Searching & Interviewing for Co-Ops Abroad

Are you concerned that your study abroad program will interfere with searching for a Co-op? Applying and interviewing for a co-op while abroad doesn’t have to be different than doing it here in Philadelphia! Here are a few tips from the Steinbright Career Development Center.

Best Practices:

1. Students should act immediately when reviewing interview requests;
2. contact employers with specific dates and plans to meet upon return if they are returning within interview time frame;
3. and/or request skype/video/phone interview flexibility.  Keep in mind your interviews are subject to the time zone of the company. You may be interviewing in the middle of the night when abroad.

*** Not all employers will comply. ***

Please view the Calendar for Undergraduate Co-op Students here. Interview requests open at Midnight Eastern Standard Time and are due at 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on the indicated days listed on the calendar. Make sure you adjust for your time difference accordingly.

Tips for Video Interviews

Video interviews are not that different than in-person interviews. The same rules about researching the company, preparing for questions, and other tips should still be followed. Below are some tips that the Steinbright Career Development Center recommends when preparing for a video interview while abroad.

Before the Interview

• Ensure you have a quiet place to talk. Choose a room away from street noise, roommates and pets. Turn off the television, radio and any other media devices that may distract. Silence your phone, but have it nearby in case the interviewer has to call you due to technical issues.
• Test your sound and video with a friend well in advance of the interview so you have time to resolve any issues.
• If you are using a new video conferencing service, make sure you have tested the service, downloaded any necessary programs or plug-ins, and completed necessary troubleshooting prior to the start of the interview.
• Double check the time of the interview and ensure you have accounted for any time differences.
• Check the lighting and ensure the picture quality is good. Select a spot in front of a blank wall, so the interviewers will not be distracted by what is behind you. Tidy any clutter that may be visible to the interviewers.
• Ensure you are logged on early and that they have your user name (which should be a professional user name).

During the Interview

• Once the call goes through and they can see and hear you, smile, say hello and thank them for meeting with you.
• Know the names of the people who will be interviewing you, and use their names when addressing them.
• Give yourself time to answer the questions. There can often be a small delay on Skype, so pause, smile and then answer the question.
• Have all the same items you would have for a phone interview (paper, pen, glass of water, copy of résumé) beside you, but out of sight.
• Focus only on the interview. Do not have other windows open, or have anything going on in the background.
• Dress professionally. Sit up straight. Look directly into the camera. Smile.

Photo Credit:
Daniel Forsyth, Information Systems, "London, England"