Insider Interview Tips

"Don't tell me what you would do; tell me what you DID!"

This was the response from a Target recruiter when a student asked about interview questions at a recent panel. Earlier this week, we invited several companies to speak about their internship opportunities at a panel during our yearly Internship Week at Career Services. After each company (Enterprise, Target, and Sherwin Williams) shared information about their awesome internships, students began to ask questions. One student in particular asked each recruiter to share interview questions and tips. They all agreed that they love to ask behavioral questions, those that start with, "tell me about a time when......." Here are some of their favorites:

 -Tell me about a time that you dealt with an angry customer.
 -Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what you learned.
-Tell me about a time that you worked on a team and what you contributed
 -Tell me about a time where you took initiative.
 -Tell me about a time where you exhibited leadership skills.

The key in answering these questions is to be very specific and to not generalize. Actually tell the recruiter a story. And remember to tell the recruiter what you did in each situation, not what you would do.

Recruiters all agreed that candidates need to do their homework and research the company and the position. Candidates need to be truly interested and enthusiastic for the position and to work at the company. Most importantly, students need to be able to answer these two questions:
 -Why do you want this internship?
 -How will you add value to our team and to our company?

Well, I hope these insider tips can help you prepare for your next interview. Swing by Career Services to pick up our Interview Guide and let us help you prepare for that interview!