Lately it seems that the pressure for my roommate and I to get internships this year is all we can talk about, and I'm sure we aren't the only ones. Getting a good internship can help give you an idea of what you want to do with your degree, or even give you a foundation for a career. No matter what major you are, or how far along in your college career, you can never be too prepared for an important interview.
1. Practice!
Practicing really can make a difference in how you preform in your interview. It can make you more comfortable with the variety of questions you'll get asked and can help you formulate responses ahead of time for tricky questions. For example, if they ask what you think your biggest weakness is, you don't want to say that you don't have any weaknesses, but you also don't want to indicate that you wont be a hard worker. Finding the balance in your answer ahead of time can give you a leg up over your competition.
2. Dress For Success
Jeans are never acceptable for an interview. Period. It's one of those things that you assume everyone knows, until you see someone show up in them. Plenty of jobs or internships will immediately dismiss people who are wearing jeans, because to a potential employer they mean you aren't taking the interview seriously. There is no blouse, or nice button-up shirt that will change that. In a perfect world people wouldn't care about what you look like, but in the real world presence matters. If you're tempted to wear jeans, wear navy slacks instead, the simple fabric change will make a difference to the interviewer.
3. Learn about your Potential Employer
Take the time to look up facts about the company or department you're applying to. This can help you formulate questions to ask during the interview, and help you answer questions that you're asked. Being able to provide company specific answers during an interview can help show employers that you care.
4. Be Excited
Whether or not this interview is for something that you've always dreamed of doing, or something you're using as a stepping stone, sound excited. When candidates are all similarly qualified personality and enthusiasm can be the difference that puts you ahead. You don't have to be crazy with it, just show your passions for what you've studied and how much you want to apply that to the position.
5. Don't Sell Yourself Short
You have amazing qualities, and can do so many (job relevant) things well. Don't be afraid to let your interviewer know. If you do amazing research, speak a second language really well, or just work really hard, let them know that you're the candidate that they don't want to miss out on. Don't get too cocky and claim your going to make the company great again, or anything like that, but absolutely let them know that you can be a fantastic asset to any team.
