How To Prepare For Internship Interview Questions

Companies don't hire candidates based on their resumes, whether for internships or full-time employment opportunities. To bring it to a full circle, usually, there’s an interview round that you need to attend. 

Interviews can be anxiety-inducing, but on the bright side, hiring interviews are also a great chance to show who you are and your skills indeed. With a bit of preparation, you can give answers to your interview questions that are not just substantial but also enticing enough to get you hired. 

After finding an internship through referrals or through reliable internship sites, the next step is to face the interview to move further with the opportunity. There’s no one solid way that can help you crack your interview. However, a little homework before the interview can keep you confident and articulate while you answer internship interview questions. 

To make your interviews easier, we have brought exclusive tips and tricks on preparing for internship interview questions. Read along!

1. Review the Job Description

To be able to tell the interviewer why you are a good fit for the role, you need first to know the role better. While preparing for the interview, reread the job description and understand the short and long-term responsibilities you will handle. With clarity about the job description, you’ll be able to place yourself in the right place and answer the question as to why you should be hired. 

2. Re-read Your Resume

In an interview, you are expected to defend your resume; thus, interviewers like to add questions about the job experience you mentioned. To be more specific, articulate and confident about your own professional experience and to ensure it matches your resume, read your resume carefully before the interview. 

3. Research About The Company

Knowing the company well is one of the ultimate cheat codes to appear as the best fit. Read about the company, their work, and their achievements. Go through their official websites, social media accounts, Glassdoor reviews etc. This will help you understand what the company is looking for. Compare it to what you offer and let them know you are truly enthusiastic, not just for the job but to work with that specific company. 

4. Highlight Your Accomplishments

While answering your internship interview questions, you need to let the interviewer know what you have done. This gives them overall ideas of what you can do for the company and what you are capable of. So, make sure to revisit your accomplishments and write the most prominent ones down, so you remember them well during the interview. With this in mind, you can build your answers around your accomplishments or use them as examples of your skills. 

5. Know The Common Questions

Do a little research and get to know what kinds of questions are commonly asked. Also, make sure you prepare yourself to discuss your pain points more strategically. For example, if your internship interview questions include a question about a specific skill that you don’t have, you should answer it in a way that shows your willingness to learn and master the skill. Understand the intricacies of all common interview questions and structure your answers accordingly. 

Here are some common internship interview questions: 

• Tell me about yourself
• What are your most significant weaknesses?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• Can you work under pressure?
• Why should I hire you?
• Why do you want to work at our company?
• What changes would you make if you came on board?

6. Tailor Your Answers 

The worst mistake you can make while answering your internship interview questions is giving generic answers. Companies go through many applications and interviews for the same role; they have already heard a fair share of generic answers. Prepare to be able to tailor your answers on the spot. This quick personal touch to your interview answers can stick with your hiring manager, ultimately helping you get the internship. 

7. Practice For Role-Specific 

Aside from the common internship interview questions, your interviewer will ask additional questions related to your role and the industry. These questions help them judge your hard skills and industry knowledge. So, even if it is an interview for an internship role, it is better to know these questions and be prepared to answer them smoothly.

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8. Do a Mock Interview 

Now that you know what kind of questions you might come across and what you need to do to answer them more articulately, it is time to practice. Mock interviews are a great way to brush up on everything you know, especially if it is your first-ever internship interview. You can do the mock interview on your own or with a friend. Practice it in the mirror or record it to see how you answer the questions to make further improvements. 

9. Prepare Your Questions

Eventually, during the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Do not let this opportunity go. Asking good questions to your interviewer won’t just show your enthusiasm and proactivity but will also give you a peek into what you are getting into. So, while preparing for your internship interview questions, prepare a set of questions you can ask too. If you really want to stand out, you can also consider more unique questions to ask.

Additional Tips To Stand Out

With the information you have gathered throughout this blog, you may better understand how to prepare for internship interview questions. However, you might have to take extra measures during the interview to utilise this information better. Here are some tips to help you: 

‍Be confident 

‍Answer your internship interview questions confidently. Excessive fumbling, contradictory statements, and jumbled-up words can distract the interviewer. Similarly, keep a positive attitude while answering the questions. Don’t complain about things. When discussing your weaknesses, structure your answers around how you will improve yourself. This will help the interviewer feel more confident about your abilities and mindset. 

‍Quantify your achievements 

‍While talking about your achievements, make sure you don’t use too much fluff. The best way to make this information crisp and catchy is to give your interviewer substantial numbers and stats. It may take some research, but if you have previous experience, include real numbers in your answer. 

‍Be honest

‍Be honest during your interview. Most experienced recruiters and interviewers can determine if you are bluffing about your skills or experience. This dishonesty can cost you a lot of trustworthiness and reliability. If you don’t know something, acknowledge it. If you have a shortcoming, accept it. However, don't forget to give the interviewer a solution by telling them how you plan to overcome the pain points. 

‍Fix your body language 

‍Body language plays an important role in reflecting your confidence. Even if you speak confidently and articulately, if your body language includes biting nails, slouched postures, and fiddling with your hair, you may appear nervous to your interviewer. So, it is essential to notice your body language while you practice your mock interview to improve it and look more confident. Here, a grooming kit would prove to be a good addition to your student essentials kit.

There’s no fixed formula or one-size-fits-all hack to crack your internship interview. You may even get a ton of rejections before getting your first internship. However, understanding and preparing for the process can help you answer your internship interview questions better. We hope the tips in the blog help you prepare and start your exciting professional journey with the internship of your dreams! Also, check out this blog to know the online internships opportunities and finding freelancing gigs for students.

As you navigate the intricate landscape of internship interviews, seize the opportunity to become part of the Amber Ambassador program—an exclusive avenue that unveils unique internship opportunities not easily found elsewhere. At amber, we understand the diverse needs of students, extending our support beyond interviews to include assistance in finding accommodations. This holistic approach positions amber as a valuable ally in your quest for a successful internship experience. Join the amber Ambassador Program today and embark on a journey that transcends conventional opportunities, enhancing both your professional growth and overall well-being.