10 Questions You Might Be Asked in an Interview for an Internship

Securing an internship is a big milestone in kickstarting your career — so congrats on making it to the interview stage! To increase your chances of landing the role, you’ll want to enter this next step in the hiring process as prepared as you can be.  

As you gear up for your interview, it's essential to anticipate the questions that your potential employers may ask, so that you can come ready to showcase your best attributes and skills. And while every interview is unique, there are a bunch of common questions that tend to pop up during the selection process. In this blog post, we'll delve into 10 questions that you might come across in an internship interview. By getting familiar with these questions and crafting well-thought-out responses, you'll boost your confidence and improve your chances of leaving a lasting impression on your future employer.

"Tell us about yourself."

This question often serves as an icebreaker and allows the interviewer to learn more about you in a short period of time. Ahead of your interview, you should prepare a concise and engaging summary of your background, highlighting relevant education, experiences, and skills for the role you’re applying for — otherwise known as your ‘elevator pitch’ — and avoid rambling about information that isn’t important to the recruiter or hiring manager. Focus on aspects that align with the internship requirements and demonstrate your passion for the field.

"Why are you interested in this internship/company?"

Employers want to know your motivations and why you are specifically interested in their organization. To properly answer this question, you’ll need to research the company thoroughly and identify key aspects that resonate with you. Highlight the company's mission, values, culture, and any recent accomplishments that inspire you.

"What skills do you bring to this internship?"

This is your chance to highlight the skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the internship. You can draw from experiences such as coursework, extracurricular activities, or previous jobs. Discuss both technical skills (such as programming, design, or data analysis) and soft skills (such as communication, problem-solving, or teamwork) that are relevant to the internship.

"Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it."

This question assesses your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Select a challenge from your academic, personal, or professional life, and share the steps you took to overcome it. Emphasize the skills you utilized, such as adaptability, perseverance, or creativity, and be sure you conclude by highlighting the positive outcome or lessons learned.

"How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?"

Internships often involve managing deadlines and handling pressure. Provide examples of situations where you successfully worked under time constraints, prioritized tasks, and maintained a high level of quality. Discuss any strategies you use to stay organized and focused during demanding periods.

"Tell us about a time you worked in a team."

Demonstrating your teamwork skills is essential for your internship. Share a specific example of a team project or collaboration, highlighting your contribution and how you effectively worked with others. Discuss challenges that arose and how you addressed them, emphasizing your ability to communicate, listen, and collaborate toward a common goal.

"What do you hope to gain from this internship?"

Employers want to understand your goals and what you aim to achieve through the internship. Be specific about the skills, knowledge, and experiences you hope to acquire. You’ll want to be sure to connect these aspirations to your long-term career objectives, demonstrating how the internship aligns with your professional growth.

"How do you handle constructive criticism?"

Receiving feedback is crucial for personal and professional development — but it can also be tough to swallow. Share an example of a situation where you received constructive criticism and explain how you approached it. Discuss how you remained open-minded, accepted feedback gracefully, and, most importantly, used it to improve your performance.

"What do you consider your biggest strengths and weaknesses?"

When discussing strengths, focus on qualities that are relevant to the internship and provide evidence to support them. For weaknesses, be honest and choose one that is minor and has been actively addressed or improved upon. It’s important that you demonstrate self-awareness and highlight your efforts to overcome any shortcomings.

"Do you have any questions for us?" 

Always prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the internship's responsibilities, growth opportunities, mentorship programs, or company culture. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the position. You can find a detailed list of questions to ask at the end of your interview here. 

While internship interviews can be nerve-wracking, proper preparation can significantly boost your chances of success. By anticipating and crafting thoughtful responses to these common questions, you can effectively convey your qualifications, showcase your potential, and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. Remember, confidence, authenticity, and a genuine passion for the opportunity will help you stand out among other candidates.

Interested in landing even more internship interview opportunities and hearing interview advice? Be sure to make a free profile on RippleMatch!