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Whether it\u2019s your first job or an internship, the interview is arguably the most important step in the hiring process.<\/p>\n
While each job may have different dynamics and each job provider may have different needs, there are some universal qualities that most all employers are looking for.<\/p>\n
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1. Cancel or Reschedule On the Day of the Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n Stuff happens and it might not be fair, but most employers know that if it starts that way, it usually ends that way. By canceling on the same day, you\u2019re projecting that either the internship is not a high priority, or you\u2019re going to have trouble making it there.<\/strong> Either way, it\u2019s not good. If the internship is one that you really want and there\u2019s any small doubt you\u2019ll have trouble arriving, reschedule in advance to make sure you\u2019ll be there the day of.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Avoid Answering Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n You may get some questions you don\u2019t know the answer to and that\u2019s fine, but you don\u2019t want to simply avoid an answer (you know, the way politicians do). Example: \u201cCan you tell me about a time when you failed?\u201d \u201cWell, I think I\u2019ve always been lucky enough not to have any serious failures\u2026\u201d Another example: \u201cWhat interests you about this internship and our company?\u201d \u201cWell, I\u2019m looking for an internship in IT.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Don\u2019t Research the Company Before the Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n Ok, so far so good. You have a good rapport with the interviewer, you have his or her attention, and you seem like a good fit for the internship. Now here it comes: \u201cCan you describe what our company does?\u201d \u201cWell, I\u2019m not exactly sure\u2026\u201d <\/strong>That answer, or one that is completely off base, will probably put you in the \u201cno\u201d pile.<\/p>\n By not knowing what the company you are applying for does, what you\u2019re projecting is that:<\/p>\n a) You don\u2019t care enough to do your research<\/p>\n b) You\u2019re looking for whatever<\/p>\n c) You don\u2019t know how you will contribute<\/p>\n How could you if you didn\u2019t take the time to figure out why they exist?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4. Have Misaligned Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n Ever wonder about that question \u201cWhere do you see yourself in 5 years?\u201d, and why you hear that at every interview? Answer with something that has absolutely nothing to do with the internship, and you can probably keep looking elsewhere. For example: if you\u2019re interviewing for an IT position, your five year goal probably shouldn\u2019t be to become a famous writer of romance novels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 5. Project that You\u2019re Not a Team Player<\/strong><\/p>\n Example: \u201cWhat were your responsibilities on the team when you worked on that project?\u201d \u201cWell the guys on my team sucked so bad, I had to go off and fix everything.\u201d There\u2019s a reason Google doesn\u2019t hire lone wolfs. Even if you\u2019re great, you have to be able to pass the ball to win the game. Alternatively, here\u2019s an even worse answer from the other side: \u201cI didn\u2019t really do any of the code on that project, I just put it on my resume since I was part of the group.\u201d\u00a0 This shows that you are ok with not contributing anything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the end, it helps to remember the universal fact that above all else, an employer wants to know if you are the right fit.\u00a0 A big part of that is you wanting to be there and learn. Clearly, there are other ways to fail and not get the internship you want, but these are five of the most common.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nAlways know what the company does before the interview.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhy do interviewers ask the question \u201cWhere do you see yourself in 5 years?\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHere are five sure things you can do guaranteed to make your prospective employer pass.<\/a><\/div>\n