how to prepare for an internship interview

Introduction

You have received a practice interview. congratulations! You have taken an important step to get an internship. You may feel anxious or stressed before your interview, but these feelings often just come from not knowing what to expect.
In this article, we discuss the best ways to prepare for your next internship interview.

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

  An internship is an opportunity for students, recent graduates or others to gain experience in the industry  and try positions on a trial basis. Companies typically offer these temporary positions during the summer or part-time during school semesters, often for school credit or a basic hourly wage. The practice can be beneficial for many reasons. Experience often broadens your skills and allows you to gain insight into an industry. After graduation, your internship experience on your resume can help you stand out from other job applicants. The company where you did your internship may also offer you a job if you did well during your time with them.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW

When you arrive for a practice interview, you may feel a little nervous. Knowing what to expect can help you feel confident in the room.  When meeting the interviewer, it is common to shake hands and exchange pleasantries before sitting down for a one-on-one conversation. The interviewer may ask questions about your knowledge of the company, your interest in the field, and your qualifications. During this time, it’s a good idea to address any relevant classroom or work experience you may have that applies to  internship assignments. Remember, asking thoughtful questions during a practice interview is a good way to show your enthusiasm and preparation.

You may feel pressured to do well during the interview, especially if you are very interested in getting the internship. This is normal and the examiner will probably expect you to feel this way. Since companies design internships for  new entrants to the labor market, you are not expected  to know everything about the industry. Focus on your preparation, your professionalism and your desire to learn. Towards the end of the interview, the interviewer may want to discuss a possible start date or time frame, so be sure to think about what is ideal for you.

The interview will probably end with a handshake and goodbye. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for the opportunity to meet  the interviewer and learn more about the internship. If you think the company and the position are  right  for you, be sure to express your interest and mention that you expect to hear from them. It’s normal for companies to take some time before inviting people  for a second interview or making an offer, so don’t worry if you don’t hear back right immediately from them.

Related Article –https://profithub.com.ng/how-to-find-an-internship/

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW

There are a few steps you can take in the days leading up to your interview to  feel more confident and prepared during the meeting:

Practice the interview

While you can’t prepare for every question the interviewer might ask, you can review frequently asked questions and think about your answers. You don’t need to memorize the answers: just develop your main ideas in advance. This will help you give clear and concise answers. You can also practice introducing yourself. It is best to use a confident  voice with friendly and open body language.

Know about the company

An important way to prepare for a practice interview is to learn about the company’s mission, vision and goals. This knowledge will help you answer the interviewer, prepare thoughtful questions and show interest in the company. Start your search by visiting the company’s website and familiarize yourself with its content. Visit Indeed’s business pages for more details, such as company ratings and FAQs. Find the latest news  and press releases about the organization.

Collect samples

If you are applying for an internship in an industry such as advertising or publishing, it is important to provide samples of your work. If you have nothing to show, don’t worry. Not all industries require work samples, and recruiters do not expect you to have extensive practical experience if you apply for an internship. However, if you have been given a task to complete before the interview, make sure you do your best.

Dress well

Choose your attire following the guidelines provided by the company prior to the interview (for example, professional or casual attire). If the company doesn’t give you any information, it’s best to assume that casual attire is expected. Consider choosing your clothes in advance to reduce stress before the interview.

Think of questions

After your research, make a list of relevant questions about the company and the job description. These questions will help you determine if the internship meets your needs and show that you are truly interested in the position. For example, you might ask, How is the work environment? or What are your company’s goals for interns?.

Be organized and early

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview appointment. Don’t forget to plan the trip, parking and walking to the interview. Bring extra copies of your CV and documents in case multiple interviewers join the meeting.

PREPAREDNESS FOR QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROFESSION

Below are some common interview questions that recruiters can tailor to the industry you’re interviewing for, along with suggestions on how to approach them. Consider how each question applies to your industry before preparing an informed and honest answer.

Related article – https://profithub.com.ng/networking-for-internship/

WHAT ASPECT OF THIS SECTOR DO YOU KNOW?

This is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the sector, but also to share your unique knowledge of it. Consider talking about emerging areas of the industry and where you think there is more potential. This is also an opportunity during the interview to show that you understand how this specific company fits into its industry.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU IN THIS SECTOR? FOR WHAT?

It is important to be honest about the areas in which you want to grow professionally. However, it is also helpful to explain why you think these skills are important and how you think this position will allow you to develop these skills. If possible, give an example of how you turned a weakness into a strength.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR DEGREE IN THIS FIELD?

First, present a thoughtful explanation of your current experience, what you want to learn, and how that experience relates to your projects. Next, consider asking the interviewer what their major was or what their goals were when they started working in the industry. Asking these questions allows you to learn more about the backgrounds of other professionals in the industry as well as build personal rapport.

WHAT TASKS DO YOU EXPECT THIS POSITION TO PERFORM ON A DAILY, WEEKLY OR MONTHLY BASIS?

After explaining your vision for the position, explain why you feel qualified for its responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to explain why you are interested in these specific tasks, what you can learn from them, or why you want this position.

WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH THE SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGIES USED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

Although you must demonstrate your skill levels with industry software, be sure to review the job description for required or preferred software skills. If you have no experience with a mentioned program, explain that you are interested and ready to learn.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER AN INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW?

An important final step in the internship interview process is to send a thank you note.
This type of follow-up is a common courtesy that shows your appreciation and professionalism.

You can send a thank you note by email or post, but make sure you do it as soon as possible.

Sending an email allows the employer to receive your message quickly, but writing a handwritten note adds a personal touch.

Choose the method that seems most suitable for your situation.

A thank you note reminds the employer that you were interviewed and shows your interest in the internship.

It also gives you a chance to say something you might have forgotten to mention during the interview or demonstrate your active listening skills.

Your note should not be long, but should contain the following information:

Mention the position you are interviewing for and thank your interviewer.

Show a specific point that seemed important to the interlocutor. Relate this idea to your experiences or interests to demonstrate that you can meet the specific needs of the company.

Be open to more questions or provide additional information and provide your contact information.

Conclude by expressing your interest and that you expect to hear from them soon.

Conclusion

When Preparing for a internship interview by researching the company and collecting samples of your work. Practice answering questions with confidence and clarity. When you are prepared and know what to expect during an internship interview, you can lower your anxiety and present yourself as a competitive candidate.

Article Source – https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-to-expect-during-an-internship-interview

Also check- https://profithub.com.ng/how-to-write-an-internship-cover-letters/

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