Interview Success for Internships

"KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT EXPERIENCE IS JUST INFORMATION."MARK TWAIN

KATIE VIGIL INTERNSHIP ADVISOR CAREER SERVICES

581-6396 KMVIGIL@EIU.EDU

Interview Success for Internships

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

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?

Internship Definition

Wikepedia says….. A system of on-the-job training for white-collar and

professional careersWebster 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!

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!

JobJob InternshipInternship

Focus is ExperiencePast-orientedWork historyHow can future

employee help US?Is he/she going to be a

good fit for us?Does he/she align with

our goals?

Focus is Knowledge/Skills

Future-orientedCourseworkHow can WE help

student?Are we going to be a

good fit for him/her?Do we align with

his/her goals?

Job vs. Internship Interview

The Job/Internship Search and Dating

Are they similar?!?Does she like me?!?!?

Does she like me?!?!?

Let’s explore………

“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

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?

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?!

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)?

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?

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 enthusiasmQualifications/SkillsAvailabilityCoursework – and how it’s prepared youTypically only 2-3 questions.

Tips for Phone Interview Success

Be ready for the call, answer, dress the partKnow yourself. Know the employer. Know the

position.Obtain a detailed job description if possibleKnow the following:

Company direction & goals Business philosophy and style of management The position The organization

Ask what the next steps areSend a thank you (email generally okay)Anything else?

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?

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

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?

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?

DO’SDO’S DON’TSDON’TS

Ask what the next steps in the selection process are and the best way to follow up

Ask if there are any concerns they have about you being able to perform

Ask positive, future-focused questions that incorporate you into the company

Ask yes/no questionsAsk negative questions

(i.e. what do you dislike about your job?)

Ask about salaryAsk questions you

should already know the answer to

Leave without asking questions

Do’s & Don'ts of Questions

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 preparedHave a professional portfolio, business cards, and

professional online presenceBe REAL – Be HUMANScream how passionate you are (but not desperate)!Anything else?

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

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!

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??

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/

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

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

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.

Professional Online Portfolio

Good for LinkedIn, business cards, maybe resume*

Online ExampleOther Online Sites:

http://seelio.com/ www.linkedin.com www.weebly.com www.visualcv.com Any others?

Paper Portfolio

Carrying Case Standard‐size, three‐ring binder “paper portfolio”

Tabs

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

Successful Interview Example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHXKitKAT1E

What makes this a successful interview despite everything he does “wrong”?

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

Action Steps

1. Take FOCUS 22. 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)!

Practice

“I tell you and you forget. I show you and you remember. I involve you and you understand.”

~ Chinese Proverb

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

A Few Final Thoughts….

Have a professional email addressHave a professional voice mail messageKeep good records of your searchHave a positive attitude! Smile!

You don’t need anyone’s permission to be awesome. ~ Me (and other people I’m sure too)

REMEMBER

“With every goal, give it 150%. Never be dissuaded by rejection. Remember, it is just one person’s opinion.” ~ Linda Solomon

Katie VigilInternship Advisor Career Services 581-6396 kmvigil@eiu.edu