Summer internship interview season is in full swing, bringing the high-stakes race to land the perfect corporate summer job.
Excelling in interviews is key to landing your dream role—a Brandon Hall Group study found 90 per cent of employers say a strong interview is crucial to success. The good news is there are science-backed aspects you can focus on to ace your interview.
Make a strong first impression
Research confirms the age-old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” But don’t worry, this can be a good thing if approached correctly.
Things that may seem trivial—such as dressing the part or holding eye —actually take on a psychological phenomenon.
UCLA researcher Albert Mehrabian discovered the 7-38-55 rule, which states seven per cent of communication is verbal, 38 per cent is the way words are said, and 55 per cent is body language and facial expressions.
Though this rule is not infallible, it’s basis is a foundation for those looking to maximize their interview performance.
The art of storytelling
The storytelling—or authentic communication—you do in interviews is a powerful tool when wielded intentionally.
Storytelling has shown to activate the brain’s empathy centres, boosting trust and connection. From this, research has derived a so-called golden rule: “If you treat me well, in most cases my brain will synthesize oxytocin, and this will motivate me to treat you well in return.”
Narratives which demand attention and emotional investment are the stories that invoke action on the audience’s part. A well-crafted story that remarks on the past, present, and future is professional yet authentic, and aims to be conscience while highlighting all your most relevant skills.
The balance between confidence and competence
Applicants who make it to the interview stage have been vetted based on their experience and qualifications—though a strong CV may open the door, it won’t get you the job.
According to psychological study on the “halo effect,” interviewers are likely to base their assessment of your general skills on your level of confidence.
This is the point where the importance of competence comes forth.
The popular STAR method—Situation, 20 per cent; Task, 10 per cent; Action, 60 per cent; and Result, 10 per cent—is a clever model to follow for that reason.
A study has found using the STAR acronym’s components to describe how you approached a previously encountered situation can help you organize your answers to best showcase your leadership and interpersonal abilities.
In an interview with The Journal, Glenda Fisk, associate professor and undergraduate chair in the Employment Relations Studies program says preparation and framing are key to striking the balance between confidence and competence.
“Find common interview questions. Practice those. Simulate. Actually know the real interview scenario,” Fisk advised.
Where to start
Understanding how daunting the interview process can be for students, Fisk advises students approach the interview process as a learning opportunity.
“Take [each interview] as a learning opportunity and think about how you can use those lessons in future interviews,” Fisk said.
Fisk underscored the importance of taking time to prepare oneself before an interview and utilizing services offered here at Queen’s.
Students have access to Career Services, which offers a wealth of resources to help students prepare for interviews to ultimately land their ideal summer job.
Students can connect with coaches for personalized advice on anything related to their career or further education. They also have free access to a self-paced career prep course, covering everything from interview techniques to career exploration.
Beyond interview and applications assistance, Queen’s students may be eligible to be a part of a unique program: The Queen’s Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP). Through QUIP, students gain 12 to 16 months of paid work experiences in industries related to their career goals.
For the University’s guide on preparing for interviews and job applications, click here.
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