Common Intern Interview Questions and Example Answers

by Fang Mei

Published at: January 25, 2024

Landing an internship can be a pivotal step in your career, offering you insights and experience in your chosen field. It's vital to go into an internship interview prepared to articulate not only your skills and education but also how they align with the internship's requirements and the company's goals.

Common intern interview questions often explore your past accomplishments, how you handle pressure, and your understanding of the industry. For instance, you might be asked about your most noteworthy achievement or to describe your knowledge about the organization.

To stand out as a remote candidate, practice thoughtfully crafted responses that showcase your qualifications, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.

Understanding the Intern Interview Process

The intern interview process typically evaluates your fit for the company and the role through a series of targeted questions. Prepare by researching the company, crafting responses to common queries, and rehearsing through mock interviews.

Common Intern Interview Questions

Expect to encounter questions that assess both your general aptitude and your technical abilities. Research the company in advance and develop a strong understanding of the remote role to formulate well-informed responses. Common questions might include inquiries about your strengths, weaknesses, and past educational or project experiences.

General Interview Questions:

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
2. What do you know about our company, and why do you want to intern here?
3. What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
4. What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into them?
5. What relevant coursework or projects have you completed that make you a good fit for this position?
6. How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?
7. What do you hope to gain from this internship?
8. How do you handle stress and pressure?
9. Are you able to work independently with minimal supervision?
10. What are your salary expectations for this internship, if any?

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions aim to gauge how you've handled past situations and predict your future performance. Prepare your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail specific instances that showcase your skills and learning abilities.

Behavioral Interview Questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work on a team. What was your role, and how did the team function?
2. Describe a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?
3. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to take initiative in a project or task?
4. Tell me about a time when you received criticism. How did you handle it?
5. Share an experience where you had to manage multiple assignments at the same time. How did you ensure everything was completed on time?
6. Describe a situation where you had to learn something new in a short period. How did you go about it?
7. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at school or work. How did you manage the transition?
8. Can you give an example of how you worked under a tight deadline?
9. Have you ever had a conflict with a teammate or classmate? How did you resolve it?
10. Describe a leadership role you've taken on in the past. What did you learn from that experience?

Situational Questions

Situational questions require you to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Interviewers want to see your thought process, so lay out clear steps when addressing hypothetical scenarios.

Situational Interview Questions:

1. Imagine you are assigned a project with unclear instructions. What would be your approach to starting the project?
2. If you were given a task that you've never done before, how would you ensure that you complete it successfully?
3. Suppose you noticed a mistake in a project that had already been submitted. What would you do?
4. How would you handle a situation where you are struggling to meet a deadline?
5. What would you do if you found yourself in a situation with a difficult coworker or team member?
6. If you were asked to do something that you didn't believe was in the best interest of the project, how would you handle it?
7. Imagine you have a great idea for a project, but your supervisor doesn't seem interested. How would you proceed?
8. If you were working on multiple projects and realized you couldn't finish them all by the deadlines, what would you do?
9. How would you react if you received feedback that you felt was unjustified or incorrect?
10. Suppose you're at an event representing the company, and someone asks you a question you don't have the answer to. How do you respond?

Questions about Experience and Background

Discussing your experience and background, highlight relevant academic projects, prior internships, or work experience that align with the internship's requirements. Be specific about your roles and the skills you've developed.

Top Intern Interview Questions and Sample Answers

1. What Led You to Apply for This Internship?

This question delves into your motivations and career aspirations. Link your personal goals clearly to the company's vision and the opportunity the internship presents.

Sample Answer: "I was drawn to apply for this internship because it aligns perfectly with my academic background in marketing and my passion for digital media strategies. Through my coursework and involvement in our campus Digital Media Club, I've developed a keen interest in how brands can leverage social media to engage with audiences. When I came across the internship opportunity at your company, I was excited by the chance to contribute to real-world projects that match my interests and skills. Additionally, your company's reputation for fostering innovation and providing interns with hands-on experience is exactly the kind of environment I'm looking to immerse myself in to further my professional development."

2. Why Do You Think You Are the Most Qualified Candidate For This Role?

Articulate a concise argument for your candidacy, focusing on your specific qualifications, including skills, experiences, and achievements that directly relate to the internship's objectives.

Sample Answer: "While I understand there are likely many candidates with strong qualifications, I believe my unique combination of academic excellence, leadership in extracurricular activities, and a genuine enthusiasm for the industry sets me apart.

As an honors student in computer science, I've not only mastered the theoretical aspects of programming but also applied these skills in practical settings, such as developing an app for our campus innovation challenge, which won second place.  I am confident that I can bring a fresh perspective, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to learning that will make a positive impact during my internship."

3. Can You Walk Me Through the Impact of a Project That You Worked On Previously?

Respond to this by identifying a significant project and discussing the measurable impact of your contributions. Use bold metrics or outcomes that underscore your role's value to the project's success.

Sample Answer: "Absolutely. In my final year of university, I worked on a group project where we were tasked with designing an eco-friendly packaging solution for a local coffee shop. My role was to conduct market research and design the prototype. After analyzing consumer behavior and sustainability trends, I led the team in creating a biodegradable packaging design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The impact of the project was multifaceted. Not only did our solution reduce the coffee shop's carbon footprint by 25%, but it also resonated with customers who valued environmental responsibility, leading to a 15% increase in sales. This experience taught me the importance of innovation, teamwork, and the real-world implications of environmentally-conscious business practices."

4. What Do You Know Our Company and This Industry?

Your answer should reflect thorough research of the company and its position within the industry. Demonstrate familiarity with recent developments and how they relate to the role you're applying for.

Sample Answer: "I've researched your company extensively and am impressed with its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction within the technology sector. Your recent launch of the X-Series platform, which integrates AI to personalize user experiences, really stands out as a forward-thinking solution in the market. I am also aware that your company has won numerous awards for workplace culture and community involvement, which speaks volumes about your values.

Regarding the tech industry, I understand that it's rapidly evolving, with key trends like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity at the forefront of shaping its future. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a company that is a key player in driving technological advancements."

5. How You Would Work With a Team As An Intern?

Interviewers assess your teamwork ability by your past experiences in group settings. Be prepared to provide examples of successful collaboration and how you've navigated any challenges with coworkers or teammates.

Sample Answer: "As an intern, my approach to working with a team would be rooted in collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. I believe that every team member brings unique insights and strengths to the table, and as an intern, I would be eager to contribute my own skills while also absorbing as much knowledge as possible from those around me.

I would start by clearly understanding my role within the team and the expectations that come with it. Open communication is key, so I would ask questions when necessary and actively listen to my teammates' ideas and feedback. I would also make sure to stay organized and manage my time efficiently to meet team deadlines and support our collective goals. Ultimately, my goal as an intern would be to add value to the team while growing professionally and personally from the experience."

6. Tell Me About Yourself?

Sample Answer 1:

• "I'm a third-year computer science major with a passion for software development and a commitment to continuous learning. Having completed several advanced courses in machine learning and data structures, I'm eager to apply my problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. Additionally, my role as a teaching assistant has honed my communication skills, enabling me to explain complex concepts in an accessible way."

Sample Answer 2:

• "I recently graduated with honors in marketing and have been recognized for my strategic thinking and communication capabilities. My internships at local agencies, where I increased social media engagement by 30%, reflect my hands-on experience. I'm committed to leveraging my analytical and creative skills to contribute to your team's success."

7. What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths:"One of my key strengths is my ability to distill large sets of data into actionable insights, a skill that I developed through internships and academic projects."

Weaknesses: "Initially, public speaking was a challenge for me, but after joining a local Toastmasters club, I've significantly improved my presentation skills."

How to Answer This Questions?

When preparing for an internship interview, the way you articulate your answers can make as much difference as the content itself. Focus on clear, concise communication that conveys your strengths and self-awareness.

Using the STAR Method

To answer behavioral questions:

1. Situation: Briefly set the context. Example: "During my internship, I faced a looming project deadline with conflicting team opinions."
2. Task: Describe your role. Example: "As the lead intern, it was my responsibility to find a consensus."
3. Action: Explain what you did. Example: "I facilitated a discussion to prioritize tasks and delegated responsibilities based on individual strengths."
4. Result: Share the outcome. Example: "The project was completed two days early with positive feedback from the team and client."

Identify Keywords and Personalize Your Experience

Review the job description and note the skills and qualities they seek.Align your answers with the required skills using specific examples from your academic and extracurricular activities.

Practice and Seek Feedback:

Rehearse your responses to ensure confidence during the actual interview. If possible, conduct mock interviews with mentors or peers to refine your communication skills.

Conclusion

These questions can help you gauge an intern's capabilities, how they might fit in with your team, and their ability to contribute positively to your organization. Remember to tailor the questions to the specific role and the company's values for the best results.

If you are searching for a remote interns job and need help finding where to look? We are a remote job board with the latest jobs in various categories to help you. Try these top remote companies offering 4 day work week and join like-minded people in our LinkedIn and Facebook community.