1. Interview Success for Internships
"KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT EXPERIENCE IS JUST INFORMATION."
MARK TWAIN
KATIE VIGIL  INTERNSHIP ADVISOR  CAREER SERVICES
581-6396  KMVIGIL@EIU.EDU

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Internship Definition
Wikepedia says…..
 A system of on-the-job training for white-collar and
professional careers
Webster 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!

5. 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!

6. Job vs. Internship Interview
Job Internship
 Focus is Experience  Focus is Knowledge/Skills
 Past-oriented  Future-oriented
 Work history  Coursework
 How can future employee  How can WE help
help US? student?
 Is he/she going to be a  Are we going to be a good
good fit for us? fit for him/her?
 Does he/she align with  Do we align with his/her
our goals? goals?

7. The Job/Internship Search and Dating
Are they similar?!?
Do
e
Does lik s she
she like e
me
me?!?!? ?!?
!?
Let’s explore………

8. “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

9. 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?

10. 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?!

11. 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)?

12. 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?

13. 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
enthusiasm
Qualifications/Skills
Availability
Coursework – and how it’s prepared you
Typically only 2-3 questions.

14. Tips for Phone Interview Success
 Be ready for the call, answer, dress the part
 Know yourself. Know the employer. Know the position.
 Obtain a detailed job description if possible
 Know the following:
 Company direction & goals
 Business philosophy and style of management
 The position
 The organization
 Ask what the next steps are
 Send a thank you (email generally okay)
 Anything else?

15. 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?

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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?

19. Do’s & Don'ts of Questions
DO’S DON’TS
 Ask what the next steps in  Ask yes/no questions
the selection process are  Ask negative questions (i.e.
and the best way to follow what do you dislike about your job?)
up  Ask about salary
 Ask if there are any
concerns they have about  Ask questions you should
you being able to perform already know the answer
 Ask positive, future- to
focused questions that  Leave without asking
incorporate you into the questions
company

20. 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 prepared
 Have a professional portfolio, business cards, and
professional online presence
 Be REAL – Be HUMAN
 Scream how passionate you are (but not desperate)!
 Anything else?

21. 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

22. 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!

23. 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??

24. 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/

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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.

28. Professional Online Portfolio
Good for LinkedIn, business cards, maybe resume*
Online Example
Other Online Sites:
 http://seelio.com/
 www.linkedin.com
 www.weebly.com
 www.visualcv.com
 Any others?

29. Paper Portfolio
Carrying Case
 Standard‐size, three‐ring binder “paper portfolio”
Tabs

30. 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

31. Successful Interview Example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHXKitKAT1E
What makes this a successful interview despite everything he does “wrong”?

32. 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

33. Action Steps
1. Take FOCUS 2
2. 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)!

34. Practice
“I tell you and you forget. I show you and you
remember. I involve you and you understand.”
~ Chinese Proverb

35. 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

36. A Few Final Thoughts….
Have a professional email address
Have a professional voice mail message
Keep good records of your search
Have a positive attitude! Smile!
You don’t need anyone’s permission to be awesome. ~ Me (and other people I’m sure too)

37. REMEMBER
“With every goal, give it 150%. Never be dissuaded by rejection.
Remember, it is just one person’s opinion.” ~ Linda Solomon
Katie Vigil
Internship Advisor  Career Services  581-6396  kmvigil@eiu.edu