<p>I just want to add that new grad and intern interviews seem to be tougher than they when I was looking. My s had grueling behavioral interviews…some over the phone…as a screening tool. As time went on, he developed his interviewing skills and did much better. But he shared some of the questions…and I think it really helps to prepare your approach and have some stories ready to go. Examples: “Tell me about a situation where you helped someone and they didn’t know it” and “Give me an example of a a team experience where you stepped up and took charge.” </p>
<p>It’s interesting to think about the wide variety of skills you need to be able to interview effectively. It’s easy to tell somebody that they need to be “likable” but so hard for some folks to put that into action…especially analytical introverts. It takes a LOT of practice. I’m an introvert who comes across as an extrovert on interviews and in business meetings. This did not happen overnight. </p>
<p>For the OP, I do again suggest trying to find a skilled counselor who can help your son. A family member hooked me up with a counselor when I was 21. He took me through a mock interview and then evaluated my performance. Brutal. (You’re not looking me in the eye, you’re twirling your hair, your answers are tentative, you use lots of filler word like “umm”). I cried when I left. I’m not sure it has to be such a critical experience…but I will say that man had a deep influence on me going forward. I am darn good interviewee now…and a good interviewer too.</p>