Communications Best Practices: Tips for a Successful U.S. Internship Interview 

Once you’ve found a suitable internship opportunity at a U.S. host company, the fun part begins! You can apply for a position and (hopefully) receive an invitation to interview. While interviewing can be a bit nerve-wracking, there are some easy ways to feel more confident and prepare for success. From initial outreach to post-interview follow-ups, here are some essential communication best practices for students and recent graduates who want to intern in the U.S. on a J-1 visa. 

Interview Preparation 

Preparing for an interview goes beyond knowing your resume. You’ll want to develop your interview communication skills so you can speak clearly about your experiences, goals, and strengths. The key is to reflect on what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to the U.S. company as an intern. You should be able to easily speak about your experience and skills while answering questions without sounding too robotic — it’s not just about memorization. 

Start by practicing answers to common interview questions, such as: 

• “Tell me about yourself.” 
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” 
• “What are your career goals?” 
• “Can you give an example of a project or achievement you’re proud of?” 

When answering, don’t simply regurgitate your resume. Be specific and authentic. Talk about your process, what you learned, and the outcome. This shows critical thinking and self-awareness — qualities employers value. Be sure to frame prior experiences and working relationship positively, even if you encountered challenges. Also, do your research! Understanding the company and the role will help you tailor your answers and show enthusiasm.  

And don’t forget to prepare questions of your own to ask the interviewer — this communicates curiosity and initiative. Your questions should be thoughtful and should not already be answered in the job description. 

Interview Presentation 

How you present yourself during the interview matters just as much as what you say. Your body language, appearance, and tone all contribute to effective communication and help you leave a positive impression. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your internship interview: 

• Dress professionally — even for virtual interviews. 
• Smile and maintain eye contact (or camera contact). 
• Avoid fidgeting. 
• Take a breath before answering to show thoughtfulness, and don’t rush through your responses. It is okay to say you would like a moment to think. 
• Never be late — arrive (or log on) on time or early. 
• Stay positive and express your interest in the opportunity. 
• Don’t read off a pre-written script. 
• Take notes when information is shared with you. (This will help your follow-up!) 

Non-verbal communication plays a big role in how you’re perceived. Even if you’re nervous, sitting up straight, using a friendly tone, and speaking clearly can help you come across as confident and professional. It can also help your nerves if you imagine this interview as practice for a future one, and even if you don’t get the internship, it’s not the end of the world; other opportunities are out there. The more interviews you do, the stronger your interview skills will become! 

The Human Connection: Personalized & Professional Communication 

Whether requesting an informational interview, applying for a position, or accepting an offer, how you communicate is vital. Employers are looking for candidates who understand professional norms in the workplace, including strong email etiquette and business communication skills. It’s important to note that communication expectations and professional norms may be different in the U.S. compared to your home country. So, understanding these differences will be valuable as you begin to apply for U.S. internship opportunities. 

Here are some email writing tips and general guidelines for professional correspondence: 

• Respond within one business day when possible. If you need more time, let them know. 
• Start with a formal greeting and a brief introduction. 
• Use a professional tone — friendly, but not too casual. 
• Avoid emojis and excessive exclamation points. 
• Always proofread before sending. 
• Format your message clearly. If emailing from your phone, double-check the layout. 
• Use a professional or school email address. 
• End with a polite, professional closing such as “Thank you again for…” or “I look forward to hearing from you.” 
• Send a thank-you email after every interview, reiterating key points or confirming any next steps. (Refer to your notes!) 

Strong communication shows you’re serious about the opportunity and respectful of others’ time — two qualities that are essential for workplace success. 

Didn’t get the position after an interview? Still send a follow-up. Thank the company, ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities, and ask, if they are willing, to share any interview feedback, because you would like to improve your skills for future opportunities. Again, this shows self-reflection and maturity. 

Build Confidence Through Practice

Good communication, especially in a professional context, takes practice. If English isn’t your first language, consider practicing common phrases, mock interviews, or email writing with a friend, mentor, or career advisor. The more comfortable you are speaking and writing in a professional tone, the more confident you’ll be when you’re actually corresponding with employers about potential internship opportunities in the U.S. 

Ready to Take on an Internship in the U.S.? Contact AIFS Professional Pathways

Interning in the U.S. on a J-1 visa is an incredible way to advance your career at an American company. Though getting an internship may not always be easy, using these communication tips and choosing an experienced J-1 visa sponsor like AIFS Professional Pathways is guaranteed to help. With AIFS Professional Pathways, you can rest assured that you’ll have valuable assistance from J-1 visa experts throughout the process — we’ll help determine eligibility, vet host companies, and provide support from start to finish. 

Learn More About J-1 Visa Sponsorship