A reader, Mike, sent me this gem: Interview with the Intern. The lessons:
- Mind your language — particularly in the cover letter. I tend to give more benefit of the doubt with affect/effect. But I don't have much patience with cover letters that misspell my name or the name of the company.
- Calm down. I've never been worried that people will tear off their clothes and jump out the window, but I have been concerned that the candidate will wear a hole in the carpet, their shoe, or will fidget his/her way out of the door.
- Flattery will get you nowhere. Well said.
- Don't make up stuff. I blogged a bit about this for resumes in Don't Even Think About Lying on a Resume.
- Be Sincere.
A great article from the hiring manager/company's perspective. Thanks, Mike, for sending it to me. If any of you have other intern stories (or general candidate stories), send them on. Especially if you have great advice.