An internship abroad gives you not only the chance to start a career abroad but also grow up and gain experience. But before that, we need to make an interview the best as we can. How to handle this? We will reveal the top tips in this blog.
An internship abroad can be beneficial to any aspect of your life. By getting yourself into an internship abroad, not only will you be preparing yourself for a job market that favors the ‘experienced’ and ‘international skills’ but you will also have a chance to jump into a new field, explore yourself and see which jobs available fit your character. Therefore, the most critical part of getting an internship abroad is to, yes you are right, impress your employer with your ability, skills, and passion. No matter how daunting interviews, in general, may sound, with a few guidelines and tips, you can actually prepare and bring the A game to your internship abroad interview.
Interviews can be daunting, but remember to bring a big smile with you. Photo: thebalance.com
Step 1: Know your Resume
Just like any first round of recruitment, employers will leave out a big number of applicants based on their CV alone. Therefore, it is obvious that your resume where you showcase all your skills, activities and academic results, has to stand out. Once your application is chosen and you are invited to an interview, make sure you know what you wrote in the resume like the back of your hand. The interviewer only has your resume as a clue of who you are and what you are capable of, therefore they will base on that to give you questions.
It would be a big red flag to employers if you can’t explain about that Group project you did in College or who was your previous internship supervisor.
Step 2: Research the Company
Remember to treat this internship abroad interview like a real interview. Because who knows, you might be talking to your future employer.
Research what the company does, its products or services. Take time to surf the company’s website or scan through news articles. Get as many details as you can and be ready to share with the employer your knowledge about the company. There’s nothing that impresses an interviewer more than someone who shows a real interest in the company and its goals.
Moreover, it is better for you to know more about the business culture of where you will apply.
Step 3: Know your Position
It is very likely that you have received a Job Description before getting in an interview. Study the job description and understand your main tasks, what skills you have that will qualify for these tasks and how will you plan to carry them out in case you lack the skills needed.
Step 4: Predict the Questions
Do some research and prepare for the most common internship abroad interview questions. You may not encounter the exact same questions but it is certain that you will have an idea of what you will be asked.
Why do you want an internship with this company? (Don’t say your Mom made you!)
What do you think makes you a good candidate? (Don’t say you aren’t sure!)
What do you think you will gain from an internship with this company? (Don’t say spending money!)
How does this internship relate to your career goals? (Don’t say it doesn’t!)
Some questions are unpredictable, but preparing for this standard set can help immensely. Remember these tips when practicing:
Don’t say um, hmmm, you know, or other fillers when speaking
Check your pace; nerves may result in flying through responses
Present your answers in ways that can help them see your strengths
Besides, there are some often-asked questions in an interview that may helpful for you.
Step 5: What to Wear
The first impression is very important as it will last for a long time and nothing is worse than arriving at an interview either underdressed or overdressed. Your appearance represents your attitude and interviewers observe this very carefully.
*General Rules:
Wear professional attire, conservative yet comfortable
Avoid clothing that is too tight or revealing
Double-check for any stains or wrinkles
Limit yourself to one or two standout pieces at most (funky glasses, chunky bracelets, large necklaces, bright shoes. etc.)
Always take the company into account when determining your outfit
Dressing appropriately for an interview is very important. Photo: today.com
Step 5: What to Bring
Employers like to have a lot of information in their hands and bringing your work can help them appreciate your initiative. This is especially important for internships in the arts, editing, or advertising that require samples for effective evaluation. Provide links to a professional profile, portfolio, or blog on your resume if possible, but a printed example they can actually hold will help them remember you and take time to look at your work right away.
If you don’t have anything to physically show then don’t worry. The idea of an internship is to gain experience and employers understand this. Some will test your skills by assigning a fictional assignment or project and asking you how you would go about completing it. Take this opportunity to prove yourself worthy of hiring.
Step 6: Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, interviewers will always ask if you have any question for them. Asking questions is a sign of interest and investment. Potential employees are ones who care about their job and have questions ready to ask. Here are some good examples of questions you might want to ask:
What will my daily tasks include?
What is the company’s philosophy behind hiring interns?
What do you like about your job?
What is the most rewarding aspect of working for the company?
Will there be opportunities to expand my responsibilities with the company?
Hope that you will find this blog helpful. Follow us for more of these helpful study/internship abroad articles here. See you soon in Vietnam someday in 2023 with our available opportunities right here:
Over 4000 international university students has joined
In-person internships
Vietnam
Fall & Winter 2023
4.76/5 ratings
Why travel abroad? Unfold your myth, meet new people, and explore your career path. Do an internship in Vietnam and bring home your own stories.
Our latest program in the health & medical department
Physiotherapy
Vietnam
Fall & Winter 2023
5/5 ratings
Fulfill the mission of healing the “broken ones” through the rotation of different rehabilitation departments while learning the art of Vietnamese physiotherapy
Dare to take the challenge of shaping a greener future? Join us in this incredible journey towards sustainability and circular economy effort in Vietnam.
Comments