Questions to practice
Use these prompts to prepare, not as a prediction of the exact interview. Read the role description and add questions about the skills and tasks it mentions.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this internship and our organization?
- Tell me about a time you worked with other people.
- Describe a problem you encountered and how you approached it.
- Tell me about something you had to learn quickly.
- What questions do you have for us?
Make your motivation specific
Connect one part of the role to something you've already explored or want to learn. Then explain why this organization is a useful place to do that. Look at the actual job description and credible company sources rather than relying on a generic compliment.
Illustrative answer: ‘I'm interested in this internship because the role involves turning customer feedback into product decisions. In a class project I enjoyed comparing what people said with how they used our prototype. I'd like to learn how your team does that with real customers, especially when different teams have competing priorities.’
Use this as a structure, not a script. Replace every detail with your own experience and a feature of the actual role.
Prepare three adaptable stories
Choose one story about working with others, one about solving a problem and one about learning or recovering from a mistake. Class projects, volunteering and independent work can all provide evidence.
For each story, note the situation, your contribution, what happened and what you learned. If the interviewer asks for a different kind of example, choose the closest honest one rather than claiming experience you don't have.
Before the interview
Give yourself enough time to check the logistics and think through the role. If you don't know the format or who you are meeting, it's reasonable to ask the recruiter.
- Read the description and highlight three important responsibilities.
- Prepare a short introduction and a reason for applying.
- Review the organization using its own website and the job posting.
- Write two questions about the work, support or next steps.
- Check the time, location or video link and your interviewer's name.
Keep preparing
Explore related guides or use a real job description to build your own practice plan.
- How to answer behavioral interview questions with no work experience
- How to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’ as a student
- Questions to ask an interviewer when you're starting your career
- A practical guide to behavioral interviews
For more interview preparation advice, see Boston College's interviewing resources and VCU Career Services' common interview questions.