Tips to Ace Interview for Your Internship Abroad: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you’re looking for an internship abroad, the interview process is undoubtedly one of the most important steps. It might be challenging to know what to expect, but you can ace the interview and land your dream internship with a little preparation. In this blog, we will give you helpful tips on how to prepare for an internship interview and what questions you might be asked. Let’s get started!

What to Expect from an Internship Interview?

Generally speaking, an internship interview will be similar to a regular job interview. But, there are a few key differences that you should keep in mind. An internship interview can vary depending on the company or organization you are interviewing with. For instance, some companies may opt for a more casual chat-based interview while others will stick to the traditional question and answer format.

No matter what type of internship interview you expect, there are aspects to consider. First of all, the interviewer will likely be looking to see if you are a good fit for their company culture. This means that it’s essential to research the company beforehand and be familiar with its values.

Additionally, the interviewer will want to know if you are truly interested in the internship position and if you have the necessary skills to complete the required tasks for the role. They may ask you questions about your resume or your motivation for applying to their company, and it’s important to be honest and specific in your answers.

Lastly, the interviewer will use the internship interview as an opportunity to get to know you on a personal level. They may ask about your hobbies or interests outside of work. This is your chance to stand out from the other candidates and show that you are more than just a list of qualifications.

Before you start the preparation for your internship interview, you should understand that the process may be different than what you are used to. So, to increase your chances of impressing your potential employer and landing the internship, keep in mind the tips we explain below.

Preparing for Your Internship Interview

Now that we know what to expect from an internship interview, let’s move on to how you can prepare for your interview.

Do Your Research.

It’s important to research the agency or organization you’re interviewing with. So, learn about the company’s history, mission, and values. This will not only show that you are interested in the position but will also help you be prepared to answer questions about why you want to intern with them specifically.

Be professional, and Dress Well.

Just as with any other professional interview, you will want to dress professionally and arrive on time. This first impression is essential in making an overall good impression on your potential employer.

Be prepared to talk about your experience.

Internships are all about learning and gaining new skills, so get ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they’ve helped you grow. The interviewer wants to know why you’re interested in the internship and what you hope to learn from it.

Be honest and open.

Be honest about your experience, skills, and goals for the internship. The interviewer expects to get to know you and determine if you’re a good fit for the position.

Be an active listener.

One of the most important things you must do in an interview is to listen carefully to the interviewers and their questions. This will help you understand what the interviewer is looking for and allow you to provide thoughtful and relevant answers.

Practice answering interview questions.

In addition to researching the company, it is also a good idea to practice answering common internship interview questions. It will help you feel more prepared and confident when it comes time to interview. Some sample questions you might need to answer include:

• Questions about your resume and experience
• Why are you interested in this internship?
• What qualifications do you have that make you a good fit for this position?
• What are your career goals?
• Why do you want to work abroad?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What qualities do you have that would make you successful in this role?
• Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at university or work and how you coped with it.
• What are your career aspirations?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Do you have any questions for us?

Ask questions: Questions to ask Interviewer During an Internship Interview.

At the end of the interview, you’ll be able to ask questions. This is your chance to learn more about the internship and determine if it is the right fit for you. Some sample questions you might ask include:

• What are the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of this position?
• Can you explain to me more about the company culture?
• What skills and experience will I gain from this internship?
• What are the expectations for this role?
• Is there room for growth within the company?
• What are the challenges I can face in this role?
•  What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

Provide examples of your skills.

Throughout the interview, be sure to provide specific examples of your skills and experience. It will help the interviewer observe how you would be a valuable asset to their organization.

Be aware of your body language.

Remember that your body language speaks volumes. So, here are some tips to improve your body language:

1. Sit up straight and make eye contact.
2. Smile and maintain a positive attitude.
3. Relax your body, especially your hands, and keep them at your sides.
4. Nod your head to show that you’re listening.
5. Don’t fidget or play with your hair.
6. Avoid crossing your arms or legs.
7. Take note of the interviewer’s body language.

Be Enthusiastic.

It’s important to show that you are excited about the opportunity to intern with the company. Be sure to use positive language when describing your skills and experience, and let your personality shine through!

Be yourself.

At the end of the day, the interviewer wants to know you and see if you’re a good fit for the position. So relax, smile, and let your personality shine through.

Practice, practice, practice!

In addition to preparing the answers to common questions, it’s also essential to practice your interviewing skills. This includes everything from making eye contact and maintaining good posture to speaking clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more confident and relaxed you will feel on interview day.

Virtual Interview Tips

With the current pandemic, many companies are conducting internship interviews online for virtual internship opportunities. While this may seem daunting, there are some tips you can follow to make sure you ace your virtual interview:

• Dress professionally. Just because you’re interviewing virtually doesn’t mean you can show up in your pajamas. Be sure to dress professionally, as if you were meeting in person.
• Make sure your background is professional and clean. This means no personal items or distractions in the background. You want the focus to be on you, not your surroundings.
• Test your technology in advance. This includes your webcam, microphone, and internet connection. You don’t want any technical issues during your interview!
• Use a good quality webcam. This will help to ensure that the interviewer can see you clearly and that your video is not choppy.
• Pay attention to your body language. Even though the interviewer can’t see you, you must sit up straight and maintain good eye contact (i.e., look into the camera, not at the screen).
• Smile and use positive body language. Again, even though the interviewer can’t see you, they can still tell if you’re smiling or not. Be sure to smile throughout the interview to show that you’re friendly and enthusiastic.
• Speak clearly and confidently. Just like in an in-person interview, you want to make sure you are speaking clearly and confidently. This includes avoiding distractions, such as looking at your phone or fidgeting with your hands.
• Take your time answering questions. It’s valid to take a few moments to gather your thoughts before responding. You want to make sure you are giving thoughtful, well-spoken answers.

A key aspect to remember is that virtual interviews are just like in-person interviews, so be sure to prepare and practice just as you would for an in-person interview.

Post Interview

After your interview, you should follow up with a thank-you note. This is another opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and make a good impression on the employer. In addition, be sure to stay positive and keep your options open. In addition, be sure to keep in touch with the company and stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments. This will help you keep your name top of mind for future opportunities.

Don’t give up if you don’t get the internship you want! There are many other opportunities out there. Therefore, keep trying, and you’ll eventually find the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips, you can ace your internship interview and land the position you’ve been dreaming of! 

And if you’re feeling nervous about your upcoming interview, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel going into it. 

Best of luck!

Check out these related posts:

• The Complete Guide to Applying For an Internship Abroad
• Types of Internships Abroad: Find the Perfect Fit for You
• Virtual Internships: The New Way to Intern