Internship Interview Advice

An internship is very important, as it provides an opportunity for you to meet with agency supervisors to discuss various facets of the proposed placement. At this time, issues and questions about both the agency and student responsibilities can be addressed. If the answers are not satisfactory, then either you or the agency, can reject the placement proposal. In short, the internship interview should be considered a regular employment interview. The following are some basic items to consider before the interview.

YOU SHOULD KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE AGENCY.

Some things to consider are staff size, area of jurisdiction, and general functions. If possible, you review current events related to the agency and the immediate area. Some agencies will be willing to send you their most recent annual report, a public document.

DRESS ACCORDINGLY.

Before you leave for the interview, check your appearance, including the following: combed hair, clean fingernails, shined shoes, and so forth. Our basic recommendation is that men wear a tie and jacket and women a dress or suit. Check with the faculty advisor regarding appropriate dress if you have any questions. For example, in some criminal justice agencies working with youths, it is acceptable to wear jeans and a casual shirt or sweater, since the staff are actively engaged with young clients in sports and other activities. Chewing gum, wearing strong perfume or after shave, or wearing evening dresses or skin-tight clothing project a negative image in an interview/work situation.

APPEAR ALONE AT THE INTERVIEW.

While this may sound trivial or obvious, some of our students have brought friends, relatives, or parents to the interview. This looks unprofessional. If they must accompany you for some reason, have people wait outside the agency premises during your interview.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY. Vehicle break down, traffic gets tied up, and unexpected things happen. Present yourself to the receptionist, secretary, or agency head at least five minutes before the appointed time.

BE ALERT AND ASK QUESTION. Not only should you be able to answer questions posed by the interviewer, you should be prepared to ask questions related to the internship based on your preparation for the interview.