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22 Nov, 2018

5 Interview Rules to Follow

Internship interview scheduled?

Whether it’s your first time or fifth time doing an interview, it never hurts to brush up on these etiquette basics.

Following the internship interview rules is an absolutely crucial first step to making a great impression.

Follow these rules for making all the right moves and you’re sure to shine.

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Be aware of what you’re communicating through your posture. For example, sitting with your arms and legs crossed sends a message that you are closed-off or feel defensive. If you keep your hands in your lap the entire interview, you could signal that you lack self-confidence. And, twirling your hair can make you look nervous.

Think your movements through ahead of time so you’re not distracted (or distracting) during the interview.

Do Your Research

At minimum, review the company’s website. Find out who you’ll be interviewing with and learn something about them. Casually reference the information during the interview and quote specifics, such as “I see the company has expanded into several new markets over the past year.” You’ll project the image of someone who is interested, does their homework, and pays attention to details.

Dress to Impress

An interview may be the only shot you have to impress the decision-maker in person, so make sure you’re dressed impeccably.

It’s always better to overdress than underdress, but try to find out beforehand what the corporate dress culture is before have the interview. A dark suit (jacket and pants or skirt) and a crisp white shirt, manicured nails, simple make-up, and clean, professional shoes will be perfect in most cases.

Rehearse

There are several questions that you’re pretty much guaranteed to be asked during an interview: “Can you tell me about yourself?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “What do you know about this company?”, etc.

So, be prepared with insightful answers for these classics, plus be familiar with other interview questions. Practice looking in the mirror and answering the questions out loud. This prep work will help you clarify your thoughts and make you much more comfortable during the interview.

Ask Questions

Keep in mind that the job interview is a two-way street. It’s an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the company, but also to learn more about the workplace to see if the position and environment are a good fit for you.

Go in with a few questions, such as details about the type of work that the position entails, the corporate culture, and the typical career path of someone who holds the position. Don’t be scared to speak up: not asking questions can signal that you’re uninformed or uninterested.