Internship Handbook for Undergraduates

Career Services - Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy

Interviews and Offers

Do your homework

Read everything you can find about the organization before the interview and research their website. Talk to past interns or read their evaluations and policy papers (available in the Career Services Office).

Be on time

Arrive fifteen minutes before the scheduled interview. Make sure you have good directions if you are driving.

Dress conservatively and appropriately

Even if you are interviewing at casual organizations, it is preferable to be overdressed than underdressed. Men should wear a suit or coat and tie.  Women should wear a suit or conservative dress. Do not chew gum.

Use appropriate body language

Give a firm handshake.  Make eye contact.  Smile and sit still. You should appear relaxed and confident.

Listen carefully and answer questions thoroughly

Your responses should be clear and brief.

Be yourself

The goal is not to get any job, but to get a position that suits your skills, interests and personality. You are assessing the employer as much as they are assessing you.

If you are asked to list your weaknesses

Answer the question by explaining what you have learned about yourself through your weaknesses and mention steps that you are taking to overcome your weakness.

Ask questions

Have some prepared but make sure they are not something you could have learned from the website or other prepared material. It's okay to ask about compensation if they have not discussed it with you yet, but leave it until last.

Phone Interviews

If you are having a phone interview, make sure that your room or apartment is free of noise and distractions. Turn off the TV and the stereo and be waiting for the call.

Interview Conclusions

At the interview's conclusion, thank your interviewer and restate your interest in the position. Asking politely when they will notify you of their decision is okay.

Follow Up

Follow up your interview with a prompt thank-you letter. You should express your excitement about the position, reinforce why you would be a good match for the opening and ask any questions you did not ask during the interview.