Interviews are always tricky. You need to strike the right balance between being humble about the opportunity and being confident that you are the right candidate for the job.

There’s a lot you can do to prepare for an interview, but every process is a different process and may require a different preparation.

However, there are some ‘Must Dos” which are common in any interview. Here are some of these:

Be prepared

This is the first of the many baby steps. Research on the company and note the questions that you would like to ask them. If it is an overseas internship that you are applying for, it would be helpful if you research on the country, their culture and business practices, as well.

Dress well and opt for formal wear. A well-groomed look is always a big plus. Customise your resumé and cover letter to the company and profile you are applying for.

Keep copies of your resumé handy along with other documents and certificates that may be required. Do carry a notepad and a pen with you at all times.

Give out good vibes

It is often said, first impressions are the last impressions. Make the most of the chance and appear confident in front of your interviewers. Speak with a firm voice and make sure you maintain eye contact when you shake hands and during conversations.

Wear a smile if it helps you get comfortable and exude a positive appearance.

Be comfortable

 It is alright to take your time to answer the queries put forward to you. You can always ask the interviewer for clarifications before answering them in a hurry. It is all the more awkward going in a wrong direction just because you thought they might mark you down for not having active listening skills.

Also, it is always better to keep the answers smart and crisp rather than starting off with a backstory around it.

Highlight your strengths and achievements

 This is where you get to showcase your substance and wow your interviewers. Your skill sets are what will tilt the scales in your favour. You can give instances of when you had undertaken a leadership position while in college.

You can even emphasise your problem solving and analytical abilities and bring forth your soft skills.

Cite prior work scenarios

If you have prior work or internship experience, then make sure you use it to your advantage. For example, you can cite occasions where you had helped complete a project ahead of schedule or brought down the overall cost.

If you are in the creative field, you can carry work samples or better still, mail their soft copies before the interview so that they can have a look and bring it up during the discussion.

Send a mail post interview

 Once the interview is over and contact details have been exchanged you must make it a point to send a thank you mail. Begin by appreciating the time they spent with you and for giving the opportunity to hear you out.

ou can sign off saying you are looking forward to a positive response from their end and how much you would like to be a part of their team. This will help you come across as a sincere candidate and bring you a step closer to being selected for a valuable internship.

Now that you know how to prepare for an internship interview, go ahead and give your best.

It will surely open new doors for you and help build a network and gather a wealth of experience.

If you like this article, you may also like to read about “How an Internship in Malaysia can Help Your Career“.