Applying for Internships? Here’s how to stand out in an interview

There are still several things you can do as a college student to stand out in an interview, even without much professional experience:

  1. Take time to research the company: Prepare yourself for the interview by researching the company and the position you are applying for. You can prepare thoughtful questions for the interview by understanding the company's values, goals, and culture.
  2. Practice common interview questions: You can prepare for the interview by practicing common interview questions with a friend or family member. In addition, you will be able to articulate your skills and experiences more clearly.
  3. Prepare to talk about your achievements: Discuss your achievements and how they relate to the position you are applying for. Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the impact of your accomplishments. When answering questions, use the STAR method to ensure your responses are clear and structured, and so that the interviewer can better understand your problem-solving abilities.
  4. Talk about relevant skills and experiences: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, whether through coursework, extracurricular activities, or part-time employment. 
  5. Having a positive attitude and being enthusiastic: A positive attitude, enthusiasm, and personability are qualities employers look for in candidates. Show your passion for the position and industry by smiling and making eye contact.
  6. Ask thoughtful questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the position. You can use this to demonstrate your interest and engagement in the interview (see examples below).
  7. Follow up after the interview: Thank the interviewer for their time after the interview and reiterate your interest in the position in a thank-you note or email (below is a template you can use).

List of questions you can ask your interviewer: 

  1. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this internship?
  2. How does this internship provide opportunities for professional growth and development?
  3. Can you describe the company culture and what it's like to work here?
  4. How does [Company Name] support and mentor its interns?
  5. What do you think sets this internship apart from others in the industry?
  6. What are some of the challenges that the company is currently facing?
  7. Is there any advice you would be able to offer me as someone starting out in [Industry Name]?
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