SLOVAKIA | Internship: At work | Applying for an internship
There is a competitive selection procedure to fill a vacancy. If you are interested in an internship or work position it is important to send a CV attached to a letter of motivation. You will find samples of CVs and motivation letters on Internet. If you make a good impression with you CV and the letter of motivation, your possible employer might invite you for an interview. The interview is difficult as it is you who can influence it by every single word you use, gestures, mimics and promptness as well as your knowledge and behaviour. At the interview you will meet a board of people from the company or institution and there are a few interview rounds. Thorough preparation for the interview plays the key role as it might on one hand persuade your possible employer that you are a consistent personality and on the other hand it might eliminate stress and stage-fright during the interview. Before the interview you should search for as much information as possible about your future employer. You can find most information on Internet. Read your CV and the motivation letter again and going from point to point prepare a short speech (a few sentences) for every part of it (education, experience, special expertise and knowledge, hobbies, etc.). Come in time so that you are not stressed. The first thing your possible employer or an HR will notice is your overall appearance – mainly the way you are dressed. You should therefore be careful about what you put on and formal clothes are the best option.
Questions you can expect at the interview:
- What do you know about our company?
- What made you decide for our company?
- How can you contribute to the development of our company?
- Describe your current position and your tasks.
- What made you feel satisfied in you current job?
- What made you disappointed?
- What are your strong sides?
- What are your weaknesses? Would you like to eliminate them?
- Where do you see yourself in 2, 3, 5 or 10 years?
- What would that mean for you if you received this position?
During the interview you can ask about things that are not clear – use this opportunity. Obtain the information about matters you are interested in and that are important. In any case don’t ask about the salary, holidays, or if you can have a day off during the probation period. The companies or HR agencies usually ask about how much you think you might earn. In such case do not overestimate but also do not underestimate. Give a realistic proposal and if necessary, talk about it with the possible employer. Currently, many companies and HR agencies organise a few rounds of interview. If you are successful in the first round, you will receive an invitation for the second round, which not different from the first round. The only difference is that you can present yourself to the higher company authorities, or to your future superior.