Questions to Ask Intern Candidates
Strategic questions to ask intern candidates to assess their potential, understand their goals, and determine if they're the right fit for your internship program.
1What interests you most about this internship opportunity, and what do you hope to learn?
Click to see why this works
What interests you most about this internship opportunity, and what do you hope to learn?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their motivation helps you assess if they're genuinely interested in the role and what they want to gain from the experience.
2What relevant experience do you have, and how has it prepared you for this internship?
Click to see why this works
What relevant experience do you have, and how has it prepared you for this internship?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their background helps you assess their qualifications and whether they have the skills needed for the role.
3What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into your long-term plans?
Click to see why this works
What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into your long-term plans?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their career aspirations helps you assess if the internship aligns with their goals and if they're committed to the field.
4What is your approach to learning, and how do you handle new challenges and responsibilities?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to learning, and how do you handle new challenges and responsibilities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their learning style helps you assess if they can adapt to new situations and take on the responsibilities of the internship.
5What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to contribute to our team?
Click to see why this works
What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to contribute to our team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their self-awareness helps you assess their potential and how they might fit into your organization.
6What is your work style, and how do you prefer to collaborate with others?
Click to see why this works
What is your work style, and how do you prefer to collaborate with others?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their work preferences helps you assess if they'll fit well with your team and work environment.
7What are your expectations for this internship, and what do you hope to achieve?
Click to see why this works
What are your expectations for this internship, and what do you hope to achieve?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their expectations helps you assess if the internship can meet their needs and if they have realistic goals.
8What questions do you have about the role, the company, or the internship program?
Click to see why this works
What questions do you have about the role, the company, or the internship program?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their questions helps you assess their interest and preparation, and gives you insights into what they want to know.
9What is your availability, and how do you plan to balance this internship with your other commitments?
Click to see why this works
What is your availability, and how do you plan to balance this internship with your other commitments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their availability helps you assess if they can meet the time requirements and balance their responsibilities.
10What are your thoughts on feedback and performance reviews, and how do you handle constructive criticism?
Click to see why this works
What are your thoughts on feedback and performance reviews, and how do you handle constructive criticism?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to feedback helps you assess if they can learn and grow from the internship experience.
11What are your interests outside of work, and how do you maintain a work-life balance?
Click to see why this works
What are your interests outside of work, and how do you maintain a work-life balance?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their personal interests helps you assess if they can maintain a healthy balance and contribute to a positive work environment.
12What are the most important qualities you look for in a mentor or supervisor?
Click to see why this works
What are the most important qualities you look for in a mentor or supervisor?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their mentorship preferences helps you assess if you can provide the support they need and if they'll be a good fit for your team.
13What are your thoughts on teamwork and collaboration, and how do you contribute to group success?
Click to see why this works
What are your thoughts on teamwork and collaboration, and how do you contribute to group success?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their teamwork approach helps you assess if they can work effectively with others and contribute to team success.
14What are the most important things you want to learn from this internship, and how do you plan to apply them?
Click to see why this works
What are the most important things you want to learn from this internship, and how do you plan to apply them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their learning goals helps you assess if the internship can provide the experiences they need and if they're committed to growth.
15What are the most important things I should know about you before making a decision?
Click to see why this works
What are the most important things I should know about you before making a decision?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This open-ended question gives them an opportunity to share important information and helps you make an informed decision about their fit.
Selecting the Right Interns
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Interview Strategies
Assess Potential
Look for candidates who show potential for growth and learning, not just current skills and experience.
Evaluate Fit
Consider how well the candidate will fit with your team culture and work environment.
Set Clear Expectations
Clearly communicate what the internship involves and what you expect from the intern.