Interview Tips

Traditionally, prospective candidates for jobs and internships are asked to submit a CV, fill out an application form or perhaps write a personal statement. However, this often leaves recruiters and employers lost in a sea of CVs, searching for a stand-out applicant.

This issue has become more prominent with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as job seekers become more reliant on AI platforms to craft compelling applications, enhance language and draft tailored CVs.

The use of AI in job applications can be a huge help, particularly if you're applying for your first role. You can create a clear and targeted application that best suits the role you are applying for. However, if used incorrectly your CV can become misleading or even dishonest.

Though AI tools such as ChatGPT are useful in refining your CV, it's important that your application demonstrates your individuality. If everyone is using the same tool to write their application, that doesn't leave much room for originality. And after all, the whole point in a CV is to demonstrate why YOU are the best person for the job, and you know yourself better than ChatGPT ever will.

On top of this, you must remember that your initial application is just one step in the process. Your communication skills and ability to work in the field are just as, if not more, important, and AI cannot replicate this.

Interview Tips

First, you need to secure the job. Interview scenarios are nerve-wracking for anyone at any stage in their life, but for teenagers, who have never been through this experience, the nerves are even greater. So, preparation is key:

Know the Role & the Company Read the job description and understand each component that the role requires. This is vital in helping you prepare valuable answers to interview questions. Research the company you're interviewing with and refer to the company's past and future endeavours during the interview. This demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the job.

Establish Your Skills & Qualifications Consider your skills, qualifications and relevant experience and understand how they relate to the job requirements. Making a list of your strengths can help you explain confidently why you’re the right person for the job. If you lack work experience, use real-life examples to answer situational questions.

Be Armed with Evidence Depending on what you’re applying for, it may be appropriate to bring references, a portfolio or even a copy of your resumé and cover letter. Leaving the interviewer with materials that outline your skills and successes will help them remember you and your suitability for the role.

Prepare for Common Questions Throughout the interview, the employer will ask a variety of questions. When preparing your answers, use the 'STAR' method: outline the Situation, Task, Action and Result. Not only does this give your answers structure, it also demonstrates your experience, skills and personality simultaneously.

Ask Your Own Questions Two can play that game! At the end of an interview, employers will ask if you have any questions for them. Whether you want to know more about what an average day looks like in the role or the next steps of the interview process, asking questions demonstrates enthusiasm and develops a further understanding of the job.

Dress to Impress If you want to come across as smart and professional, dressing as such can help you on your way there. Ensuring your outfit is clean, tidy and crease-free also demonstrates how important the job is to you.

Work Out the Logistics Don't underestimate the importance of being on time for your interview. Ensure you have everything scheduled in order to arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview. This demonstrates your punctuality and time management.

Request Feedback If you are unlucky and do not get the role, don't end your relationship with the company abruptly or sourly. Instead, continue to thank them for their consideration and request they give you constructive feedback on your interview. This can help enormously going forward and may make the difference in securing the next job you apply for.

Final Thoughts

What's important to remember is that an interview is simply a conversation in which you're able to show off all your professional qualities. Remember to be polite, use the right language and take your time to think about the questions before giving your answer. Refrain from heaping pressure on your shoulders, and remember that preparation and confidence will take you a long way. You've got this!

Internships

Summer internship programmes in Cayman provide a fantastic opportunity to build on your professional skills in a chosen field. They allow you to apply your learning, get a better understanding of your chosen profession and grow your professional network.

As well as being a fantastic addition to your CV, internships often increase your employability, and some businesses often use internship programmes to assess a student's capabilities with a view to a long-term career in Cayman.

There are plenty of internships available to Caymanian students across several industries, including accountancy, law, conservation, business and creative. Competition for placement is steep, so make sure to get your application in before the deadline.

Visit Cayman Parent's Internships page for the most comprehensive list of internships offered across the Cayman Islands. Find application forms, deadline dates, contact details and more all in one helpful place. What's more, many of the internships advertised on Cayman Parent are also paid!