I don't know about everybody else's experiences, but I get the feeling that internship interviews are inconsequential. These sites must know whom they want before you even show up. Every site I have been to has failed to really ask me any hard questions. Matter of fact, all they do is talk about their site. In addition, at many sites I interviewed with faculty whom I would not even be working with. This makes me believe that they determine their picks from the paper applications and interviews are just for show or to make sure you do not have 3 heads, etc.
Internship Interviews: Do They Matter?
- Thread starter edieb
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Much like grad school interviews...i think it is about "fit". I think they are looking for that fit.....paper credentials only go so far. There will always be back room dealings, but that is part of life. I think if you give off a vibe of not being interested, you are going to shoot yourself in the foot.....so go in with a good additude and do the best you can. If they don't choose you, so be it.
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Internship interviews definitely matter. There is little difference on paper among the people who get invited for interview. At most places, anyone who interviews you - whether you would be working with them or not - evaluated you on a likert-type rating form as well as open-ended questions. That feedback is seriously considered. Training directors do not want to have an intern who may bring serious interpersonal issues/ conflict, or an attitude. They want to know you are a well-adjusted person and that you can receive feedback. If you are not enthusiastic about a site, perhaps you should consider not putting it on your rank-order match list - maybe you are picking up on something else you do not like about the site. That's my 2 cents. Good luck! 
