Interview Success for Internships
Download as PPT, PDF2 likes866 views
The document provides tips for successfully interviewing for internships. It defines internships and interviews, and discusses the differences between job and internship interviews. Employers are most interested in whether an applicant can do the job, will be happy, and will fit in. To succeed, applicants should research the company, have relevant experience, ask thoughtful questions, and be confident. Practice interviewing is key to building confidence and skills. Portfolios can showcase qualifications and set applicants apart. The overall message is that interviewing requires preparation and selling oneself as the best fit.
Interview Success for Internships
- 1. Interview Success for Internships "KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT EXPERIENCE IS JUST INFORMATION." MARK TWAIN KATIE VIGIL INTERNSHIP ADVISOR CAREER SERVICES 581-6396 [email protected]
- 2. Objectives Know what characteristics employers look for in a potential Intern Discover the three questions employers really want to know during the interview (even if they ask 100) Develop strategies and understand how a professional portfolio can ensure a successful interview to land the internship you want
- 3. Discussion Time What is an “Internship”? What is an “Interview”? What is the purpose of the interview? Is there a difference between a job interview and an internship interview?
- 4. Internship Definition Wikepedia says….. A system of on-the-job training for white-collar and professional careers Webster says….. to confine or impound especially during a war (YIKES!) NACE says….. “A carefully monitored work or volunteer experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning through the experience”. Career Services agrees with NACE!
- 5. Interview Definition Wikepedia says… An interview is a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked by the interviewer to elicit facts or statements from the interviewee. Webster says… A formal consultation usually to evaluate qualifications A meeting at which information is obtained You say… I say…. An interview is a meeting to determine if we’re a good match!
- 6. Job vs. Internship Interview Job Internship Focus is Experience Focus is Knowledge/Skills Past-oriented Future-oriented Work history Coursework How can future employee How can WE help help US? student? Is he/she going to be a Are we going to be a good good fit for us? fit for him/her? Does he/she align with Do we align with his/her our goals? goals?
- 7. The Job/Internship Search and Dating Are they similar?!? Do e Does lik s she she like e me me?!?!? ?!? !? Let’s explore………
- 8. “Would you like to go out with me?”: The Resume What would make YOU say “yes” to this question? Meets standards/Qualified You share a mutual interest There is a connection (EIU Alum, same hometown, same fraternity, etc.) Friend set up blind date/Someone referred applicant
- 9. Why do you want to go out with me?: The Phone Interview Information Gathered: Is it possible? (location, availability, etc.) Why are you interested in me/the internship? Do you communicate well? Can you communicate with me?
- 10. Is this going to work?: The INTERVIEW Have you REALLY gotten to know me/the company? Will you get along with my friends (and maybe parents; although sometimes this comes later)/coworkers/managers? Do I NEED to see you again?!?!?!?! Does this company NEED you? In the case of an internship, will you benefit the company and could you possibly become a F/T employee?!
- 11. What Employers Want to Know 1. Can you do the job (or have the potential to)? 2. Will you be happy here (WILL YOU STAY)? 3. Will we get along (FIT)?
- 12. Step One: The Resume What makes a resume “SHINE”? What will get YOUR resume in the “Yes” pile? Knowing someone (current employee, hiring manager, someone who knows someone who works at company) Don’t know anyone? Start networking. Accomplishment statements Resume and cover letter personalized to position and company Follow up! Anything else?
- 13. Step Two: Phone Interview Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in company and internship? Critical to convey knowledge of company and position with enthusiasm Qualifications/Skills Availability Coursework – and how it’s prepared you Typically only 2-3 questions.
- 14. Tips for Phone Interview Success Be ready for the call, answer, dress the part Know yourself. Know the employer. Know the position. Obtain a detailed job description if possible Know the following: Company direction & goals Business philosophy and style of management The position The organization Ask what the next steps are Send a thank you (email generally okay) Anything else?
- 15. Step Three: THE INTERVIEW!! Let’s listen to those who know! Other Tips: Be 10 minutes early. Be courteous to everyone you meet. Be dressed professionally. Be prepared (resumes, list of references, questions to ask, portfolio (if applicable) Be CONFIDENT! (Speak with confidence! “Fake it until you make it” if you have to.) Anything else?
- 16. More Interview Questions How do you think this internship will help you prepare for your career? What are your plans after graduation? Are you involved in any campus organizations? Why did you choose your major? Why do you think you will be successful in your chosen field? What have you learned from part-time or student jobs? What do you hope to learn in this internship? What skills and expertise do you bring to this internship? www.glassdoor.com
- 17. Questions You MIGHT Ask How many interns is the company hiring? Who will I report to? Who will I work with? What is the office environment like? How do you think this internship will benefit me? Do you have any concerns about my ability to be successful in this position? What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- 18. Questions You MIGHT Ask Who is the most successful intern you've hired and what characteristics did that person possess that made him/her a great contributor? Tell me about some of the employees that have the longest tenure here and what, in your opinion, has made them so loyal to the company? How would you describe the company's management style and culture? How many interns do you traditionally hire into full time positions?
- 19. Do’s & Don'ts of Questions DO’S DON’TS Ask what the next steps in Ask yes/no questions the selection process are Ask negative questions (i.e. and the best way to follow what do you dislike about your job?) up Ask about salary Ask if there are any concerns they have about Ask questions you should you being able to perform already know the answer Ask positive, future- to focused questions that Leave without asking incorporate you into the questions company
- 20. How to SHINE Above the Competition Know what makes you great! Know what makes you not-so-great (opportunities for growth) Try to know what makes the interviewer great! Research. Research more. Keep researching. Have a “wow” story prepared Have a professional portfolio, business cards, and professional online presence Be REAL – Be HUMAN Scream how passionate you are (but not desperate)! Anything else?
- 21. Confidence con·fi·dence: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances <had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed> <met the risk with brash confidence> b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way <have confidence in a leader> Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence
- 22. How to Gain Confidence What do you think? Practice. Practice again. Repeat. Confidence occurs when you pursue your passion and your talent! Do what you love and be great at it!
- 23. Confidence “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” ~ Michael Jordan “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right.”~ Unknown Any other advice??
- 24. Confidence The Interview Psych Technique The night before the interview, spend some time with a friend or family member, telling them why you would be the best for the position. Use superlatives galore! The purpose is to put you in the right frame of mind for the interview, so that you truly believe you are the best possible candidate for the job. Why is this so vitally important? See the next item. http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Competitive-Interview-Prep/The-Interview-Psych-Technique/
- 25. The Visualization Technique In preparing for the interview, go through the motions in your mind. Anticipate the questions that may be asked. Visualize yourself as confident and self-assured. Not cocky, just confident in your background and the benefits you can provide the employer. Play the part over and over again until you feel you have truly lived it. Visualize your success until it becomes reality. “Fake it until you make it.” http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/15-18.shtml
- 26. The Show-and-Tell Technique Telling what you have done is not nearly as impressive as showing me what you have done. Following are a few examples: Programs and system design specs by an MIS major Complex financial analysis done by a Finance major Event brochures and flyers designed by a Marketing major Samples of your best lesson plan for an Education major
- 27. Professional Portfolio- Show and Tell What is it? A collection of documents that people can use to validate claims they make about themselves. How might it help?? It draws attention to the key information you want to convey. It provides visuals of your qualifications. It adds to your credibility. It builds confidence.
- 28. Professional Online Portfolio Good for LinkedIn, business cards, maybe resume* Online Example Other Online Sites: http://seelio.com/ www.linkedin.com www.weebly.com www.visualcv.com Any others?
- 29. Paper Portfolio Carrying Case Standard‐size, three‐ring binder “paper portfolio” Tabs
- 30. Why a Professional Portfolio? To GET an Interview! What do you think? To ACE an Interview! How so? May set you apart from other candidates Demonstrates organization, pride in work Allows you to give examples
- 31. Successful Interview Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHXKitKAT1E What makes this a successful interview despite everything he does “wrong”?
- 32. Conclusion YES – Interviewing IS like dating!! “Interviewing is a lot like dating…….interviewing is a teachable skill that grows with practice. Ask your friends and family to interview you before the real deal. The more you practice, the better chance you will have to create a long term partnership with the person or company of your dreams.” http://www.financialsamurai.com/2010/03/26/interviewing-is-like-dating-hubba-hubba/ Retrieved: 8 Nov 2012
- 33. Action Steps 1. Take FOCUS 2 2. Get experience. GET IT NOW! 3. Network. Talk to people. Find a mentor! 4. Set goals and document your successes! 5. Practice (BEFORE the real thing!) - Mock Interviews at Career Services. 6. Start Researching! 7. Participate in the Professional Externship Certificate Program (PECP)!
- 34. Practice “I tell you and you forget. I show you and you remember. I involve you and you understand.” ~ Chinese Proverb
- 35. Practice Option One: Groups of 4 1 Interviewer/Reporter (Take notes while interviewing!) 1 Interviewee (someone who wants practice) 1-2 Observers/Critiquers (someone confident in interviewing) Option Two: 1-2 Interviewees interviewed in front of group Because fears are born from within, confronting them, believing your ability to prevail, and acting on that belief is the ultimate key to freedom. ~ Dr. Phil
- 36. A Few Final Thoughts…. Have a professional email address Have a professional voice mail message Keep good records of your search Have a positive attitude! Smile! You don’t need anyone’s permission to be awesome. ~ Me (and other people I’m sure too)
- 37. REMEMBER “With every goal, give it 150%. Never be dissuaded by rejection. Remember, it is just one person’s opinion.” ~ Linda Solomon Katie Vigil Internship Advisor Career Services 581-6396 [email protected]
Editor's Notes
- #19: Think about what your values are and what your goals are for the internship. Ask questions pertaining to these!
- #22: *
- #29: *Do not include QR code if submitting electronic resume. Best for networking events, emailing resume as a PDF, submitting resume to someone you know. It will be a case-by-case basis.
- #30: Items need to be easily retrievable under pressure. Dividers with tabs can help. If a document could be filed under more than one heading, make extra copies of this document and file it under as many headings as you like, if that makes it easier for your to retrieve it when you are distracted and under pressure.
- #31: Include a link to your online portfolio/LinkedIn profile in email signature, on business cards, etc. Example Interviewer: “ This internship requires a strong work ethic and the organizational skills to work on multiple projects at the same time. Can you describe a situation where you had to work on several projects at the same time and what you did to achieve success?” Job Candidate: “Yes, as President of the Entrepreneurial Club last year, I was in charge of developing a strategic plan for the upcoming year. This was a comprehensive plan that established organizational goals and detailed tasks and initiatives for all 7 committees. At the same time, I chaired the philanthropy committee while serving as a student ambassador where I was in charge of organizing the annual community outreach event. Even though both projects were demanding and time‐consuming, I was able to get both tasks completed successfully by prioritizing, evaluating throughout the process, and appropriately delegating. In fact, I would like to show you a few documents that highlight these projects.”