CAREERS NOW 03-25-09

Get Ready For 2009 Internhip Interviews

DEAR JOYCE: A college junior, I'm trying for a summer internship this year. My interview at a local company is next week and I'm wondering how an internship interview differs from a regular job interview. Or does it? How do I find out what I'm likely to earn? - B.R.

The two differ chiefly in that internship interviews lean toward knowledge and competencies, while job interviews focus on experienced-based skills and abilities - it's a bud-and-rose difference.

NEW BALLGAME. In this year's internship landscape, you won't get an easy ride -- competition for summer '09 learning-working opportunities will be more like rush hour on freeways - hot and crowded. The pay range for most internships is already budgeted and perhaps impervious to your negotiating charms.

Despite the uphill climb, if you want to try your hand at negotiating internship rates, here's an approach: "My research suggests that the range of pay for internships in my field is $___ to $___. Can you confirm that my research reflects the market rate?

If confirmed, continue: "As my transcript shows, my professors rate me as above average. So what about paying me 75 percent of the range, with a review at the end of the summer if you'd like me to continue the internship part-time during the academic year?"

If not confirmed, take what you can get and negotiate for the future - a review at the end of the summer.

WHAT TO DO NOW. Review the classic internship interview tips that range from intense researching of the company, to packing your transcript in your interview folder. If you don't know these basics, a counselor at your campus career center or internship office not only requests the pleasure of your company, but probably knows the local internship pay rate for your career field.

And spend some online time at Glassdoor.com, a free site that reports salaries, ratings and reviews posted anonymously by employees of more than 21,000 companies. The site operates on a give-to-get basis, meaning users must contribute to the knowledge bank to draw from it. But students can get free access for a full year - without having to post anything.

SUCCESS MINDSET. Put yourself in the hiring manager's head and follow these five tips for internship interviewing this year:

1. Be like the hiring manager. We like people who are like ourselves. In the job market, the concept is called "mirroring."

2. Be likeable. Let the warmth of your personality shine through.

3. Be respectful. Unless first names are invited, everyone you meet is Mr. or Ms.

4. Be flexible. The times are dramatically different than only a year ago. You may have to accept less initially to get more later on.

5. Be forward looking. Your company and industry research should be current and note trends. Last year's data are, well, dated.

INTERVIEW CLOSE GUIDE. Don't let the end of your interview slide by with a simple "Thanks for coming in." Ask your version of these four questions:

1. Based on our discussion of how my qualifications fit your internship, do you see any reason why I'm not a good match? (If so, overcome the objection on the spot or in your follow-up letter.)

2. If I have further questions, can I feel free to get back to you? (Leave the door open.)

3. What's the next step?

4. When do you expect to make a hiring decision?"

NEW ADVICE. Unlike my previous advice in earlier times, don't ask to think over an offer you want that comes on the spot. Say yes. "I accept your internship offer and look forward to jumping in and working for you and learning from you.

Be sure to ask : "When can I expect your offer letter? What is the actual start date?" If the hiring manager says his company doesn't issue offer letters for internships, offer to write a memo of your understanding - for your own protection. Give a copy to your school's internship authority.

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