Tips for your next online internship interview
Ready to land your next internship?
If you are looking for an internship abroad, here are some tips that are going to help you do great in your interview!
- Remember that an interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Answer each question as if the interviewer asked you “Why are you the best possible candidate we could hire?”
- Double check your time zone – do so here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
- Practice interview questions with a friend – see examples below!
- Research the company before your interview.
- Be online 15 minutes before the call and send your interviewer an invitation with the message “Hello, my name is XYZ. I am ready for the call” just before the call.
- Plug in your computer power cord and headphones before the call begins.
- Ensure a good internet connection! Schedule a practice call/interview with your coordinator before your real one to verify your connection quality and practice answering questions. Also be sure there are no distracting background noises.
- Look into the camera during the interview, not at your face. Put a Post-It note over your face on your computer screen if it helps you focus.
- Take it slow! It is better to take a few seconds to think of an answer before simply beginning to talk.
- Know what the company does and how you would fit in – why are YOU the best person for that position?
- Ask questions about the position, the company, and even your interviewer.
Example interview questions
- Walk me through your CV and tell me how it applies to our vacancy.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What do you think you can specifically contribute to our team?
- What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years?
- Why do you want to work abroad? Why do you want to work in this country?
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
- What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?
- Why do you want this job? What do you like most about the job description?
- Who was your best boss? Who was your worst boss?
- Tell me about a time you failed or could not complete a task assigned to you.
- How would your best friend describe you?
- What are you passionate about?
- Be prepared to answer situation-based questions (see examples below)
- For a front desk vacancy: What would you do if a guest came to check in but their pre-paid reservation isn’t in the system and there are no available rooms?
- For an F&B vacancy: What would you do if the chef burnt a guest’s meal and they are in a hurry to get to the theater after dinner?
- For a culinary vacancy: What would you do if you were the chef that burnt a guest’s meal… twice, and the restaurant is really busy?
What to ask the interviewer?
- What do you like about working here?
- How would you describe a typical day in this position?
- Is this a new position? If not, what is the previous employee doing now?
- How many people work in this area of the company?
- What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
Also, you may find the following videos useful:
How to prepare for your Skype interview:
8 common interview questions:
Before, during, and after your internship interview:
5 tips for your phone interview:
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