Most candidates applying for internships are terrified of interviews. This is understandable, because internship interviews are your first real exposure to a professional environment. But as you gradually go through more rounds of interviews, one thing becomes clear: You begin to see internship interview questions as ‘professional conversations’ that you have with potential recruiters.
But familiarising yourself with some commonly asked interview questions doesn’t hurt! So let’s go through some commonly asked interview questions and how you can answer them.
We’ve included some behavioural interview questions as well as leadership questions asked by interviewers might ask to gauge your fit for an internship.
20 Basic Internship Interview Questions and Answers
Here are 20 common questions you might expect during an internship interview, along with sample answers:
Question 1: Can you tell us about yourself?
Sample Answer: “Sure! I am a Software engineering student. I have a strong passion for software development and have been designing and testing various applications on my own time. I am excited about this internship opportunity as it aligns perfectly with my career goals.”
Pro-Tip: Don’t reduce yourself to your educational qualifications! Throw some light into the motivation behind you pursuing an education or this internship.
Question 2: Why are you interested in this internship position?
Sample Answer: “I am particularly interested in this internship position because it offers great practical experience! It’s a good opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to a real-world scenario. I have researched your company and admire its innovative approach. I believe that working here will greatly contribute to my professional growth.”
Question 3: What skills or qualifications do you bring to this internship?
Sample Answer: “I have developed strong skills in designing, coding, testing and maintaining software applications through my coursework and projects. Additionally, I have excellent communication and teamwork skills. I am also proficient in tools like UltraEdit, GitHub, Azure, Jira, etc.”
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills here too!
Question 4: How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?
Sample Answer: “I believe that working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines is common in professional life, and I see it as an opportunity for growth. While it can be challenging, I’ve learned to thrive in such situations by adopting a structured approach. When faced with a tight deadline, I prioritise my tasks, break them down into manageable steps, and create a timeline to ensure I stay on track. I maintain open communication with my team and supervisors to set realistic expectations and address any potential roadblocks early on. I also seek help whenever I find myself in a roadblock.”
Question 5: What do you hope to gain from this internship experience?
Sample Answer: “My primary goal is to gain hands-on experience in developing new applications. I want to apply the knowledge I have acquired in my studies to real-world situations. Additionally, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of coding. Ultimately, I aim to gain the skills and insights necessary to launch my career.”
Question 6: How do you handle criticism or feedback?
Sample Answer: “I believe that constructive criticism is an essential part of personal and professional growth. I actively seek feedback from others to identify areas where I can improve. I try to listen attentively, remain open-minded, and use constructive feedback to refine my skills and enhance my performance.”
Question 7: Can you provide an example of a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it?
Sample Answer: “During an assignment in my second year, we were assigned a complex bug to fix is a test software. It required a creative solution. All students faced multiple roadblocks and were unable to come up with any solution. I took the lead in our team and initiated brainstorming sessions, encouraging our team members to come up with innovative solutions. Together, we developed a solution that fixed the bug and received positive feedback from our supervisor.”
Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk about your failures here! What’s important is showing your awareness of the situation, and what you did to change this.
Question 8: How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?
Sample Answer: “To stay updated on industry trends, I regularly follow reputable industry publications, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and participate in professional forums and webinars. Some of the online platforms that I regularly check out are GitHub, Stack Overflow and CodeChef.”
Question 9: What interests you about our company?
Sample Answer: “Your company stands out to me because of its strong reputation for innovation, commitment to quality, and impact in the industry. I am particularly drawn to some of your new company launches in the past year. The chance to work with a team of talented professionals on such projects is interesting.”
Pro tip: Mention specific products or services the company is known for and that is relevant to your role. For a computer programming intern, this could be a software product or feature that you like.
Question 10: How do you handle working in a team?
Sample Answer: “I consider myself a strong team player. I actively listen to others’ ideas, before contributing my own insights. I believe that I communicate well, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are delegated appropriately. I believe that collaboration and cooperation are key to achieving the best results as a team.”
Pro tip: Show, don’t tell! Give examples of extracurricular activities or a team project where you put your team working skills to use.
Question 11: What are your career goals?
Sample Answer: “In the long term, I aspire to become a create my own applications. This internship aligns perfectly with my career goals as it lets me work with an innovative team and develop a deeper understanding of the industry. I believe this experience will help achieve my career objectives.”
Pro-Tip: It’s advisable to align your career goals with your internship. That said, it’s perfectly fine to have audacious career goals. Or goals that are different from your current internship! Sometimes, your drive and enthusiasm go a long way in making a good impression.
Question 12: How do you handle multitasking and prioritising tasks?
Sample Answer: “With multiple tasks or projects, I prioritise them based on urgency and importance. I create a to-do list to help me stay organised. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. By effectively managing my time and focusing on the most critical tasks, I ensure that I meet deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.”
Question 13: Tell us about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
Sample Answer: “During a group project earlier this year, our team of five were struggling to meet a few project milestones because two of our members were unwell. Recognising the need for more effort from the rest of the team, I took the initiative to organise a meeting to replan the execution of the project, establish the new objectives with just three members, and delegate tasks. I took the initiative to ensure we successfully completed the project despite our adversity.”
Question 14: How do you handle conflicts within a team?
Sample Answer: “When conflicts arise within a team, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I encourage open communication, allowing each team member to express their concerns or viewpoints. I try to listen attentively and understand each person’s perspectives. Then I try to work towards finding a solution that would not affect either person negatively. If needed, I encourage involving a supervisor to ensure a fair outcome.”
Question 15: Describe a time when you went above and beyond to achieve a goal.
Sample Answer: “During a college event, we faced a situation where our original venue was no longer available just days before the event day. Understanding the importance of the event and the impact it would have on our community, I immediately acted. I contacted multiple venues, negotiated new agreements, and coordinated with the team to ensure a smooth transition. Despite the challenges, the event was a success, and the attendees were impressed with the seamless execution.”
Question 16: How do you handle feedback from a supervisor or authority figure?
Sample Answer: “When receiving feedback from a supervisor, I view it as a valuable opportunity for learning. I listen carefully to their input, take notes, and ask for clarification if needed. I appreciate constructive criticism and make a conscious effort to implement the suggested improvements. I am also proactive in seeking follow-up feedback to ensure that I continue to develop and meet expectations.”
Pro-Tip: There’s no field where you don’t receive feedback! Do you sulk and throw tantrums or strive to make something better? Try to be aware of this when you answer this question.
Question 17: What motivates you in your work or studies?
Sample Answer: “I am highly motivated by challenges and the opportunity to learn and grow. When faced with a difficult task, I am driven to find innovative solutions and push my boundaries. Additionally, I find motivation in the positive impact my work can have on others or the industry as a whole. Setting goals and achieving them also fuels my motivation.”
Question 18: How do you handle ambiguity or uncertainty?
Sample Answer: “I understand that ambiguity and uncertainty are often part of work. In such situations, I take a proactive approach. I gather as much information as possible, seek guidance from relevant sources, and make informed decisions based on the available data. I remain flexible and adapt to changes as needed, maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process.”
Pro-Tip: “Can you do a job without supervision?” This is what interviewers are trying to gauge here. Answer accordingly.
Question 19: Describe a time when you had to learn a new skill or concept quickly.
Sample Answer: “Last summer, I was assigned a project that required me to learn a new programming language within a short timeframe. Recognising the importance of the skill for the project’s success, I dedicated extra time to self-study and practice. I used online resources, watched tutorial videos, and sought guidance from experienced colleagues. Through my determination and focus, I was able to grasp the language quickly and complete the project successfully.”
Pro-tip: Focus on how you went about learning the new skill. Did you stay up after college hours? Did you watch some YouTube videos? Build a narrative that shows your resourcefulness
Question 20: Do you have any questions for us?
Sample Answer: “Yes, thank you for asking. I am curious to learn more about the specific projects or tasks I would be working on as an intern. Additionally, could you provide some insights into the company’s culture and opportunities for growth within the organisation?”
Pro-Tip: Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer at the end. This shows your preparation for the job. Some common questions can involve the scope of the work,your reporting manager, work culture, leave and salary policy etc.
These are just sample answers to give you an idea of how you can approach these questions. It is important to personalise your responses based on your own experiences and qualifications. Good luck with your internship interview!
FAQs on Internship Interview Questions
Q1. How should I prepare for an internship interview?
Ans: A few tips on how to prepare for an internship interview are:
a. Research the company
b. Practice common interview questions
c. Prepare examples of your skills and experiences.
Q2. How do I demonstrate my skills and experience in an internship interview?
Ans: The best way to demonstrate your skills and experience in an internship interview is by using specific examples from your past experiences. Cite examples of projects or relevant coursework to showcase your skills and demonstrate how they align with the internship requirements.
Q3. How do I handle difficult interview questions during an internship interview?
Ans: Here are a few ways you can handle difficult interview questions during an internship interview:
a. Stay calm
b. Think before you respond
c. Be honest
d. Provide concise and relevant answers
e. Use examples to support your points.
Q4. What questions should I ask the interviewer in an internship interview?
Ans: Some important questions you can ask the interviewer in an internship interview are:
a. Your responsibilities in the internship
b. Company culture
c. Opportunities for growth
d. How success is measured in the role.
Q5. What are behavioural interview questions for internships?
Ans: Examples of behavioural interview questions for internships are:
a. Tell me about a time when you had to work on a team to achieve a common goal.
b. Describe a situation where you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
c. Can you give an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
d. Tell me about a project you worked on that required problem-solving skills.
e. Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a coworker or supervisor.
