Interviews are never easy — especially for those looking to gain some work experience in the form of an internship and take their first steps into their chosen career.
With so much at stake, it’s essential that you prepare for what’s ahead, especially if you’ve never been in a similar situation before. And although questions can vary based on your chosen company and field, you’ll usually be asked a series of general and behavioral questions to see if you’re the right fit.
To help you stand out from the crowd, we’ve listed the top internship interview questions below, along with some sample answers, so you can arrive at your appointment feeling confident and prepared!
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
If you don’t have an elevator pitch prepared, it’s time to get started!
When you’re asked this question, remember that employers don’t want to know your entire life story. Instead, they want a brief summary of your skills and accomplishments (the ones relevant to the role, primarily). When done right, this effectively helps them get to know you a little better.
SAMPLE ANSWER
I’m a fashion design graduate with a passion for creating unique haute couture garments. I recently completed my final project, which received high praise from my professors; it took a bit of research, but I managed to create a high-end range using 100% eco-friendly, ethically sourced materials, as sustainability in fashion interests me greatly.
2. “Why did you choose to study this subject?”
This question gives you the opportunity to discuss your interests and express a passion about your chosen industry. You ideally want to discuss your educational background and the main reasons that led you to pursue your degree.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Ever since I was a little, I spent hours on end reading. It was my favorite pastime activity! Naturally, I dreamed of writing and publishing my own book one day. But although I could generate endless ideas for stories, I didn’t quite know where to begin and felt like I needed guidance and proper training, which is why I enrolled in the creative writing major at XYZ College. The professors there are among the best in our state, in my opinion.
3. “What do you expect to gain from this internship?”
Although this may seem like a straightforward question, it can be tricky to answer. Interviewers ask this question for a few reasons: to determine what your expectations are from them, to gain insights into your personal ambitions, and to gauge your understanding of the company and the role at hand.
SAMPLE ANSWER
During the internship, I hope to gain a greater understanding of what being a digital marketer is really like. I am particularly interested in gaining hands-on experience using various tools, like scheduling and project management software. In addition, I really look forward to collaborating and learning from the talented creatives you have on your team.
4. “What extracurricular activities are you involved in?”
This question will give the hiring manager insight into who you are as a person, as well as your character traits and personal interests. They will also be able to determine if you’re a good fit for the team (which is vital, even if the internship is just a couple of weeks long) and whether you learned any additional skills that the company can benefit from.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Throughout my four years at college, I was a member of the cheerleading squad. This helped me develop my teamwork skills, as we had to rely on each other to ensure our performance was up to par. If one of us were to do our own thing, we would have ruined it for the rest of the team. It also allowed me to build my people skills, such as empathy and communication.
5. “Why did you choose our company to intern at?”
Employers frequently ask candidates why they chose their company, as they want to find out what each applicant’s motives are and what they wish to learn while working there. They also want to see that you’ve done your homework (ie: that you have researched their values and approach, and understood what their mission is all about).
SAMPLE ANSWER
I have great respect for your company, and have always thought your founder’s story to be inspiring. I have also heard great things about your company culture from my professors. All in all, I feel like interning here would be a valuable experience, and I hope to contribute to the team’s success by sharing my own knowledge and ideas.
6. “What are your future goals?”
Interviewers usually pose this question because they want to get some insight into your career development plans. No matter what your answer is, they want to see that you’re eager to keep on expanding your professional skills and know-how in the field — and that you have a sense of direction.
If they get the sense that a candidate is not invested or motivated enough, they will proceed with someone else who appears more passionate about the role.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Although I’m still at university, my long-term goal is to become a registered nurse and work in either a hospital or a nursing care facility. Growing up, I always got a sense of reward from helping others, and my drive to help those who need it only became stronger after losing my grandmother to Alzheimer’s a year ago.
7. “Tell me about a time when you overcame an obstacle.”
This is one of the most common interview questions you can expect to hear, whether you’re looking to land an internship or a more permanent role. Its purpose is to identify what type of problem solver you are, and to see if you have the ability to take initiative and think effectively on your feet.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Last semester, as I was about to submit an assignment — 12 hours before the deadline — my laptop malfunctioned and I lost all the work I’d done. Although I initially panicked and became angry at myself for not having backed up my work, I knew I had no choice but to make my way to the campus library and start all over again.
A few powernaps and lots of sugary snacks later, I was able to compile a brand new 3,000-word report, submitting it just a few minutes before the deadline.
8. “How do you prioritize your work?”
As you’ll be working on real projects during your internship, the interviewer will want to gauge your ability for juggling tasks and handling a busy schedule. By answering this question effectively, you can demonstrate a solid work ethic, as well as a sense of accountability and confidence.
SAMPLE ANSWER
My favorite way of prioritizing is by making lists. Once I have all my to-dos written down in bullet points, I identify the most urgent ones and rearrange the tasks, working my way through them and taking short breaks in between. This allows me to stay on track and feel motivated as I tick things off my list.
9. “What difficulties have you experienced working in a group?”
Most managers want to know if you’re a good team player before they commit to taking you on board, which is why they pose this question. They want to see if you’re someone who can take accountability and collaborate well with others, and they can identify common tendencies through your answer.
SAMPLE ANSWER
For a group assignment last semester, we were tasked with writing and designing our own magazine from scratch. However, two team members got into a small fight, as they both wanted to write the same pieces.
To defuse the situation and get back on track, I suggested that they collaborate on the same piece, each responsible for writing different sections, and share the byline. And just like that, we were able to proceed with our task.
10. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
The way you answer this question can reveal a lot about your self-awareness, which is a vital soft skill to have in the workplace. It can also help you demonstrate confidence and an eagerness to improve on the things that you find more challenging.
SAMPLE ANSWER
I’ve found that one of my key strengths is my organizational ability. I’ve always been able to meet my deadlines, and I enjoy organizing group projects as well as my day-to-day tasks.
On the other hand, one thing I’m not too confident in is public speaking; I am naturally introverted and find it hard to get up and speak in front of large groups of people. To improve on this, however, I recently enrolled in an acting class and have begun taking steps to address my fear.
11. “How do you navigate stressful days or periods?”
Sadly, work is often stressful — especially for younger workers. According to research, Gen Zers are the most stressed demographic, both in the workplace as well as outside it. Hiring managers know this, which is why they often enquire into candidates’ ability to handle stress and work under pressure.
If you’ve survived school and university, you’re more than able to survive your internship. That’s what you need to convey here!
SAMPLE ANSWER
Whether at work or university, stress is inevitable sometimes. The way I cope is by ensuring that I stay organized and keep track of my deadlines by using lists and reminders on my phone. I also try to do something active every day, even if it’s just a half-hour walk. That always helps me unwind!
12. “Describe yourself in three words.”
If you’re not prepared for this question, it can make you feel as though you’ve suddenly forgotten your entire vocabulary. A good tip to bear in mind is to resist the urge to respond with what you think the interviewer wants to hear. In other words, avoid lying, and keep it genuine.
SAMPLE ANSWER
I always have a bit of a hard time answering this question! It’s hard to summarize a person in such few words. If I had to pick, though, I would say I am creative, optimistic and curious.
13. “What’s something you’re really proud of?”
Talking about achievements doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, a lot of people cringe at the thought of having to “sell” themselves to potential employers. However, since you’re being asked to, you should take this opportunity and let your enthusiasm and (healthy sense of) pride shine through.
SAMPLE ANSWER
One thing I’m proud of is completing my thesis during a very emotionally challenging time. There was a situation at home that really rattled me and my family, yet I was able to not only finish my thesis but also do really well.
In part, this was because I spoke to my professors about what was going on — which wasn’t easy to do — and they were able to provide additional support, both on a personal and an academic level.
14. “Who do you look up to the most, and why?”
“Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are” goes the proverb.
Although you don’t necessarily have to refer to someone you know in real life, the people you draw inspiration from can reveal a lot about your own values and priorities. So, maybe think a little harder before blurting out your favorite TikToker’s name — unless there’s something about them, such as their hard work, success or contribution to society, that can reflect credibly on you.
SAMPLE ANSWER
The person I look up to the most is my aunt. A single mother of two, she recently finished her PhD in engineering and is currently in the process of setting up her own biotech startup. In fact, my love for the sciences largely came from her, as I would always borrow her books and have fascinating conversations with her growing up.
15. “Do you have any questions for us?”
Although you may genuinely not feel the need to ask anything at the end of your interview, it’s a good idea to do so anyway. That’s because it helps demonstrate further interest in the role, which the interviewer wants to see. It can also help you uncover crucial details about the company, so you can ensure you’re making the right choice.
SAMPLE ANSWER
I wanted to ask what your experience has been like working here! What are some of your favorite things about working at Cats in Hats Co, and are there any processes you are currently working on improving as a team?
Final thoughts
Attending job interviews can be an intimidating process, but by using these sample answers to articulate your personal experiences, you can get one step closer to your dream job! Remember: no matter the question, try to connect your answer to the requirements of the role and the values of the company more broadly.
Are there any more questions you need advice on how to answer? Let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you!
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published on September 27, 2018, and contains contributions by Joanna Zambas.