Before the Big Day

Your first interview for your internship is coming up, but don’t panic! Take a deep breath and break down the run-up to the interview into a series of manageable chunks to prepare yourself.

Quick grooming tips

For gentlemen

• The clean-shaven look is always a safe bet. Get rid of any stubble or wispy facial hair. • Keep your hair neat and make sure that your fringe doesn’t spill past your eyebrows. • Don’t be afraid to accessorise. Go for a solid watch or a simple pair of cufflinks to complement your outfit. • Don’t overdo the cologne and aftershave. For ladies

• Keep your nails in neutral or natural colours – glaring colours or designs may unnecessarily distract interviewers. • Make sure to style your hair so that it stays in place and out of your face. • If you plan on wearing jewellery and make-up, keep things subtle and simple. You want your personality – not your accessories – to shine through!

One week before

Start by getting the dress code right

Objective: Look the part of an impressive candidate. Your interview is a chance to show how well you could fit into the company, and this includes your appearance. Take a look at the recruiter’s website for clues about what the staff at the organisation consider to be appropriate business wear and copy them. Err on the side of formality if you’re unsure – it’s always better to come overdressed instead of underdressed.

Your clothes should be clean, fitted and pressed. Be sure to cover up any tattoos, and if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, make sure your teeth are stainfree.

The night before

Prepare everything you’ll need in advance

Objective: Have everything you’ll need ready so you don’t rush the next day. • Prepare and hang up your interview outfit in advance so you won’t have to stress out about what to wear. • Pick a handy, compartmentalised document bag or folder to store your stuff in. Be sure to organise everything for easy access. • Prepare three additional printed copies of your resume on good, solid paper. You never know if additional interviewers might show up unannounced! • Get a good night’s sleep to ensure that you’ll be well-rested when the morning comes. You’ll want to be as sharp and alert as possible in the interview room. 2 hours before

Depart for your destination

You know how traffic generally has a way of working against you when you need to get somewhere in a hurry? This isn’t a good day to test that theory! Leave early to ensure you arrive at the destination before your appointed time. Remember that when it comes to interviews, arriving “on time” is the same as arriving late.

30 minutes before

Arrive at the premises and get comfortable with your surroundings

Objective: Reduce your anxiety and get into a positive frame of mind. Arriving at the location a good half hour before your appointment will give you enough time to take a breather and get to where you’re supposed to be with the least amount of aggravation.

Now’s not the time to fret about what you took the time to remember and how you’ll come across at the interview. Draw up a mental list of things you like so far about the place – it could be the colour of the carpet in the reception area or the pile of magazines on the coffee table – and focus your mind on that. This will help calm you down.

20 minutes before

Introduce yourself and break the ice

Objective: Get used to talking in your new surroundings by striking up a conversation with someone who works for the employer but won’t be interviewing you. With any luck, the first person you’ll encounter is a receptionist expecting your arrival. He or she may ask you to sign in before taking you to the visitors’ area.

Be friendly and appreciative, as you should be towards anyone you come into contact with in the building, be it the cleaner or the CEO. 10 minutes before

Meet and greet the interviewers

Objective: From the very start, treat the interview as if it’s a meeting between two parties, not a one-way interrogation. There’s usually a short explanation of how the interview will be structured. Commonly, the interviewers will begin with an overview of the company and the internship role you’re being interviewed for. This preamble is the most “nonjudgemental” part of the interview, so enjoy it and take the opportunity to ask some smart questions.

Crunch time

Demonstrate your skills!

Objective: Use your innate skills and experiences, putting to good effect what you’ve learned through this guide and other sources. Introductions are typically followed by the most time-consuming part of the interview: questions to find out whether you can do the job and whether you have the motivation to do so. Finally, you’ll get the chance to ask questions of your own.

You may also be given a short test to complete before or after the interview, depending on your role. This may be to establish the level of your skills pertinent to the job, or a more general evaluation of your preferred working style. It’s likely that you’ll be informed of this ahead of time, so follow all instructions carefully, plan your time, and focus on the task.

If you’re applying for a graduate internship, the assessment process might be more extensive and carried out separately in an assessment centre.