How to do well in an internship interview? 6 incredible tips!

Finding an internship can be a challenge for many college students.
Competition is high and there is often a lack of experience to stand out among other candidates. Furthermore, the internship interview can be a time of great anxiety and nervousness, especially for those who are looking for their first opportunity in the job market. This is when it is essential to perform well and make a good impression on the recruiter.⁣

⁣ But how to do well in an internship interview? What are the main tips for standing out among candidates and winning the position?

In this article, we will present 7 effective strategies to help university students prepare for their first internship interview and be successful at this stage.

Let’s go?

6 tips to do well in the internship interview⁣

1. Research the company and the vacancy

Before the interview, it is important to research the company and the position for which you are applying.

Look for information about the organizational culture, the company’s values, its products or services, and even the types of professionals who work there.

Furthermore, try to understand what skills and competencies the company expects for the intern position.

With this information in hand, you can better prepare for the interview and demonstrate that you are a candidate in line with the company’s expectations.

2. Prepare for the most common questions

During the interview, it is very likely that the recruiter will ask some common questions, such as “tell me about yourself”, “what are your strengths and weaknesses” or “why do you want to work with us?”.

To prepare for these questions, think about your skills , experience, and achievements that might be relevant to the role. It is also important to keep in mind what you would like to highlight in relation to your goals and what you expect from the internship.

A practical example of how to prepare for common questions is to do a self-analysis. Think of concrete examples that demonstrate these characteristics.

Additionally, reflect on what the internship can offer for your professional development and how it relates to your career goals.⁣

⁣ By preparing for these questions, you will have more confidence during the interview and will be able to convey your skills and experiences in a clear and objective way, increasing your chances of impressing the recruiter.

And don’t worry if you’ve never had previous experience, focus on demonstrating what you can add to the company. And if you have time, try to develop experiences through volunteer work in NGOs, junior companies , research projects and even temporary vacation work.

3. Practice your answers

To feel more confident during the interview, it’s important to practice your answers to the most common questions.

There are several ways to practice your answers before an internship interview. One option is to make a list of possible questions the recruiter might ask and write your answers to each of them.

This will help you organize your thoughts and have a script of answers to follow during the interview.⁣

⁣ Another option is to simulate an internship interview with a friend or relative. Ask the person to ask the most common interview questions and try to answer them as clearly and objectively as possible.

Additionally, ask for feedback on your posture, tone of voice, and body language.⁣

⁣ An important tip is not to memorize your answers, but to understand them and adapt them for each interview.

Each company and recruiter may have their own questions and expectations, so it’s important to have the flexibility and adaptability to respond as best you can.

4. Dress appropriately

When choosing clothing, take into consideration the type of company and the position you are applying for.

In more conservative companies, it is common to wear formal attire, such as a suit and tie for men and a pantsuit or formal dress for women.

In more informal companies, you can opt for more relaxed clothes, but without exaggeration.⁣

In addition, it is important to take care of personal hygiene, such as trimming the beard, taking care of the nails and hair and not overdoing the makeup. The aim is to convey an image of professionalism and seriousness.

It is essential to remember that the first impression is essential and appearance is one of the factors that influence this impact.

Therefore, by dressing appropriately, you show the recruiter that you care about the image you convey and that you are taking the interview seriously.

5. Arrive early

It is important to keep in mind that arriving well before the scheduled time can give a negative image, however being late for an interview can be very detrimental to your performance and even a criterion for elimination.

It is recommended that you arrive approximately 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time, which allows you time to calm down, review your notes, and mentally prepare for the interview.

If something unforeseen happens that could delay you, such as traffic or crowded public transport, notify the recruiter immediately, showing that you care about punctuality and respect the company’s time.⁣

⁣ Another important tip is to check the company’s location in advance and plan your route, avoiding possible setbacks along the way.

6. Speak clearly and objectively

During the interview, avoid long and confusing answers, and use clear and accessible language. This demonstrates that you are an efficient communicator and that you can express yourself assertively.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that non-verbal communication is also very important. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, show interest in what he or she is saying and avoid gesturing excessively.

The way you communicate can also convey confidence and security, which is essential to making a good impression.⁣

An important tip is if you don’t understand a question, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Answering something that was not asked can demonstrate a lack of attention and commitment.⁣

⁣ Finally, remember that the interview is an opportunity to present your skills and competencies. Therefore, always highlight what is relevant to the vacancy in question.