What To Bring To An Internship Interview?
Interviewing for an internship can be stressful.
For many candidates, this may be their first formal interview and they may be unsure of how interviews are conducted and what they should expect.
When interviewing for an internship, the candidate should conduct themselves professionally and in a manner that would be expected from a regular job interview.
In addition, the candidate may be wondering what to bring to the interview for the internship.
Below, we’re going to discuss the things you should bring with you to the interview in-order to be as-prepared as possible.
Remember, being nervous about an upcoming interview is normal and expected.
But interviews aren’t difficult.
If you are prepared and have conducted your research beforehand, then you should be fine, and you’ll increase your chances of having an offer provided.
Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door at a company and to begin understanding the nuances of an industry.
As an intern, you’ll be provided with actionable and direct responsibilities which you can add to your resume.
Internships are also a great way to build out your connections and network.
You can add your coworkers and colleagues on LinkedIn and reach out for recommendations and referrals once you graduate.
Multiple Copies of Your Resume
Above all else, you should bring multiple copies of your resume to the interview.
Though the interviewer, whether the recruiter or hiring manager, should have a copy of your resume, it is better to not assume so.
You should print at least five copies of your resume.
Our recommendation is to print your resume on resume paper, which leaves a long-lasting and more professional impression.
A Pen and Notepad
Bringing along a professional pen and notepad will help you to jot down notes and discussions.
You’ll also be able to write down the name of the interviewer and their email address, so that you can send them a follow-up email thanking them for their time after the interview.
Questions for the Interviewer
In the same vain, bringing along a pen and notepad will be useful for jotting down ideas and questions to ask the interviewer.
You should do your research before the interview and have a list of potential questions.
These questions should be related to the role and what your responsibilities would entail.
In addition, these questions should center on the expectations of your manager and how you will be able to be a successful intern.
Avoid discussing personal and human resource specific questions, such-as time off, work from home opportunities, and pay.
Those questions will be answered once an offer is made.
Answers for the Interviewer
Though this may seem like an odd point, you should utilize online resources to look-up common interview and internship questions.
Practice answering these questions in front of a mirror or with a close friend or family member.
You should feel comfortable and prepared in your responses.
This will also help you not get caught off-guard with any questions.
Business Attire
Your attire is equally as important as your resume and the school you are attending.
You should dress in business formal attire.
Ensure that your clothing is fitted, wrinkle-free, clean, and neat.
Avoid obnoxious color tones and stick to neutral ones.
Arrive Early
Always plan to arrive to the interview location at least fifteen minutes before your interview is scheduled to begin.
You cannot control how delays, so be sure to leave early and to arrive early.
You can check-in with the receptionist at the front-desk who will let the interviewer know that you have arrived.
Focus on Your Positives
You may be asked questions pertaining to strengths and weaknesses.
While you should answer both, don’t dwell too long on your weaknesses.
Providing a single example will suffice, but you should follow it up with ways that you have been working on improving it.
Study the STAR Method
The STAR Method is an interviewing technique which we explain in-depth here.
You should try to answer questions via this method, which describes the situation, your task or role within that situation, the actions you took to resolve or assist the situation, and what the end result was.
The STAR Method is especially useful when asked behaviorally based questions and scenarios.
You’re A-Game
Though it may sound cliché, you really should bring you’re A-game to the interview.
You want to put your best foot forward and make a great first impression.
Be personable and agreeable with the interviewer.
Ask pointed, specific, and intelligent questions.
Have common questions answered and ready to be given.
Give a firm handshake and smile often.
