Co-op Interview

[Fontaine]

Well it seems that a company I REALLY want to work for has selected me for an interview from my class. The position is a 4 month co-op position in the petroleum engineering field, I'm not sure if the interview will be a behavioral based interview or not but it has me worried. Mainly because I never really had a "real" interview, and this is basically a job that will almost guarantee me a full time position with a fantastic company after i graduate.

What I'm looking for are some tips to kind of give me an edge, and do all all questions have to be related back to previous work experiences (or can it be recreation/sports/other activities)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deluge Of Sound]

Clean yourself up.

My buddy just got a co-op gig in civil engineering, he said it was really relaxed and mellow. I'll ask him some of the finer points on your behalf next time we chat.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

Go in with the biggest, bloodiest axe or other bladed weapon you can find.

Or bring 2

Disclaimer: the poster of the above is totally joking, but should you do so: no pics, no interview!

EDIT: actually forget pic... no VIDEO, no interview!

 

[dangnewt]

Be yourself - but be the best yourself possible. To some extent, the only way you get better at these things is to do them. If you are lucky, they know that you will be a bit nervous and will not necessarily be polished and will do their best to help you express yourself (heck, they may even appreciate that, I am a little leery of people too polished for their years). Do some research on the company and ask questions that show the interviewers that you are genuinely interested in what they have been doing. All answers do not have to be related back to work experiences. Use everything in your life - think in terms of generic skills - leadership, work ethic, problem-solving, teamwork, etc. The more concrete the example the better.

Good luck. From your post, I can tell you are excited about entering this field and that will be appreciated by the people who are already in it.

 

[KeithBMI]

Tell them your first name is Earl. That is a great name for someone in the petroleum business.

 

[MJ5150]

Maintain eye contact with anyone asking you questions. Don't stare out the window or at the ground when answering questions.

-Mike

 

[steve21]

If you have a couple of weeks, apply to as MANY places and try to get as MANY interviews as you can.

Learn how to sell yourself.
Eye contact, confident voice. They're interviewing you because they want you (not 100%, but enough to interview) you' just have to prove they're right in doing so.

 

[bongomania]

I highly recommend Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions by Martin John Yate.

 

[Fontaine]

thanks for the replies!

some of those are really helpful, if anyone else more please share.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

Seriously: Just be yourself. Be calm, even, all that good zenny stuff and you'll do FINE