Questions to Ask a Potential Intern
Navigate intern interviews with strategic questions that help you assess their potential, motivation, and fit while ensuring you select the right candidate for your internship program.
1What interests you most about this internship opportunity?
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What interests you most about this internship opportunity?
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Why this works
Reveals their motivation while helping you understand what aspects of the role and company they find most appealing.
2What are your career goals and how does this internship fit into them?
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What are your career goals and how does this internship fit into them?
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Why this works
Shows their long-term thinking while revealing how they see this opportunity contributing to their professional development.
3What relevant experience or skills do you bring to this role?
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What relevant experience or skills do you bring to this role?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their qualifications while revealing what they can contribute to the team and projects.
4What's your approach to learning and professional development?
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What's your approach to learning and professional development?
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Why this works
Shows their growth mindset while revealing how they approach learning and skill development.
5How do you handle working on multiple projects and deadlines?
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How do you handle working on multiple projects and deadlines?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their organizational skills while revealing their ability to manage workload and meet expectations.
6What's your approach to working with different types of people and teams?
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What's your approach to working with different types of people and teams?
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Why this works
Shows their interpersonal skills while revealing how they collaborate and work with diverse teams.
7How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism?
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How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their growth mindset while revealing their ability to learn from feedback and improve.
8What's your approach to problem-solving and handling challenges?
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What's your approach to problem-solving and handling challenges?
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Why this works
Shows their analytical skills while revealing how they approach problems and find solutions.
9How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with professional work?
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How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with professional work?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their resilience while revealing how they manage stress and meet professional expectations.
10What's your approach to working with technology and digital tools?
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What's your approach to working with technology and digital tools?
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Why this works
Shows their technical skills while revealing their comfort level with technology and digital platforms.
11How do you handle the responsibility of representing the company to others?
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How do you handle the responsibility of representing the company to others?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their professionalism while revealing their understanding of company representation and brand.
12What's your approach to working with different types of projects and tasks?
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What's your approach to working with different types of projects and tasks?
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Why this works
Shows their versatility while revealing their ability to adapt to various types of work and responsibilities.
13How do you handle the challenge of balancing work and other commitments?
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How do you handle the challenge of balancing work and other commitments?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their time management while revealing how they prioritize and manage competing demands.
14What's your approach to working with different types of clients and stakeholders?
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What's your approach to working with different types of clients and stakeholders?
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Why this works
Shows their communication skills while revealing how they interact with various types of people and stakeholders.
15How do you handle the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality and professionalism?
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How do you handle the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality and professionalism?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their understanding of workplace ethics while revealing their approach to handling sensitive information.
16What's your approach to working with different types of feedback and guidance?
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What's your approach to working with different types of feedback and guidance?
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Why this works
Shows their learning style while revealing how they work with different types of supervision and guidance.
17How do you handle the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment?
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How do you handle the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their adaptability while revealing how they perform under pressure and in dynamic situations.
18What's your approach to working with different types of data and information?
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What's your approach to working with different types of data and information?
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Why this works
Shows their analytical skills while revealing their ability to work with various types of information and data.
19What's the most important thing you hope to learn from this internship?
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What's the most important thing you hope to learn from this internship?
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Why this works
Focuses on their learning goals while revealing what they consider most valuable for their professional development.
20What's your vision for your career and how do you plan to achieve it?
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What's your vision for your career and how do you plan to achieve it?
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Why this works
Shows their long-term thinking while revealing their career aspirations and strategies for achieving their goals.
Mastering Intern Candidate Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Assess Motivation and Fit
Ask about their interest in the role and how it aligns with their goals. This helps you understand their motivation and potential fit.
Evaluate Learning Potential
Ask about their approach to learning and development. This reveals their growth mindset and potential for professional development.
Consider Cultural Fit
Ask about their work style and values to ensure they'll fit well with your team culture and company values.
Question Sequences
The Motivation Explorer
The Skills Assessor
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Academic Performance
While grades matter, also consider motivation, attitude, and potential. These factors often predict success better than academic performance alone.
Avoid Generic Questions
Don't ask questions that don't reveal their specific fit for your role. Ask about their relevant experience and motivation for this specific opportunity.
Don't Ignore Cultural Fit
Consider how well they'll fit with your team culture and values. This is crucial for a positive internship experience for both parties.