You’ve applied for countless internships and finally got a call from one or a few of the companies you’ve applied to. Congratulations! You’re on your way to receiving an internship offer. Below are six time-tested interview tips to ensure you have a successful interview that will lead to that coveted internship offer.
1. Be Prepared
Research the company that has requested an interview with you. Search the internet for recent news about the company as well as their company culture and mission statement. Make sure you understand the company before going to the interview to prove to the interviewer(s) you’re serious about the internship and express great interest in the company.
2. Dress Professionally
Within seven seconds, people will generate an impression of you within their minds. To make a good first impression, dress professionally and make sure your appearance resembles a professional who works for the company you’re interviewing for.
3. Bring A Portfolio
This can be as simple as showcasing past projects from your classes that apply to the internship. By bringing a portfolio, you show the interviewer that you understand the work that the internship entails as well as showing how you approach certain projects.
4. Be Authentic
The phrase “one in a million” is the goal for the interview. You want to stand out and be unique in comparison to the other candidates for the internship. Try to direct the interview into a conversation rather than what may feel like an interrogation so the interviewer can get an understanding of who you are as a person.
5. Close With Confidence
How you end an interview is crucial to leave a lasting impression. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview as well as taking time out of their busy schedule to speak with you. Shake their hand and ask when you should expect a response from them.
6. Follow Up
Immediately after the interview, send the interviewer an email thanking them for the interview as well as including a brief paragraph on a topic or interest that was discussed during the interview. The same day, write a handwritten note thanking them for the interview again and mail it to their office with a required signature. This will ensure the interviewer opens the note and doesn’t leave it with their receptionist or pile of mail.
Our Story
Luis Romero, founder of Romero Mentoring, spent five years developing an analyst training program that he wishes he had when he was in college – especially one that gave him access to a complete training and finance internship experience that could advance his career. Since no opportunity like this existed to him at the time, Luis went through a stressful recruiting process like so many others have. He successfully landed a full-time job offer upon graduation and worked as an M&A analyst at Credit Suisse in NYC for two years. He then moved to the buy-side as a junior trader and analyst. After gaining experience there, he created his own fund, Romero Capital, and later become an instructor in financial modeling and valuation. After working with hundreds of professionals and analysts, Luis became committed to creating his own mentoring program because he understood the crucial need for a hands-on, personal experience in the competitive world of finance.
References:
- indeed.com, 21 Job Interview Tips: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/job-interview-tips-how-to-make-a-great-impression
- The Balance Careers, Top Internship Interviewing Tips: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-interviewing-tips-1986919
