How should I prepare for an internship interview?

1. Research the Company

Thoroughly research the company to understand its mission, values, culture, products or services, and recent news or developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your interest in the organization.

2. Understand the Role

Review the internship description carefully to understand the responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Be prepared to discuss how your background, skills, and experiences align with the role.

3. Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

Bring multiple copies of your resume and cover letter to the interview. Ensure that they are updated and tailored to the specific internship. Be ready to discuss any experiences, projects, or skills mentioned in your documents.

4. Practice Common Interview Questions

Practice answering common interview questions to build confidence and improve your responses. Some typical questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.


• Why do you want to intern at our company?


• What are your strengths and weaknesses?


• Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?


• What are your career goals?


• How do you handle teamwork and collaboration?

5. Prepare Behavioral Interview Responses

Be ready to answer behavioral questions that assess how you have handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses:

• Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.


• Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.


• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task or challenge.


• Result: Share the outcome or result of your actions.

6. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and internship role. This demonstrates your interest and helps you gather important information. Examples include:

• What are the primary goals and expectations for this internship?


• Can you describe the team I would be working with?


• What opportunities for professional development does the company offer?


• What are the potential challenges in this role?


• How is performance evaluated for interns?

7. Dress Professionally

Dress appropriately for the interview, typically in business or business casual attire. Dressing professionally shows respect for the interviewer and the company.

8. Bring Necessary Materials

Bring any required materials to the interview, such as your resume, cover letter, portfolio, academic transcripts, and a notebook for taking notes. Having these materials on hand demonstrates your preparedness.

9. Arrive on Time

Arrive at the interview location at least 10-15 minutes early. Punctuality shows that you are reliable and respectful of the interviewer's time.

10. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email

After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview, reiterate your interest in the internship, and highlight any key points from the conversation.