Stop talking. It is that simple. Students have a hard time understanding that the amount that they talk isn't that important during the internship interview. Also, realize that it is okay to say "I have no idea." The recruiter knows that you are interviewing for an internship, so they don't expect something crazy. So, my point is, keep it simple during the internship interview and when you get nervous, talk less, not more.
It is very easy to get nervous during the internship interview and start to work vomit about your internship resume or how crafty your internship cover letter is. Remember, less is more, especially when the hiring manager or recruiter goes back to her desk and starts to think about all the internship interviews he or she has done. She will only remember one or two great or bad things from the internship interview, so don't keep telling her more and more and more. Tell her less, but make sure she remembers what it is that you tell her.
Go into the internship interview with a couple points you want to get across and nail home. Go back to these and remember that it is important to do one thing really, really well. Nobody cares about a jack-of-all trades. hiring managers and recruiters want an intern that get get normal things done well, but may be able to knock a couple tasks out of the park.

Comments