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Career Advice for Job Seekers

A Primer on Interviewing for an Internship

Yvonne LaRose AvatarYvonne LaRose
October 16, 2006


No matter what time of year, it isn’t too early to start thinking about where to intern and how to interview for that position. Some of the preliminary steps to getting the interview are determining what type of work you want to do and then researching the companies that offer that type of work. Those subjects will be dealt with in their turn at another time. But for now, let’s focus on some essentials of interviewing for the internship.

Internships are geared toward providing a person with insider experience of the environment. You get to know the people, the office, the industry. Most importantly, you get hands-on experience with the work so that when your internship is completed, you have the fundamental skills and then some. You’re a valuable player. And given that you’ve done a good job during the internship, you just may have a permanent job offer waiting for your acceptance.

Attire
What should you wear to the interview? The traditional navy blue suit? Maybe not. In addition to the resume and cover letter, you want things about you to be distinctive and memorable in a positive way. Dress professionally. Let the style complement your body type. Let the color complement your complexion. But even when you put on any other apparel, let the person who is vying for the job be the memorable one.

Notes
You’ve researched the company and know quite a bit about it. However, there are some things you want to know that were not answered through reading the website or looking at some of the online profiles. Take those notes about the unaswered questions with you to the interview. Be certain to ask them. Talk about what you do know regarding the company and what you see as the opportunities it offers its people, especially in relation to your goals. But also ask clarifying questions. And make certain that your interpretation of the company’s objectives is correct.

Quality of Work
Some people think an internship is being a gopher, running errands, making copies, and filing. An internship is about gaining meaningful experience so that when you go into a full-time position, you are able to function as a new professional in that position. Ten weeks of doing these types of things are not going to qualify a person for the challenges of a professional position. They will not embue one with the skills necessary to negotiate, research, write, interact with clients and the public. Make certain there’s an understanding about the type of work to be done, the challenges it will offer and the fact that the challenges will escalate as time passes and you prove yourself worthy.

Guidance
Since this is new territory for the intern, it helps to have a guide to smooth out some of the road and help avoid surprises or undue delays. Thus, it’s wise to find out if the company has a mentoring program. Mentors are a boon to one’s life. They’re not a person to get glued to but they are a person who can coach you on the traditional way to get things done and more effective methods that also work. They can help you meet others in the company and the industry and make your career start-up a smooth ride.

Attitude
Attitude is everything. A winning attitude is a “can-do” attitude full of confidence, self assuredness. You’re certain of your facts and the knowledge that you gained in school and previous work experience. You’re willing to demonstrate that knowledge by using critical thinking and listening skills, analysis, proper argumentation. (If you’re a professional, you know the difference between argumentation and arguing.) This is the most critical of the things you’ll take to the interview. It is what will be with you everywhere you go and proof of your performance while there. A positive attitude is the most essential for a winner.

There’s more to getting a good internship, but the first step is getting in the door. This should get you started.

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