A Young Professional’s Guide to Internship Interviews

Written by Mandy Boyle, graduate student and freshly-minted communications professional

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover” a million times, but when it comes to making a good impression at your internship interview, the cover is just as important as the pages inside.

So where can you find out what others look for in an intern? Well, I posed the question to some communications pros on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn (ah, the power of social media!). When asked about what they look for in a prospective intern applicant, quite a few communications professionals shared their expectations, impressions, and best of all, advice for those seeking to land a position.

If you’re competing for a coveted internship spot, it’s important to come prepared. These tips from communications pros are sure to help you as you seek out internship success.

Preparing for the Interview

One thing rang true in all of the responses I received: come prepared.

“Learn the culture of the company,” said Casey Ficum, a Product Marketer at Acxiom Corporation. “To put it simply, the communications industry is not like the rest of the corporate world.”

Do your research about the company, the position in question, and offer a portfolio as a demonstration of your potential and experience. Portfolios can be either digital or in a physical book, but be sure that it contains samples of your absolute best.

Be sure the portfolio displays a variety of work so that the interviewer can get a better feel for how your skills can apply to the position. For example, if you’re applying for an internship in a PR firm, show off your writing, design, marketing, and social media chops with a variety of pieces. If you’ve worked with clients before, let them know!

Also, make sure that your resume and CV are neat, well-written, and updated. Give experiences relevant to the internship position and show the interviewer what you have to offer.

“I also find newsroom experience extremely attractive,” said Lori Russo, the Managing Director at Stanton Communications. “A candidate who walks in the door with a semester of experience in a TV or print newsroom automatically has a leg up on the others.”

Finally, be prepared to be questioned on your portfolio, CV, and resume. You may even want to do a few mock interviews before the actual one to feel a bit more prepared. NEVER lie on your resume, CV, or portfolio. Just don’t do it.

Dressing for Success

Now, down to business: dress code. This is a hot topic among young professionals and employers alike. What should the dress for the interview be? Can you look professional while still maintaining your own unique sense of style?

“I look for professional attire. I’ve always erred on the side of conservative dress, so I expect to see candidates, even interns, in a suit,” said Russo.

“Dress neatly, well-groomed, smart-looking, business professional or business casual,” said Frank Feather, Business Futurist and President of Glocal Marketing Consultants.

“As professional as possible,” said Dolores Nolan, Vice President, Membership at the Radio Advertising Bureau. “A little something special to show personality and style is great. Tie with style. Interesting jewelry. Also, clean, polished shoes please; will show attention to detail.”

“Women should be certain that the skirts or dresses are not too short or revealing. Men, please make sure that your ties do not have any stains,” said Annette Malave, Vice President, Business Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. “Those laundry commercials are correct – sometimes a stain on a shirt, tie or dress can be louder than the words you are saying.”

And there you have it.

During the Interview

Always be courteous and friendly to everyone you encounter on the way to the interviewer. Everyone from the administrative staff to the interviewer will be taking note of your demeanor. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile.

“A smile can be a great icebreaker – it can cheer up someone’s day,” said Malave. “Handshake – this is what I consider the first sign of someone’s confidence.”

When entering the interview, be prepared to be asked about all of the materials you submitted. If you practiced your questions, you’ll feel a lot better when you first get into that chair. But at the same time, be mindful of your mouth. Communications pros love it when you give great, full answers to questions – but don’t go too long. And don’t interrupt the interviewer when it’s his or her turn.

“Remember: The person doing the interview is always looking at you and wondering: Do I feel confident that this person could meet with an executive and create an immediate positive impression?” said Malave.

Stay as professional as possible, but don’t worry – they know you’ll be nervous.

“You’ll be nervous, and that is to be expected. But remember, we are all judged by others in a matter of a few minutes. That might not be fair, but it’s just the way it is,” said Nolan. “So, put all you got into preparing yourself to make a great first impression! If nothing else, the interview process is a great way to become more socially adept and meet new people.”

Show ‘Em What You’ve Got

You’re in the chair, ready to show what you have to offer. What can you do to make the right impression?

“With regard to substance, I like to see someone who has a grasp of how traditional and ‘new’ media play a role in communication and ideally has thoughts about where things are going,” said Russo.

If you’re entering the communications industry as an intern, you already have an interest and knowledge. Let the interviewer know what you know, especially if you’ve had prior experience with another company, communications firm, or executive.

“Work on your elevator pitch: degree, school, professional aspirations,” said Nolan.

Note conferences you’ve attended. Give details about what you hope to learn from the internship experience. Use the interview as an opportunity to get some feedback on your portfolio. Who knows? Maybe the interviewer will give you a tip that can change the entire course of your career.

Also, always be looking for ways to demonstrate your knowledge and experience.

“The only thing that impresses these day is when a candidate has a blog and/or YouTube channel,” said David Meerman Scott, author of The New Rules of Marketing and PR. “Start marketing yourself right away so that when you graduate, you have years of content on your blog. Having a well-done blog is much more important than a resume to get that first job.”

“Above all, be yourself,” said Nolan.

After the Interview

Thank the interviewer for his or her time and be friendly and courteous to everyone you encounter in the building as you leave. You never know who may be making the decision about your position.

Then comes the time for follow up. As soon as you get to a computer, send a thank you message to your interviewer. Or, give a phone call a few hours later or the next day.  If you really want to make a strong impression, go for a much more traditional approach:

“Follow up with hand written notes through old-fashioned post to anyone you interviewed with or gave you a business card,” said Nolan. “These days, that will stand out.”

Then, comes the wait. If you don’t get the position or hear back, continue to be as courteous as possible toward the company. You never know when you may get another chance. Always thank your interviewer for giving you the opportunity to meet with the company and express an interest in working together in the future. If you get the position, congrats! Be sure you arrive on time, express enthusiasm, work hard, and take things seriously.

“Interns should take their internships very seriously and consider it as potential opportunity for employment upon graduation,” said Lisa Pretko, Publisher of The Back Mountain Community News. “Many times interns leave great impressions on a company and upon graduation, are offered full time employment.”

You’ve heard the input from the pros. You have the tips and tools to walk into an interview with confidence. Now, what’s your take? Do you have any additional tips and experiences to share when it comes to internship interviews? Do all of these tips ring true? What about your own experience as an interviewee?

Mandy Boyle is a graduate student and freshly-minted communications professional. As a Search Engine Optimization Specialist for Solid Cactus and published freelance writer, Mandy is no stranger to compelling storytelling. When she’s not at her laptop or in the classroom, you can usually find her in the kitchen. Cupcakes are her specialty. Follow Mandy on Twitter at @mandyboyle or visit her website (http://mandyboyle.com).