Quintessential Careers Press: The Quintessential Guide to Finding and Maximizing Internships Chapter 3: Applying Job-Search Skills to Obtaining an Internship Page 27 Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to questions. (See our Guide to Researching Companies.) Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems. Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer and the company he or she represents. Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question aloud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the innternship you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it. Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager. Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you. Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest. Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the internship and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.) Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling. Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details. Previous Page Next Page Back to The Quintessential Guide to Finding and Maximizing Internships Index Page