The most commonly asked questions in any interview.
1. Tell me about yourself.
While the basic goal of this question is for the interviewer
to get to know you, your ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impression. Be
brief, but detailed—introduce where you are from and then state what you are
currently doing (as a student or as a working professional).
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Convey your competencies and your motivation to improve your
weak ones. Prepare to discuss at least 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses. Stay away
from clichés like "perfectionist" and "workaholic." It's a
practice to describe a weakness in terms of what you're doing to improve upon
it, but be honest, we all have faults.
3. Give me an example or a situation in which…
Questions like these are often asked to assess how you would
respond to potential workplace scenarios and situations. Prepare to talk about
3 scenarios in which you faced conflict or difficulty in either work or school,
had difficulty with either a supervisor or peer, and a leadership opportunity
or a project you are particularly proud of.
4. Can we go over your resume?
Going over your resume is a great way to showcase your
ability to discuss your professional experiences, and is an excellent
opportunity to market yourself. Given that this question assesses how well you
know your resume, confidently elaborating on prior experiences in detail is
key. This question is also likely evaluating your ability to communicate
concisely, so avoid droning on and on.
5. What are your career goals (a.k.a. where do you see
yourself in ___ years)?
Interviewers usually pose this question because they may be
interested in knowing how serious you are in pursuing a given academic or
professional field. Although there is no "right answer" to this
question, evaluate your plans for the future and be sure to give an answer that
is insightful in that it shows that you have a plan to build upon your
professional skills even after your internship. Another solid strategy is to
play up the role of the internship opportunity to influence your career goals.
Your career goal may simply be to learn as much about ‘x’ as possible in this
internship to know if it is something you’d like to pursue a career in.
Questions about your internship experiences.
1. Why are you interested in this internship?
Eloquently communicating your reasons for applying to this
particular internship is crucial. You must demonstrate that you are interested
and ready to invest your time into such an opportunity. Be specific about your
goals and expectations, discuss how you believe your qualifications are in-line
with those required of the position, and be ready to explain why you chose this
particular company when applying.
2. What do you know about our organization?
Researching the company or organization you are applying to
is an integral part of the application process, and this question is an
evaluation of whether or not you have already done such an essential task.
Prepare to answer questions regarding the origins of the company/organization,
their current activities, and their objectives for the future.
Failing to have any knowledge of the company/organization
you are applying for will appear to be indicative of a lack of interest or
commitment to the application, and to the position itself, whether or not that
was your actual intention.
3. What is our mission statement?
While you may not know the company/organization's
"motto" word-for-word, it is essential to understand what the
company/organization is trying to accomplish, and for what reasons. Using that
knowledge, construct a statement that confirms this understanding.
4. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
This should be an easy question to answer. You wouldn’t have
applied if you didn’t think you were qualified for the position. It’s important
to quickly address how you meet the basic requirements for the internship and
then expand upon how your strengths and experiences make you ideal for the
position. This is a great opportunity for you to stand out from other applicants
and make a case for why they should choose you. You’re more than qualified for
the position; you’re ideal.
5. What do you know about the issues faced by our
organization?
Your research on the company and its values will help
prepare you for this question. However, you’ll also need to ensure that you do
some preliminary research on the general market that the company operates in.
If you were applying for an internship at a banking company, it would be wise
to be familiar with how the banking sector and general economy has been doing
lately. This shows that you’re aware of the larger context that the company
fits into - a rare find in an intern candidate.
6. Do you have any ideas on how to solve or address some of
the issues our organization may face?
To build upon the question that they have just asked (see
previous question), employers will usually follow up with ..."and how
would you attempt to solve the issue?" Identify the components of the
issues the organization is facing or may face, and apply your problem-solving
skills to address each aspect of the main issue. Being able to formulate a
well-thought out reply while showing your thought process step-by-step while
being put on the spot will demonstrate a confidence in your abilities to work
in that position, and provides insight into your general methodology.
7. What type of work environment do you prefer?
When an interviewer poses this question, he/she may be
attempting to assess how well you would integrate into the work environment.
However, they will likely expect your answer to include a description that
applies to or embodies the atmosphere of their workplace. Common terms that can
be used to describe such environments include “professional” or “casual,”
“open” or “private,” and “fast-paced” or “relaxed,” among others. It may also
help to look into how other similar work environments are described, so that
you can use comparable terminology. Avoid superficial and general descriptions,
and be ready to justify your reasoning well.
8. What makes you unique from other candidates?
It may be tempting to interpret this question literally, but
an interviewer is not typically looking for an answer that involves certain
aspects of your persona or general history. Instead, this question allows you
to give your interviewer a solid and specific reason to hire you instead of any
other candidate. Provide your interviewer with a career or academic story that
highlights a unique success that may be pertinent to the position's primary
objective, and build on that as you continue your response.
9. What type of job-related skills have you developed that
may help you in this internship?
If you have had a job experience prior to the internship
opportunity you are currently applying for, be ready to elaborate upon what
sort of skills you picked up during your time there, and which specific skills
will help you in scenarios you expect to encounter during your time as an intern.
Don’t underestimate the experience of working as part of a team in a
professional environment and learning to communicate effectively.
10. How would you assess your writing and communication
skills?
It may seem appropriate to be modest about your skills when
asked this question in an everyday context, but an interview is not the time to
underplay your skills—particularly if the position in question emphasizes a
necessity for such talents. Be honest about the limits of your skills, but
enforce the idea that you are constantly on the quest to improve and hone your
skills further, especially if you are given the opportunity (or position) to do
so.
When answering, it is also best to include some anecdotal
stories or example experiences in which you've been required to utilize and
showcase these skills of yours.
11. What software are you proficient in?
Computer skills and technical skills are indispensable in
this contemporary era, and any significant experience you have with software
relevant to the position in question will be highly desired. Be sure to tell
your interviewer if you do have such skills, and highlight your expertise if
possible. In addition, typically any good experience using the two main
operating systems, OSX and Windows, as well as general office productivity
programs like Microsoft Office, Apple’s iWork suite, and even Google Drive will
most likely be useful in any position.
12. What do you want to learn from this internship?
Before accepting/coming into an internship, it is essential
to set goals for yourself, and to know what
you wish to obtain from the
experience. Doing so will allow you to optimize your time spent at your
internship and to actually enjoy the experience. Be specific about the things
you believe you may be able to learn about during your time as an intern, and
how you might apply those skills even after your internship has ended. An
employer wants to see that you are equally driven to learn and improve yourself
using the opportunity provided to you, and that you are not only in this for
otherwise superficial reasons. It’s always a good idea to highlight the
opportunity to learn from the senior employees at the company and their years
of experience.
13. What qualities do you think will make one successful in
this internship?
Think about the qualities that you possess, but in the
context of the internship. Remember those strengths you highlighted earlier?
Bring them up again. If you haven’t gotten the strengths question, this is your
chance to speak directly to the qualities that make you a strong candidate. A
strong, confident answer to this question is key to the interview.
14. Have you had previous internship experience? Why or why
not?
If you have had prior experience at another internship,
reflect upon the experiences you had then and think about what you learned
there—what takeaways can now be applied to this new opportunity? If you haven’t
had internship experience, be prepared to honestly answer why you’re seeking
your first internship now.
15. Do you know anyone at our organization?
Employers may be interested in knowing whether or not you
have connections to the organization/company already, and if they should be
particularly aware of these existing relationships, but be advised—they may
reflect well on your status as an applicant if they have recommended you for
the position, but if you are in the unfortunate circumstance of knowing an
employee who you know is not particularly doing well at the organization, the
opposite effect may occur. Regardless, it is important to be honest and
disclose any relationships. An interviewer may be harmless in posing this
question, and could be just curious.
Questions to help better understand your interests.
1. Why did you choose your major or area of work?
Making the decision to pursue your academic field or area of
professional interest probably wasn’t an instantaneous decision (or a matter
resolved by flipping a coin). So think about your personal investment into your
major/area of work and your sentiments regarding what you have chosen to study
or actively practice that in the professional world, and the rationale for your
decision may come more easily to you. Reply with reasons that are both earnest
and honest, while showing enthusiasm. Additionally, even though it might be
tempting to explain your choice using a lengthy story, try to keep your reasons
reasonably brief and concise.
2. What activities are you involved in outside of
school/work?
Employers like to see that you are engaged in other
activities that are either indirectly or directly related to the skills
required for the position you are applying for, but it isn’t a necessity. The
most important part of this question is to be able to demonstrate that you have
a life outside of work, and are invested in and passionate about experiencing
new things.
3. What were your favorite/least favorite classes? Why?
When employers ask this question, they’re trying to get a
feel for your interests within your major. While pursuing a general field is
one thing, it is valuable to them to see what you are particularly invested in,
what areas pique your curiosity the most, and what motivates you. Giving your
interviewer a list of classes is one thing, but employers probably don’t care
so much about the list of the classes as they do about why you chose the
classes. The critical aspect of the question is to give your interviewer a
sense of what you strive to accomplish and actively seek to gain in your academic
environment.
4. What did you enjoy most about your last job?
Discussing what you found most enjoyable about your last job
is a good way for your interviewer to understand where your interests lie in a
professional context. Bringing up specific examples of things you enjoyed at
your previous job and explaining why you enjoyed them most will be the best
approach to this question.
If you’ve never had a job, it’s likely that you will not be
asked this question. Rest easy.
5. How would your professor or past supervisors describe
you?
Although you cannot be absolutely sure about how your
professors or past supervisors would describe you, you can always guess.
Because your answer will be a guess, it’s best to lead the statement with “my
best guess is…” or something of that nature. This question is a great
opportunity for you to use those individuals as references or offer them up to
your interviewer as such.
6. Describe your research experience.
Having interest in new topics and dedicating time and effort
into researching to study such things reflects well on your drive as a
potential employee. School has most likely provided you with ample
opportunities to pursue research in a topic of your choice, so speak
intelligently and enthusiastically about an example from one of these
experiences. What did your process look like, and what did you learn from your
experience? Think about those questions as you give your reply.
7. What has had the most impact on your academic or
professional interests?
This question is rather open-ended, but it is usually best
to respond with an inspiring individual unless there was one singular event
that altered everything drastically for you. Give a positive example; that
person/event should still inspire you today, and a carefully-considered,
enthused and passionate answer will likely come naturally.
8. Did you ever quit a job or a project? Why?
When an interviewer poses this question, he/she may be
trying to determine what sort of jobs or projects you find disagreeable, and
the exact reasons for why you think so. Be honest when replying, and give
specific reasons that provide insight into your rationale for backing out of
such commitments.
9. Did you work while in school?
An interviewer that asks this question could potentially be
curious about where your priorities lie, and if you have the ability to
multitask and do it well. Answer honestly, and if you did work while in school,
explain how you were able to conduct yourself under stress and manage your time
effectively while undertaking these two large time commitments.
10. To applicants who have already completed their
education, what was the most challenging part of your education/work?
Applicants should show that they have encountered
challenges, but have been successful in overcoming them—so elaborate on a
challenge that shows the process of you taking on such a task but eventually
being able to overcome it.
Questions to gauge your reactions and adaptability.
1. Give me an example of a time in which you worked under a
deadline.
An employer may pose this question using the word
“deadline,” but what he/she is really trying to discover is if you possess the
ability to work under pressure and be prompt. Think of a time where you
strongly exhibited this ability, and how the process went. Discuss your
difficulties and challenges, as well as your successes.
2. Give me an example of when you worked with a team.
Collaboration and communication skills are invaluable to the
productivity and flow of a work environment, so this is a critical
example-based question. Employers want to see the potential dynamic between you
and your coworkers, and your example will give them an idea of how that interaction
will develop. Focus and elaborate on an example that highlights your
collaborative skills, your individual role within the greater team, and how you
communicated effectively within your team dynamic.
3. Give me an example of a time you worked on multiple
assignments during one time.
The ability to work well on different assignments
simultaneously is a respectable skill, and by asking this question,
interviewers will be able to determine whether or not you would do well in
situations that would require you to do so. Multi-tasking skills will
inevitably be beneficial to any intern that is in charge of working with
various sectors of the organization/company, so choose an example that
showcases your ability to work under such conditions with efficacy and accuracy.
4. Provide an example of a time in which you solved a
problem for an employer, peer, or customer.
Understanding a problem and being able to solve it from a
personal viewpoint is different from obtaining information on a problem
second-hand. Providing otherwise unthought-of solutions.
5. Describe a situation where you taught a concept to a
peer, co-worker, or other person.
It is a feat in itself to be an expert in your own field,
but the ability to pass that knowledge to others effectively is an even greater
one. Employers are interested in seeing whether your knowledge can extend to
others, given that you will almost always have to collaborate with others in a
typical work environment. Being able to give a specific example in which you
were able to successfully teach your skills to others reinforces the idea that
you are both extremely knowledgeable and that your contributions will not be
confined to what you, as one person, contributes to the organization/company,
but will also encompass those of others who have learned from you.
6. Describe a time where you disagreed with a supervisor.
When an employer inquires about a situation in which you
were at odds with your supervisor, be honest. He/she may be evaluating how you
may approach conflicts with your work superiors in the future, so give an
example in which you disagreed, but were still able to calmly communicate and
compromise in order to resolve the issue you had with that individual.
7. Give me an example of a time you gave a presentation.
Presentations are a common occurrence in a working
environment, and you may even have to conduct one during your time as an
intern. If you have presentation skills, and ample experience with the matter,
answer with an example that communicates how you utilized those skills, and how
you approached the process of giving your presentation.
8. Describe a situation in which someone critiqued your
work.
If you have had formal critiques for your work, either
through a workplace or an academic environment, those experiences will
certainly help you when formulating a response for this question. Think about
how you reacted to such critique, and what actions you took after receiving
feedback. How did that critique change your approach and/or your project?
Evaluate your answers to those questions as you create a response.
9. Give me a time where you worked under minimal supervision.
While it is a respectable skill to be able to work well
under supervision, it is even more admirable when an intern is able to
demonstrate their self-discipline and self-sufficiency in a workplace,
especially when his/her supervisor is unavailable to dictate what they should
work on. Be sure to give your interviewer an example in which you demonstrated
these traits, and were successful in accomplishing your main task.
10. Give an example of a creative piece of work.
If you have a portfolio of your creative work, now's the
time to show it. Select a piece that you are particularly proud of, and be
prepared to discuss its creation. Simply showing your work is typically not a
sufficient response to this question—the emphasis is on your ability to explain
the process and methodology that went into creating your piece.
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