In honor of National Intern Day, Maria Ortiz, Matern Staffing’s 2026 Summer Intern, shares her takeaways regarding what makes a big difference in an interview.
Tips from a Recruiter Intern
Interviews can be nerve-racking, but they also give you the chance to show employers who you are beyond your resume. During my time as a recruiter intern, I learned that technical skills and experience matter, but preparation, communication, and professionalism often make the biggest difference.
Here are a few tips to help you leave a lasting impression during your next interview.
Prepare the Right Documentation
Start preparing before the interview begins. Complete any required paperwork using your legal name instead of a nickname. If the employer asks you to bring identification, have physical copies ready and make sure your IDs are current. Staying organized shows responsibility, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Know Your Resume Inside and Out
Your resume tells your story, so know every detail you’ve included. Keep it updated with your latest accomplishments, and prepare to discuss specific projects, challenges, and successes. Interviewers often ask follow-up questions to better understand your experience, so thoughtful, confident answers help build credibility.
Use Real Examples to Answer Questions
Behavioral interview questions help employers understand how you’ve handled situations in the past. The STAR method gives you a clear structure for your responses:
- Situation: Describe the context.
- Task: Explain your responsibility.
- Action: Describe what you did.
- Result: Share the outcome.
Draw examples from work, school, internships, or volunteer experiences to demonstrate your skills and problem-solving abilities. Keep your answers focused and relevant so interviewers can easily follow your story.
Show Genuine Enthusiasm
Show employers that you’re excited about the opportunity. Explain why the position interests you, what attracted you to the company, and how the role supports your career goals. Genuine enthusiasm leaves a positive and memorable impression.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company to show that you’ve done your research and considered how you can contribute. Your questions also help you decide whether the position is the right fit.
Stay Professional from Start to Finish
Professionalism involves more than dressing appropriately. Arrive early, listen actively, maintain eye contact, and communicate respectfully throughout the interview. Small actions like showing up on time, staying engaged, following up after an interview, and treating everyone courteously can leave a lasting impression.
One candidate in particular left a lasting impression. After the interview, she followed up and asked to send a thank you note to the hiring manager for taking the time to meet with her. Today, she has been with the manufacturing company for nearly 90 days, performing outstandingly in her administrative role.
“That small act of professionalism helped set her apart, and today she’s thriving in her administrative position with the company.” – Maria O. Matern’s Summer intern 2026
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest lessons I learned as a recruiter intern is that you don’t need a perfect resume to stand out. Candidates who prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, show genuine interest, and act professionally consistently make the strongest impression.
Every interview gives you the opportunity to demonstrate not only your qualifications but also the value you’ll bring to a team. Put in the extra preparation, and you’ll give yourself the best chance to turn your next interview into your next career opportunity.
Ready to Stand Out in an Interview?
Now it’s time to put these interview tips into action. Explore our current job openings, find a role that matches your skills and career goals, and submit your application today.