2. The interview
• A dialogue conducted by the interviewer in order to gather as
many valuable information about the candidate, based on
which we can evaluate if the candidate is suitable for the needs
of AIESEC.
• The interview is the most used selection method worldwide.
Also, it is knows to be the least effective one, due to the
subjectivism of the interviewer.
12. Body Language
• Keep a straight but relaxed posture, a calm but not
monotonous tone of voice and remember to seem interested by
what is being said by using (moderated) head movements.
• Remember not to cross your hands in front of your chest as
this is universally translated as a defensive gesture.
• Keep eye contact but do not stare the applicant straight in the
eye since this tends to make people feel awkward.
13. Important!
• Don’t try to overanalyze the interviewer’s behavior,
as you will lose focus on the questions.
• You need to develop a rapport with the interviewer as
quickly as possible. Think about your non-verbal
communication: make lots of eye contact, smile and
sit up
straight. have good posture,
open your chest and speak
clearly.
15. What are we looking for?
Competencies Behaviors:
• Motivation & AIESEC Understanding
• Self Assessment
• Solution-orientation
• Adjustability
• Commitment
16. Some sample questions
• Motivation & AIESEC understanding:
What do you know about AIESEC?
What motivates you to apply for an internship?
Why did you choose an AIESEC Exchange (from the various other
exchange programs available)?
How do you think that you can bring impact to your country after
participating in this project?
17. Some sample questions
• Self assessment:
Do you have any kind of international experience? If yes which? (studying, internship,
travelling)
If the answer is yes - How was that experience for you? - What did you like most/least about
the other culture? - Which were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
How would you describe how you work in a team? What do you hope to develop by working
in an international team?
How do cultural differences influence team work?
Have you already been in a situation where friend/co-worker/relative has disagreed with you?
How did you deal with it?
What kind of people can you work/get along well?
And why do you feel you couldn't work/get along with the others?
What was the toughest or most critical feedback you've ever received.
How it did make you feel?
How do you think your strong characteristics are?
(please list 3 of them with one example)
18. Some sample questions
• Solution orientation:
Imagine you start your internship and the tasks you are asked to do are totally
different from what was stated in the job description you applied to. What do you
do?
Explain a difficult situation that you where in and how you got out of it or solved
it.
Explain one success (choice or outcome) that you are really proud of and why/what
did you do to achieve it?
Tell me an idea you think your current environment needs and
convince me to invest in your idea.
Tell us/me a situation where you had to do something you
didn't like, but needed to do to achieve your goal.
Give us an example of mistakes that were made in a team of yours.
How did you communicate and handle them?
19. Some sample questions
• Adjustability
You're part of a team. You and the team must finish a certain task that only you
know how to do, teach them or do it yourself: Why ?
What do you consider to be your biggest failure? Why things went wrong, what
would you change now if you had the chance?
Have you had a cultural shock? If yes, please explain.
• Commitment
What is the earliest date to start internship
What is the latest ending date of the internship?
What are the learning points that you expect
from the internship?
20. Preparing for the interview
• Undivided attention to the interviewer
• Repeat the information
• Prepare interview plan
• Know basic data about the project
21. Ice breaking
• Be open and relaxed
• Great warmly
• Introduce yourself (Education, age,
Extracurricular activities, Accomplishments so
far)
22. Giving information
• What you have done so far
• Try to give the full picture – be flexible
– Complete answer: background, what you did,
achievements
24. Before it starts
• Keep the interview room as noise free as possible and try to remove any
kind of stimulus that might cause you to lose focus.
• Do your research
You are certain to be asked specific questions about the project.
• Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every interview will follow, there are
some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should
prepare answers to some of the about your personal strengths and
weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would
be the best person for the project.
25. During
• Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing
extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take
with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and
remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be
nervous too!
• Ask questions
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to
demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum
of five questions, some which will give you more information
about the project.
26. Common mistakes
• Not showing an understanding of the
project
• Not saying how you did something
• Not knowing why you want this specific
project
• Coming across as unprofessional
• Not following up (send an email
again)
27. Sum up
• Be welcoming and relaxed.
• Have a general idea of what you want to tell
and how you want to look
• Make sure you get all the information you
want and that you also provide all the
information needed.
• Be objective and do not let yourself
be affected by others.
