Interview Questions to Ask an Intern
Strategic questions to ask an intern during an interview to assess their potential, motivation, and fit for the role.
1What are your career goals, and how does this internship align with them?
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What are your career goals, and how does this internship align with them?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their motivation and whether they're serious about the opportunity.
2What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to improve?
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What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to improve?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their self-awareness and commitment to growth.
3What are your expectations for this internship, and what do you hope to learn?
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What are your expectations for this internship, and what do you hope to learn?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding their learning goals and ensuring alignment with what you can offer.
4What are your previous work experiences, and what have you learned from them?
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What are your previous work experiences, and what have you learned from them?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their background and how they've grown from past experiences.
5What are your academic interests, and how do they relate to this role?
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What are your academic interests, and how do they relate to this role?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their educational background and how it applies to the work.
6What are your communication skills, and how do you handle feedback?
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What are your communication skills, and how do you handle feedback?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding how they'll interact with the team and respond to guidance.
7What are your time management skills, and how do you prioritize tasks?
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What are your time management skills, and how do you prioritize tasks?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding how they'll handle multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
8What are your problem-solving skills, and how do you approach challenges?
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What are your problem-solving skills, and how do you approach challenges?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how they'll handle difficult situations and find solutions.
9What are your teamwork skills, and how do you collaborate with others?
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What are your teamwork skills, and how do you collaborate with others?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding how they'll work with the team and contribute to group projects.
10What are your technology skills, and what tools are you familiar with?
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What are your technology skills, and what tools are you familiar with?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their technical abilities and what training they might need.
11What are your research skills, and how do you gather information?
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What are your research skills, and how do you gather information?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how they'll approach learning and information gathering.
12What are your writing skills, and how do you communicate ideas?
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What are your writing skills, and how do you communicate ideas?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding how they'll document their work and communicate findings.
13What are your presentation skills, and how do you share information?
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What are your presentation skills, and how do you share information?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding how they'll present their work and ideas to others.
14What are your leadership skills, and how do you take initiative?
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What are your leadership skills, and how do you take initiative?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their potential for growth and leadership development.
15What are your learning styles, and how do you acquire new skills?
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What are your learning styles, and how do you acquire new skills?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding how they'll learn and adapt to new challenges.
16What are your work preferences, and what environment do you thrive in?
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What are your work preferences, and what environment do you thrive in?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their work style and how they'll fit with the team.
17What are your long-term career plans, and how does this internship fit?
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What are your long-term career plans, and how does this internship fit?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their commitment and potential for future opportunities.
18What are your questions about this internship, and what would you like to know?
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What are your questions about this internship, and what would you like to know?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding their interest level and what they want to learn about the role.
19What are your availability and scheduling preferences?
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What are your availability and scheduling preferences?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their time constraints and how they'll fit with your needs.
20What are your goals for professional development, and how can we help you achieve them?
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What are your goals for professional development, and how can we help you achieve them?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their growth mindset and how you can support their development.
Interviewing Intern Candidates
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Before the Interview
Review Their Application
Read their resume, cover letter, and any other application materials.
Prepare Your Questions
Write down questions that will help you assess their fit for the role.
Set Clear Expectations
Be clear about what the internship involves and what you expect from them.
During the Interview
Create a Comfortable Environment
Make them feel at ease so they can show their true potential.
Listen Actively
Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions.
Assess Their Potential
Look for signs of motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
After the Interview
Evaluate Their Fit
Consider how well they would fit with your team and culture.
Check References
Follow up with their references to get additional insights.
Make a Decision
Decide whether to offer them the internship based on your assessment.