If you have just graduated or you are still studying at the university and you would like to go for internships then this is a great choice. Internships play a very important role in shaping your career by providing real-life experience. Internships teach you to apply what you have learned in the classroom to real-life situations.
During internships, you will be offered the opportunity to develop professional skills, network with your industry professionals, and gain insights into your chosen field. This is a stepping stone to full-time employment and gives you a competitive edge in the labor market.
The purpose of this article is to help you prepare for your internship interviews. We understand that interviews can be stressful and can cause anxiety especially if it is your first time. This article aims to familiarize you with the process by outlining the most common questions you might face and providing detailed sample answers. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what to expect and how to present yourself confidently.
We will have covered a range of questions from general inquiries about your background and strengths to specific scenarios that test your problem-solving abilities. Read below to see the 25 most common interview questions for interns and the best answers.
25 Most Common Internship Interview Questions and Best Answers
Facing a panel of interviewers can seem scary but do not fret, all you need is confidence. How you answer questions thrown at you by the interviewers determines your chances of being considered for the internship so you need to prepare.
Interview questions are usually not alien, they usually range from questions about your background, your area of expertise, and your ability to think critically in a given situation. So you see, there is no need to fret, all you need to do is move a step ahead by learning likely interview questions and practicing how to answer them ahead of the interview.
Ace your internship interview by learning these 25 common questions and how to answer them.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
I am currently a student/recent graduate from (Your University), studying (Your Program). I have a strong passion for (mention the field) and have gained valuable experience through (related activities, projects, or part-time jobs). I am enthusiastic about this internship as it aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests.
2. Why Do You Want to Intern Here?
I have researched your company and am impressed by your commitment to (value or mission). I admire your work in (area), and I believe interning here will help me grow professionally while contributing to your team.
3. What Are Your Strengths?
One of my strengths is (skills). For example, during (project or activity), I (explain how you used this skill to achieve a positive outcome). This skill will help me contribute effectively to your team.
4. What Are Your Weaknesses?
A weakness of mine is (genuine weakness). However, I’m working on improving it by (specific actions you are taking). For example, I (give a specific example of how you are working on it).
5. Describe a Time When You Worked in a Team
In my (class, project, or job), we had to (mention a task). I used the STAR method:-
- Situation: We needed to complete a project on time.
- Task: My role was to (task)
- Action: I coordinated with my team, dividing tasks based on our strengths.
- Result: We completed the project successfully and received positive feedback.
6. How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?
I handle stress by (technique, like making a to-do list or taking breaks). For instance, during exams, I (example of how you managed stress). This approach helps me stay focused and productive.
7. Why Did You Choose Your Major?
I chose (Your Major) because I’m passionate about ( interest). I’ve always been fascinated by (related topic), and studying this major allows me to explore it in depth.
8. What Do You Know About Our Company?
I know that your company is known for (achievements or values). Recently, I read about your work in ( area), which aligns with my interests and career goals.
9. What Are Your Career Goals?
My short-term goal is to gain experience in (a related field) through this internship. Long-term, I aim to (specific career aspiration). This internship is a perfect step toward achieving these goals.
10. Give an Example of a Time You Showed Leadership
In my (class, project, or job), we faced a challenge with (task). Using the STAR method.
11. How Do You Prioritize Tasks?
I prioritize tasks by (technique, like creating a priority list) For example, during ( time), I (explain how you managed your tasks effectively).
12. Describe a Challenge You Faced and How You Overcame It
In my (class, project, or job), I encountered a challenge with ( task). Using the STAR method. You can mention the situation, what you were to do, and the outcome.
13. What Do You Hope to Gain from This Internship?
I hope to gain ( skills or experiences) from this internship. I believe this opportunity will help me [specific career benefit] and allow me to contribute to your team.
14. How Do You Handle Criticism?
I handle criticism by (approach, like listening and learning) For example, when I receive feedback on ( task), I (explain how I applied the feedback to improve).
15. Tell Me About a Time You Failed
During (activity), I failed to [specific task]. I learned from this experience ( lesson). It taught me the importance of ( takeaway), which I now apply to avoid similar mistakes.
16. How Do You Stay Organized?
I stay organized by (method, like using a planner) For instance, during (time), I [explain how you used this method to stay on track).
17. What Makes You a Good Fit for This Internship?
I’m a good fit for this internship because of my skills in ( skill), my experience with (related activity, and my passion for (related field). I’m eager to contribute to your team and learn from this experience.
18. Describe a Time You Had to Learn Something Quickly
During (time), I had to quickly learn (skill). I accomplished this by ( action, like researching and practicing), which allowed me to (explain the successful outcome).
19. How Do You Handle Competing Priorities?
I handle competing priorities by (method). For example, during ( time), I (explain how you managed multiple responsibilities successfully).
20. Tell Me About a Project You Worked On
In (class or job), I worked on a project where we (task). My role was to ( role), and I contributed by (actions). The project was successful because (explain the positive outcome).
21. What Are Your Hobbies and Interests?
I enjoy (hobbies), such as (examples). These interests help me stay balanced and bring a fresh perspective to my work.
22. How Do You Handle Working with Difficult People?
I handle working with difficult people by (approach, like staying calm and communicating effectively). For example, during (specific time), I (explain how you managed a challenging interpersonal situation).
23. What Questions Do You Have for Us?
I’m curious about [specific question related to the role or company]. I’d like to know more about [another specific aspect], as it will help me understand how I can best contribute to your team.
24. Describe a Time You Showed Initiative
Mention the specific class, project, or job, what you noticed, and how you resolved it using the STAR method.
25. How Do You Approach Problem-Solving?
I approach problem-solving by (strategy, like breaking the problem into smaller parts). For example, when faced with (problem), I (explain how you applied your strategy and the successful result).
Conclusion
Adequate preparation is essential for a successful interview. Learn the likely questions and practice your answers, and you will feel more confident, and staying positive can boost your performance.
On the interview day, dress professionally to make a good impression. Make sure you arrive a little early to show you are punctual. After the interview, send a thank you note to express your gratitude and confirm your interest in the position.
