So, did you see our previous article on interviewing tips, all about how to identify great intern candidates, simply by looking at their resume and cover letter? Fantastic! But that now you’ve got to interview them.
How do you know who’s the right person to hire?
It can be a mentally exhausting task deciding who deserves a place on your team, am I right?!
Well, they don’t call us superheroes for nothing – we’ve come up with 5 tips to make your final selection process as simple and straight-forward as possible…
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Attention to detail
The world of wedding planning requires paying a LOT of attention to detail to ensure the bride and groom’s day is as perfect as possible. So really, if the intern didn’t do enough pre-interview research on your company or failed to ask smart questions about your internship program, count them out! It may seem harsh but let’s face it, wedding planners = perfectionists/super-organized. You need people who think like you…or can be trained to do so.
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Distinction and individuality
Whether this refers to their fresh and innovative ideas regarding how to improve your business or your memorable and interesting discussion about their previous work experience, it’s a good thing! Obviously, interns will all be on their best behavior at the interview, but it’s important that their CHARACTER shines through too. Wedding planning = the most people-person job EVER, so they must be likable and personable.
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Goals and aspirations
Did the intern voice their short and long term career plans? Are they ambitious? PERFECT! Ambition often translates into a ‘can-do’ approach in the workplace. They’ll understand that all of the tasks they are given, however big or small, will be beneficial experience to eventually achieve their career goals, but also to your company as a whole. Do they have a shared passion for your firm’s mission? You may be on to winner!
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Refer to their references
Whether their previous experience is relevant to wedding planning or not – check them meticulously! For example, let’s say she was the best waitress T.G.I Friday’s has ever seen, take note. This demonstrates her willingness to work and that she’s an ACE at customer service…just what you need for someone who works with stressed out brides. Someone with restaurant/bar experience usually are hard-workers, knows how to deal with tricky personalities and juggle many tasks at once.
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Trial day
Still can’t decide? Conduct a trial day! Have your candidate come in and work with you for a whole day, giving them a variety of different tasks. This provides an ideal opportunity to observe how your intern approaches mundane tasks and how they cope with new challenges. Plus, it’s important to see how the intern engages with current employees (not just their potential boss!) REMEMBER: new employee = new team dynamic = fresh perspective OR negative vibes
