Your internship interview answers will be one of the most important factors in determining whether you get the position. Most people applying for an internship don’t have much experience on their resume, so there is not much to compare candidates on other than education and the interview. So make it count!
After years of school and preparation, it can be the beginning of your dream career. So it is best to do your research and get prepared before you go into an interview. One of the most important ways to prepare is to rehearse and practice answers to common internship interview questions.
During internship interviews, there are not a lot of difficult detailed questions asked. Without extensive experience, most of the questions will be general “get to know you” type questions, like the ones we list below. It’s easy to predict and prepare. You can practically rehearse your entire interview. Below are the most common internship interview questions and great answers to help you get started and ace that interview.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This can be a tricky question because everyone has an interesting life, but what do interviewers want to know? An easy way to get through this question is to imagine what about you is related to the position to which you are applying. Do you have an Engineering degree? Did you do a related internship? Are you hobbies closely related to the position? Tell the interviewer information that paints you as an ideal candidate, naturally.
Second, make sure that you use this question as a chance to become memorable. For example, having a compelling story prepared that paints you in a good light can make the difference between landing the internship and being forgotten.
2. What do you know about our company?
This is where you show that you have done your research about the company. You should have at least visited the official website and did a web search about the company before coming in to interview. If you are going to work for the company, you should know where it came from and where it is going.
3. Why are you interested in this position? Why do you think you would do well in this internship?
Here is the perfect opportunity to show off your skills and align them with the position. Show the interviewer that your background makes you perfect for the position. For example, if you are applying for a sales job, highlight your marketing degree and internship with a top retailer.
4. How did you hear about this job?
Companies are curious about how their name gets out there, so let them know honestly how you heard about it, whether it be via a job board, a current employee, or through directly contacting them.
5. What are your long-term career goals? (5-10 year plan)
Companies like to hear that you want to grow with their company and give your best to them. Keep this in mind when you answer this question.
6. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
An interviewer wants an accurate snapshot view of you, but your tone and mannerisms can tell them as much as your words. Be honest, yet confident. A common strength is being a team player, and a common weakness is perfectionism, but be sure to show the positive side to any weakness and your willingness to adapt and evolve with a new position.
Once you can knock out these six internship interview questions without hesitation, you are one step closer to landing your next internship. I believe that completing an internship is one of the most important steps that you can take for your career, especially if you are still in college.
