main goals are to make money and retire early.

•  I am a born leader.

•  I'm not a morning person.

•  Like most college students, I like to party.

 

You get the idea.

 

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

 

Internship interviews are a two-way process. You should evaluate your interviewer and the workplace at the same time you are being evaluated. During the interview (usually at the end) most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them. Make sure you always have a couple of questions ready. This shows that you have done your homework and are taking responsibility for your own internship success.

 

Because many of your questions will be answered in the interview, it is important to formulate questions in your mind as the interview progresses. Here are some generic questions to give you the idea:

 

•  Who would be my direct supervisor?

•  What would be my primary tasks?

•  How much interaction will I have with other staff?

•  Will I have opportunities to take on more responsibilities and work on real projects?

•  Is there a formal training program?

•  How will I be evaluated?

•  Is there a possibility this internship could lead to a part or full-time paid position?

•  Have past interns been hired by the organization?

 

After the Interview

At the conclusion of the interview, thank your interviewer for the opportunity to meet with her in person, and to learn more about the organization. Also verify when a hiring decision is expected. Within a day be sure to send a typed or hand-written thank you note. In it, thank your interviewer for meeting with you. Also reaffirm your interest in working for the organization, and your ability to do a good job if given the chance.

 

Joel Clark is assistant professor of government and co-director of internships at George Mason University, and director of Michigan State University 's Washington Semester program. Professor Clark's book, Intern to Success, was published in 2002 by Houghton Mifflin. His internship tips are also featured in Peterson's Internships (2003). For more advice on internships visit http://www.InternSuccess.com .

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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