Ask about the actual work
These questions help turn a broad job description into a picture of the day-to-day work. Adjust them to what the interviewer has already covered.
- What might someone in this role work on during their first few weeks?
- What does a strong first project look like for an intern or new graduate?
- Which teams would this role work with most often?
- What is one challenge the person joining would help the team address?
Ask how learning and feedback work
Early-career roles differ in how much guidance they provide. It's reasonable to ask who can help you get started and how you would know whether you're making progress.
- How is work usually reviewed, and how often do people receive feedback?
- Who would I go to when I get stuck?
- What have previous interns or graduates found most useful when starting?
- How are priorities set when someone is working on several tasks?
Choose questions for the person you're meeting
A recruiter may be best placed to explain the process, working arrangements or compensation. A hiring manager can usually describe the work and expectations in more detail. A potential teammate may be able to explain how the team collaborates.
Listen throughout the conversation. If a question has already been answered, refer to what you heard and ask a useful follow-up instead of repeating it.
Finish with next steps
Before the conversation ends, you can ask what the remaining stages are and when the team expects to make a decision. If something important about the role is still unclear, ask it even if it wasn't on your original list.
Keep a few notes after the interview: what you learned, any follow-up you promised and any concerns you want to clarify. They will help you compare opportunities later.
Keep preparing
Explore related guides or use a real job description to build your own practice plan.
- Internship interview questions: how to prepare and what to say
- How to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’ as a student
- How to answer behavioral interview questions with no work experience
- A practical guide to behavioral interviews
For more interview preparation advice, see Boston College's interviewing resources and VCU Career Services' common interview questions.