When interviewing for an internship, there are certain questions that you can expect to be asked. In order to make the most of your interview and stand out from the competition, it is important to be prepared for these questions. By being prepared, you can ensure that you showcase your strengths and abilities in the best possible light. Here are some of the most common interview questions for internships, as well as tips on how to answer them.
1. Why are you applying for this position?
This is probably the most common question in an interview, so it is important to have a great answer prepared. You need to show your interest in the company or organization and highlight why you think that you would be valuable to them as an intern. Also, try to relate your answer back to your initial research into the company.
2. What relevant skills or experience do you have that will make you successful in this role?
Focus on your current skills and how these relate to the job description for the internship position. For example, if you are applying for an engineering internship, your technical-related coursework should be front and center in your answer. If you don’t have any directly related experience, you can highlight transferable skills that you have developed such as teamwork, leadership, or communication.
3. What are your long-term career goals?
Your interviewer wants to know if this internship is just a stepping stone for you or if you see it as an opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge. Be sure to articulate why you are interested in the specific company and how the internship can help you reach your long-term goals.
4. What do you know about our company?
This question is designed to assess your knowledge of the company and whether you have taken the time to do your research. Be sure to mention any specific facts that you know about the company, such as its history, products, or services. You can also mention any recent news stories or achievements that you are aware of.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be prepared to talk about both your strengths and weaknesses in a positive light. For example, if you are a strong writer, you could highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. If you can’t think of a specific example for a weakness, be honest about a quality that you are working on improving such as being more organized or better managing your time.
6. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is an open-ended question that is designed to get you talking. The interviewer wants to learn more about who you are and what makes you tick, so try to give a comprehensive answer while also showing enthusiasm and passion for the position.
7. Why did you choose your major?
This question may be asked because it provides insight into your personality and interests. Be sure to talk about why you are passionate about your major and how it has helped you develop the skills that are important for the internship. If you have any relevant coursework or projects, be sure to mention them here.
8. What do you do in your free time?
The interviewer is looking for clues about your interests and personality. Try to highlight any activities or hobbies that are related to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for an internship in marketing, you could talk about your love of writing or your experience running a social media campaign.
9. Do you have any questions for me?
Be sure to have some questions prepared that show your interest in the company and the internship position. For example, you could ask about the company’s culture, recent projects, or goals for the future.
Answering interview questions can be daunting, but if you take the time to prepare ahead of time, you will feel much more confident. By being prepared and articulate, you will be able to answer interview questions successfully and land the internship of your dreams.
10. Are you available to start work on _____?
Make sure you are clear about the start date and any other expectations, such as the number of hours you will be working. If you have any questions about the role or the company, now is the time to ask.
11. What are your career goals?
Discuss some long-term plans you have for your future. Your interviewer wants to know if this internship is the right fit for you and whether it will help you achieve your professional goals.
12. What do you think about taking on a challenge?
Give an answer that shows that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Be sure to mention that you are excited to take on new challenges and willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.
13. What qualities would you like to see in a successful intern?
The interviewer is looking for qualities that match the company’s values and culture. Try to give an answer that shows that you have the same values as the company. For example, if the company emphasizes teamwork, you could mention your ability to work well in a team environment.
14. How would you describe your ideal job?
Talk about the type of position that interests you and why. For example, if you are interested in marketing, you could talk about your love of working with customers and creating campaigns that engage and excite the target audience.
15. What do you think makes you stand out from the other candidates?
Be prepared to talk about your strengths and how they can benefit the company. Try to give specific examples of times when you have gone above and beyond or excelled in a previous job or internship.
16. Why did you decide to apply for this internship?
The interviewer wants to know if this position is a good fit for you and whether you are serious about pursuing a career in this field. Be sure to talk about why you are interested in the position, what you hope to learn, and how the internship could help you reach your long-term goals
17. Have you ever had a job or internship in this field?
If you have experience in the field, be sure to highlight it. Discuss what you learned from the experience and how it prepared you for a career in this industry. If you don’t have any experience, talk about your willingness to learn and any skills that can transfer from your previous jobs.
18. What do you think sets our company apart from the competition?
Be prepared to talk about the company’s strengths and how they can benefit you as an intern. For example, if the company is known for its customer service, you could mention that you are interested in learning more about how to deliver excellent customer service.
19. Do you know anyone who works at our company?
If you know someone who works at the company, be sure to mention it. Talking about a personal connection can help show your interest in the position and the company.
20. What are your availability for an interview?
Be sure to let the interviewer know when you are available for an interview and whether you have any other commitments that will prevent you from attending. If you have any questions about the role or the company, now is the time to ask.
21. Do you have any questions for me?
Be sure to ask some questions about the company, the role, or the interview process. This is your opportunity to learn more about the position and the company. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the job and that you have taken the time to do your research.
22. What were your duties at your last internship?
If you’ve recently completed an internship, discuss the responsibilities that you performed while on the job. Mention that you enjoyed gaining new skills and contributing to a team environment.
23. What did you learn from your most recent position?
The interviewer is interested in learning about everything that has influenced you. This could include skills you’ve gained through previous jobs or internships, lessons you’ve learned from supervisors, or experiences that have shaped your personality.
24. What are your career goals?
Do some research about the company so you can answer this question with specifics. Mention that you are interested in learning more about what’s involved in different roles within the company and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
25. How did you hear about this internship?
If you found out about the internship through a friend, online, or at a job fair, be sure to mention it. This will show that you were proactive in your job search and that you are interested in this specific position.
26. What do you think of our company’s website?
The interviewer wants to know if you have taken the time to learn about the company. Be sure to mention that you appreciate the company’s mission and values and that you are excited to learn more about what they do.
27. What’s your availability for the next month?
If the interviewer has a specific date and time in mind for an interview, be sure to let them know if you can’t make it on that day. This tells the interviewer that you are interested in the position and it confirms your availability.
28. How do we compare to our competitors?
The interviewer wants to know why you are interested in this position and what makes our company stand out. Discuss the qualities that you are looking for in a job, such as the company’s culture, values, or reputation.
29. What’s your favorite thing about our company?
Be prepared to talk about why you like the company. Do you appreciate the company’s mission and values? Do you like the team environment? Or do you appreciate the company’s dedication to customer service?
30. What’s your least favorite thing about our company?
The interviewer wants to know if you have any reservations about working for our company. Are there any policies or practices that you don’t agree with? Or are there any areas of the company that needs to be improved?
31. What is your ideal work environment?
Discuss what makes you feel most comfortable at work and how you like to contribute. Do you enjoy working independently or do you prefer taking on new challenges as part of a team?
32. What type of work interests you the least?
This is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills and interests. Be prepared to talk about a time in your previous job where you weren’t able to use certain skills, such as problem-solving or teamwork.
33. How much commitment would the company have to put into this internship for it to be successful?
Discuss what type of support you need from the company in order to be successful. Do you need someone to guide you through your first few weeks? Or do you prefer to work independently?
34. What are your thoughts on taking on new challenges?
The interviewer wants to know if you are willing to take risks and if you are comfortable with change. Discuss a time when you took on a new challenge and how it ended up benefiting your career.
35. How do you handle stress in the workplace?
The interviewer wants to know how you handle difficult situations. Do you take on new challenges head-on or do you have a more relaxed approach? Discuss a time when you were under pressure at work and how you coped with the situation.
36. What is your availability for the next six months?
If the interviewer has a specific date and time in mind for an interview, be sure to let them know if you can’t make it on that day. This tells the interviewer that you are interested in the position and that you are available for a longer period of time.
37. What is your availability for the next year?
This question is asked to see if you are interested in working for our company long-term. It also confirms your availability. Be sure to let the interviewer know if there is a specific date and time in mind for an interview.
38. How do we compare to our competitors?
The interviewer wants to know why you are interested in this position and what makes our company stand out. Discuss the qualities that you are looking for in a job, such as the company’s culture, values, or reputation.
39. What is your availability for an interview?
Be prepared to provide the interviewer with a few dates and times that work best for you. This tells the interviewer that you are interested in the position and it confirms your availability.
40. Do you have any questions for me?
Be sure to ask a few questions of your own to show that you are interested in the position. You can ask about the company’s culture, mission, and values, or the team environment. You can also ask about what type of training you would receive if hired for the position.
The interviewer wants to know how you handle difficult situations. Do you take on new challenges head-on or do you have a more relaxed approach? Discuss a time when you were under pressure at work and how you coped with the situation.
