Tips for acing your internship interview

Read the text to the end and check out essential tips for acing your internship interview!

We know that internships are a very important time for everyone going through undergraduate studies, but the interview can be a challenge.

The pressure to find a job amidst so much competition can be a major challenge. 

And after finding that dream job, there's still a stage that keeps many candidates awake at night: the interview! 

At times like these, one of the main thoughts candidates have is: how can I stand out in these situations? 

With this in mind, and to help those who are going through this type of situation – or who will go through it in the future – we created this content, with practical tips to get noticed during the interview and land that coveted paid internship!

The following text will be divided into topics, and the subjects covered will be as follows:

• The importance of the internship interview.
• 5 tips for doing well in an internship interview
• Conclusion

The importance of the internship interview.

When students begin their studies at university, a whole new world opens up for them. 

New knowledge, new people, new responsibilities… 

And speaking of responsibility, one of the main requirements during graduation is the mandatory completion of an internship.

For the vast majority of young people seeking an internship during their undergraduate studies, this will be their first contact with the job market. 

This makes the selection process for obtaining this internship the gateway to the profession that the university student so desires.

Securing an internship is essential for any student. Besides allowing students to put theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom into practice, this opportunity enriches their resume, providing new experiences and helping them discover the possibilities their professional future holds.

That's why being successful in an internship interview is so important!

5 tips for acing your internship interview

Now that you understand a little about the importance of the internship interview in the formation of a successful professional, it's time to check out the tips we've prepared so you can stand out during the selection process and land that dream job! 

Research the company beforehand.

This is one of those tips that applies both to those seeking an internship and to those who have already passed that stage and are looking for conventional jobs. 

When called to participate in a selection process, a fundamental step is to thoroughly understand the company you are trying to join.

With this information, it becomes much easier to accomplish this task. Try to learn about the website, social media, projects the company participates in, the clients it serves, and its target audience… 

Knowing all this information beforehand will greatly help you do well in the interview.

In addition to demonstrating your interest in the organization, knowing this information will give you more confidence in answering any questions recruiters may ask you about the company and its activities.

Plan to arrive on time!

It goes without saying how important it is to respect the schedules imposed by the company, right? 

Arriving late for an internship or job interview not only shows a lack of respect for the company and recruiters, but also gives the impression that you are not a well-organized person when it comes to your schedule.

To be honest, ideally you should plan ahead so you arrive even before your interview time. 

Therefore, if you are going to the interview location by bus, plan ahead regarding the schedules of the available lines so that you can do everything more calmly.

Of course, we are all subject to unforeseen events during our journey. In such cases, contact the company as soon as possible and explain the situation. 

Put extra effort into your resume.

I know, I know… You must be thinking, “How am I going to make my resume stand out if I’m looking for my first internship?” Come on, let me explain!

Even though this is your first time entering the job market, there are many ways to make your resume more attractive to recruiters. 

After all, they know that the professional experience of those seeking an internship is usually limited.

But they're not just looking at your previous professional experiences. 

During selection processes – especially for internship positions – there are some requirements that are usually highly valued, such as courses, workshops, lectures, and fluency in other languages, for example.

Therefore, the advice is: invest in these types of training. 

In addition to being a great way to compensate for a lack of prior experience, these skills are excellent for enriching your resume, making it more attractive to the job market.

Pay extra attention to the Portuguese language.

Regardless of your field of work, mastering the Portuguese language is essential! 

Therefore, during the selection process and its related activities, pay close attention to your Portuguese and the correct use of vocabulary, avoiding errors in both speaking and writing.

Another important tip is to avoid slang and the use of too many informal words. Many interviewers don't usually look favorably upon this type of behavior during the selection process.

Always maintain a professional demeanor.  

Just because you're a student at the beginning of your career doesn't mean you need to put your professional demeanor on the back burner. 

By adopting a professional demeanor during the selection process – which involves everything from how you dress to how you interact with people – you will be showing recruiters that, despite being at the beginning of your career, you prioritize it, making them view you favorably!

Conclusion on how to do well in an internship interview.

As you may have noticed throughout the text, internship interviews aren't as daunting as they seem, right? 

Of course, nervousness is normal – after all, it's your first contact with the job market – but it's important to know how to control this feeling and not let it overwhelm you during the selection process.

By following the tips in this text – always remembering to control your nervousness – your chances of making a good impression on recruiters and landing that dream internship position increase even more! 

Believe in yourself and good luck!
Did you enjoy this content? Then take the opportunity to read also Career growth while working from home: is it possible?

Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

November 11, 2021