U.S. Money Reserve on How to Prepare for Your Next Internship Interview

You’ve been submitting resumes and cover letters for the past few weeks in the hopes of landing the ideal internship position for the upcoming semester. You have your eyes set on a few opportunities, and you have put a great deal of effort into creating the perfect. Then, you get a phone call telling you that you have been invited to the first round of interviews for the position, so now it’s time to prepare.

First impressions during an interview are very important. 33 percent of hiring managers know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether or not they will hire the individual, which means that your first impression matters.

With its extensive internship and interview experience, U.S. Money Reserve has developed five tips for how you can prepare for your next internship interview.

1. Be prepared with an opening statement. 

It’s almost like entering a negotiation; an opening statement helps set the stage and puts you in a position of confidence, which is exactly what you need in an interview. Your opening statement could include your name, your school, a brief review of your experience, and the reason why you applied.

2. Make eye contact from the moment you walk through the door. 

67 percent of hiring managers share that the failure to make eye contact is a common nonverbal mistake, which is important when it comes to interviews. Failure to make eye contact can indicate a lack of confidence, which is important for a first impression.

Attempt to make eye contact with everyone in the room equally to ensure that you sweep across all decision makers during your interview.

3. Have a copy of your resume available digitally or on paper. 

While you know your resume like the back of your hand, having a physical copy of your experience available to reference will make the interview process easier. You might consider having additional copies for those in the room as well.

4. Practice your handshake and other nonverbal communication skills.

Handshakes are important, along with other nonverbal communication such as making eye contact and smiling. Also, be sure not to cross your arms.

According to Forbes, poor nonverbal communication could very well ruin your interview. While your words and how you respond to interview questions are important, your nonverbal communication could arguably be even more important.

5. Have your references ready as the interview concludes. 

If you did not submit your references during the application process, you should be ready to submit them as the interview concludes. Have three references prepared so that the hiring managers can follow up if they are pleased with the interview.

An interview, especially for an excellent internship, can present a great deal of pressure for anyone. With first impressions being the most important part of any position you land, you should be as prepared as possible for the first time you meet with your hiring manager.

U.S. Money Reserve has a great deal of experience with internships, having posted impressive internship opportunities over the last several years. As such, the company’s tips are applicable to any student or postgraduate searching for their next career move.

About U.S. Money Reserve 

U.S. Money Reserve is based in Austin, Texas, and is proud to be one of the largest private distributors of government-issued gold, silver, and platinum products in the United States. Founded in 2001, U.S. Money Reserve has grown to service hundreds of thousands of clients across the U.S. To learn more, call 1-866-MINT-GOLD and ask to speak to an account representative.