I was referred by an existing employee to apply for this internship, but I still applied online through ge.com/careers uploading my CV and relevant work experiences etc. Once the deadline had passed, I received an email stating I had passed the online screening and to organise a telephone interview.
A few days later the telephone interview took place, usual questions of 'what can you individually bring to the company' 'What do you know about GE'... I was extremely nervous, so in turn spoke a LOT and very fast! Looking back I can hardly remember what I said, but it must have been right because I got invited to have a face to face interview, in two weeks time. They explained I was to give a short (5min) presentation on myself, my work experiences - the positives and negatives, my favourite quote and why, as well as why I wanted to work GE.
As I live in Tenby, I had arranged to travel down to Hamble the day before and stay the night, so I was fresh and prepared for the interview the following day. When I got to the security gate I signed in and was told someone would be down to get me as soon as they could. This felt like an age!!! but no more than 5 mins later I was being ushered up to HR. I was told to have a seat in the interview room, while they got things ready. When the lady brought in a laptop and some papers I was all of a sudden very nervous and I wasn't expecting that.. Was the interviewer not in work today? Was the interview through Skype? Did I have to do competency tests? She then explained there was an activity whereby I was asked to create a newsletter concerning the new approved building plans which would be handed out to all employees - from shop floor to the directors. I was given information on the proposed plans as well as evidence of previous newsletters, logos and pictures. I was given 30mins to create it.
Afterwards I was taken into a office where the last bit of interview was to take place - the presentation. I was going to be interviewed by two people, the Manager I would be directly working with, and then the intern I would be replacing. After greetings aside and some small talk, I was asked to go through the newsletter I had just published and give answers as to why I chose the language, pictures, logos etc.
I was then asked some behavioural questions such as...
Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it.
Have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? If so, how?
Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren't thrilled about? How did you do it?
Have you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? How?
Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.
As I study management I had been fully prepared for these questions. You firstly need to stop and listen what your being asked... 'Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it' they aren't asking you about that time you wanted to watch Emmerdale and your sister Corrie BUT you can easily give that as an answer!! They are seeing what type of person you are... are you a extrovert who will stand up and say your opinion, or a person who can be easily lead or convinced. Are you a sales person who can manipulate a crowd into your way of thinking. Their asking how you handled the situation, and the people involved. Its a good idea when answering behavioural questions to say social AND work environments.
Afterwards it was time for my presentation, I was feeling quite confident and comfortable at this stage so I flew through it, stopping if questions were asked.