InternshipRatings.com

By Kathryn Williford
Internship Coordinator
RLF Communications

Should I bring a portfolio? How early should I get there? Suit or no suit? These are all questions that come to mind when preparing for the all-important interview. Next to your resume, I believe this is the most important part of the internship application process. Although many students look great on paper, they often fall short during an interview with their potential future employers. So here are six tips for acing an interview for any internship.

• Show up: Don’t be late, and don’t be too early. It’s fine to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time, but showing up any more than 10 minutes early is likely to only annoy and inconvenience your interviewer.
• Be Prepared: Bring extra copies of your resume and writing samples, if relevant. If you have personal business cards, bring those to pass those out, too.
• Wear appropriate, professional attire: We know you are a college student, so there’s no need to dress like one. A suit is an always-appropriate standby, but depending on the company culture, it may not be the best choice. How do you know what the company’s culture is? Continue reading.
• Do Your Research: Research the company you are interviewing with ahead of time. You should have a basic understanding of who they are and what they do. Spend time on their Web site to get a better understanding of their goals, mission and company culture. If you are interviewing with an agency, know who their clients are.
• Ask Questions: When your interviewer asks if you have any questions for him/her: HAVE SOME. This is another chance to show your knowledge of the industry and the company. If you don’t have any questions, it can indicate to your interviewers that you aren’t really interested in the position.
• Say Thank You: Don’t forget to send a thank you note after your interview. While sending it via e-mail is generally acceptable, never underestimate the power of a good old fashioned handwritten note (on proper stationary, of course). Taking the time to write it by hand and spending the extra 42 cents on a stamp will send across the message that 1) you aren’t lazy and 2) you really want this internship.
Overall, if you treat your interview for an internship just like you would a full-time salaried position, you’ll impress you interviewers and blow away your competition. Now, go get ‘em!