The 11 Commandments of Interviewing

So, you’ve got a foot in the door – now its time for the interview. Since the interview is the next big step to locking down your next internship, its time to get serious. The interview is your first real chance to speak out and represent yourself as more than just a resume. By preparing, you can use what some consider a “nerve-wracking experience” to your advantage.

Use the following advice wisely – it can make the all the difference. By the way, it was supposed to only be the 10 commandments of interviewing but we found 11 that were important, so there you go.

Be On-time

Showing up late to an interview has never helped anyone get the internship or job. Being late or having to rush to the interview will only make you nervous, flustered, or waste the interviewer’s time. Don’t ruin your chances of an internship over something as trivial as being late.

Be Prepared

You wouldn’t walk into a test without studying, so why go into an interview unprepared? Since it’s important to you, practice sample questions, research the company, and think about any relevant past experiences. Go into your interview dressed appropriately along with a portfolio, including copies of your resume, cover letter, questions to ask, extra paper, and a pen.

Be Investigative

If the interview is like a test, then research before it is like doing your homework. Find out everything you can about the position you’re applying for, about the company, and even about the industry as a whole. You don’t want to seem uninformed or unaware of company news, industry trends, or about what you might be expected to do this summer as an intern. Scout the company’s website and dig online to find out what you need to know.

Be Creative

The interview is all about showcasing who you are. Don’t be plain or ordinary – use the interview to show your prospective employer what makes you different and unique. The interview is about making a good and lasting impression; creative answers that highlight your strengths will make you standout from the crowd.

Be Relevant

Your head is probably packed full of great stories, past experiences, and reasons why they should hire you. During the interview, it can be easy to get side-tracked or off-topic. Be sure to keep yourself relevant and to answer the question asked with the most appropriate answer.

Be Honest

A little white lie never hurt anyone – but it could prevent you from getting the internship. From your resume to the interview, don’t get yourself in trouble by lying or being dishonest. From embellishing to exaggerating to simply making it all up, it’s just not worth it and employers have been known for doing a little investigating of their own.

Be Curious

The interview is a two-way conversation and you’ll be expected to contribute to asking some of the questions. You should always prepare a few questions that you have about the company or the position prior to walking into the interview. By showing initiative, interest, and simply wanting to know more, it demonstrates that you are serious about the position and that you’ve taken the time to do your research.

Be Professional

This goes without saying – conduct yourself in a professional manner during the interview. From dress (err on the side of being formal) to grooming (clean-shaven and freshly showered), you want to look and act professionally in front of your prospective employer. You’re not out with your friends, so keep everything from word choice to the subject of stories appropriate for the interview environment.

Be Courteous

Bring your best manners to the interview with you. Always be polite and respectful during the interview, such as not interrupting the speaker and saying “please” and “thank you.” When you’re all finished, always send a thank you note, either via mail or e-mail, to the interviewer to thank them for their time and to reiterate you interest in the position.

Be Relaxed

Your goal during the interview is to act natural and to make the interview seem more like a comfortable conversation. Don’t be nervous, high-strung, or all stressed out. Take a deep breath before after each question to give yourself a moment to think and calm yourself. The company is looking to hire an accomplished, genuine, and personable employee; respond like you’re that person.

Be Yourself

Companies aren’t looking to hire robots and sounding like one in the interview won’t help your chances. The interview is all about getting to know the company better and for the company to understand who you really are. Remember, just be yourself and you’ll do great.

By following these commandments of interviewing, you’re all ready to go in and get the internship. Don’t worry or practice too much – just go into the interview with a positive attitude and stay true to yourself. Have an idea of what you stand for, what you’ve done, and why you are looking at this particular company or internship. Don’t worry, the best interviews are more like conversations than integration sessions. Walk into your interview calm and with confidence – you’ve got this one in the bag.