Phone Calls
The professional contact may try to call you to speak with you about the date and time to show up for your experience.

• Be sure to speak clearly and slowly.
• Write down all instructions you are given, and make sure you understand the arrangements: What is the person's name? Time of the appointment? Directions to the location?

Prior to the Experience

• Check your school library, Guidance Office or the Internet for information about the organization. You can look for items like annual reports, public relations brochures, etc.
• Collect your thoughts about yourself: What particular abilities and skills do you have that would seem to work well in the career you are considering? What are your goals?
• Rehearse: It's okay to be nervous with any experience. If you are nervous, practice what you will say during your time with your contact (for information interviews especially).
• Write down questions you have for the employer.

During the Experience

• Don't risk being late; arrive 15 minutes early.
• Don't dress in strange, tight, or very casual clothes.
• Dress in a conservative style (girls: dress or pant suit; guys: sport coat and tie or suit), unless you are specifically told otherwise.
• Leave most of your jewelry at home, and don't overdo the makeup or perfume.
• Be neat and well groomed.
• Don't chew gum.

Reminders

• Make sure you treat secretaries with respect and dignity.
• Be polite and proper. Establish eye contact and greet your contact by title and last name, smile, and give a firm handshake. Follow their cues.
• Never complain about school or an employer for whom you have worked.
• Be prepared with some questions of your own. Employers want students who are thinking and actively engaged in the process.
• Exhibit enthusiasm. Be attentive and interested.
  Be yourself. Don't suddenly try to change your personality and character.
• Maintain a sense of personal integrity.
• Maintain eye contact. Good eye contact conveys interest, trust, and respect.
• Listen. Don't get so wrapped up in formulating your own responses that you miss what the interviewer is saying.
• Be attentive.
• Be positive. Avoid negative language and comments.
• Don't criticize or ridicule others to make yourself look good. Keep the tone friendly and pleasant.
• Express yourself. Speak clearly and audibly. Leave the slang at home. Be confident. Share your goals, interests, experiences that apply. Comment on work you want to do.
• Ask questions. Try to understand the organization. Ask about opportunities they may have available.
• Say thank you. At the end, express appreciation.

After the Experience

• Always write a thank you note, thanking the person for their time and mentioning how you enjoyed meeting them. This gives you opportunity to restate a highlight of your experience.
• Provide more material, if requested.
• Talk with your Career Coordinator and/or Guidance Counselor about the experience. Give them good feedback.
  

*Adapted from "Interviewing Guidelines," Messiah College Internship Program.