EPT
Exit Interview
| Blogs > Steelflight-Rx |
|
Steelflight-Rx
United States1389 Posts
| ||
|
ahrara_
Afghanistan1715 Posts
I think the key is to remember that the point of these isn't to judge you, it's so they can judge themselves. It's sort of a self-evaluation tool. If you want something out of them, like a letter of recommendation, ask for it before hand. Expect questions about what you've learned, what they can improve, etc. etc. Be honest because they're looking for genuine feedback, but don't offend. Like don't tell them to jump off a cliff and die. In general, be chill. | ||
|
Elric
United Kingdom1327 Posts
Have a good think about what you did over the internship and write it down. Even if it's not much or low-level work you can always spin it up (within reason ofc). Try to categorise what you did so its easier to remember. E.g. Developing particular skills ( I did some work for X which involved preparing for presentations... I did some research for Y.. some drafting.. client communication etc. etc.) Or maybe your work was split into different departments.. I learnt about X, Y, Z products blahblah. Other Qs you can expect could be.. "How do you think we could improve the internship?" Prepare the standard "Yes, it was great apart from these small [insert 1-2 clever things]". Another one is "Do you think you have experienced a unique culture within our company that sets us apart from our rivals?" Also as usual, prepare 1-2 questions to ask the interviewers. As you've experienced the company now you can be much more specific and interesting. Again, as usual hone your questions to the interviewers. The likelihood is that your interviewers will be from HR so ask about future career development opportunities (e.g. specifics on the career path, work abroad maybe, switching between departments.. I dunno).. If it's some one from management then focus the Qs more towards the work they do and the clients they have. Above all, just be enthusiastic about the whole process and look like you've thoroughly enjoyed yourself. Extra note: I shouldn't over-emphasise the sucking up bit. I'm sure you won't but I've seen people who suck up so much and it reflects really badly. When they ask for constructive feedback, don't be too worried about saying "this part of the internship wasn't that helpful" AS LONG as you have thought-out justifications and a good alternative to what they could be doing. Hope that wasn't too patronising and GOOD LUCK  | ||
|
HeavOnEarth
United States7087 Posts
BE YOURSELF and confidence! you don't need to prepare and plan the whole thing out; theoretically you've been preparing the whole time you were at internships of course if you are a somewhat intrapersonal ish person, prepare a speech! ^that^ = being yourself ( just for example ) AND of course if u slacked off ( not accusing, just offering advice ) during the internships , then of course prepare the whole speech, ask other people what the interviews asked for ETC. ~ also don't forgot to thank everyone for their time and be courteous to everyone ; tell them what a great learning experience it was and how it will impact your life and you are good to go! and no I've never had an interview for internship before, so don't take my advice too seriously ; just offering on what seems to be logical | ||
|
ahrara_
Afghanistan1715 Posts
In any interview go in prepared, but not rehearsed. Know what you're going to say, but don't "prepare a speech". Be courteous, but don't go overboard. Elric: I don't understand the point of asking questions. This interview isn't for his benefit, it's for theirs. If you were going to make any valuable relationships, you would've done that already. If the person interviewing you is somebody you think you might be calling up again for some reason in the future, and you have a good relationship, you can do something memorable like leave a small gift, but otherwise, just act normal and respectful and GTFO. Otherwise, I really liked what Elric posted. As a rule of thumb, in these situations usually the best thing to do is use your best judgement. The wrong way to go about it is to think of it as a collection of unspoken rules you don't know about. There's no such thing. Be yourself and do what feels natural. | ||
|
HeavOnEarth
United States7087 Posts
| ||
|
Elric
United Kingdom1327 Posts
On August 04 2008 08:05 ahrara_ wrote: Elric: I don't understand the point of asking questions. This interview isn't for his benefit, it's for theirs. If you were going to make any valuable relationships, you would've done that already. If the person interviewing you is somebody you think you might be calling up again for some reason in the future, and you have a good relationship, you can do something memorable like leave a small gift, but otherwise, just act normal and respectful and GTFO. I should have been clearer sorry. I just meant for him to prepare the questions in case they do ask, (as they have done in my experience). Also, although we're not sure exactly what type of exit interview this is, they are rarely in my experience purely for their benefit. Even supposing that it is in theory purely for the company's benefit and there is no formal evaluation in this interview...the interviewer will develop an impression (incl. on top of any existing one). This person may have some impact however indirect/slight on the decision of making an offer. My thinking is therefore that you might as well come across as good as possible as you never know when it will pay off (and in a competitive job environment, every little bit helps!) I take your point about it being a bit late in the day for valuable relationship building. But again, there's no harm in doing it. Also, (again I can only take from my own exp) large companies/firms have so many HR staff that its pretty much impossible to have built a good relationship with all of them.. So its likely that the HR interviewer is someone new so the above stuff about setting a good impression should apply. When they come round to discussing offers (formally or informally), it will help to have another person 'on side' or who has at least a good experience of the interviewee. | ||
| ||
