How to Prepare for an Internship Interview

Internship interview candidates usually lack professional work experience so you will find that more and more companies when interviewing interns will focus on the necessary competencies (also referred to as behaviors) for the internship position rather than on actual task experience. Learn how to prepare for interview questions that explore the most common competencies identified for success in an internship.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Based on the premise that past performance is the best predictor of future performance, the candidate is asked competency-based (or behavioral) questions that require them to provide specific examples of when they have previously demonstrated the required competency. The intern will be expected to answer using the following structure:
   *Describe the specific situation or incident
   *Detail the actions and steps taken
   *Describe the outcome of these actions

2. Experience has shown that these are the most common competencies for an internship position. The competency (behavior) is listed, an explanation given of what that competency looks like and a sample behavioral question given. Intern candidates can reflect on past experiences, select appropriate examples and plan their answers. Examples of possible situations are listed to guide the candidate in the internship interview.

3. Prepare for a question that explores the ability to learn and apply new information and skills.This competency involves assimilating and applying new data or tasks as quickly as possible. The motivation to learn and the resourcefulness used in acquiring new knowledge is explored.
   "Give an example of when you were able to learn something complex in a relatively short period of time."
   Examples of possible situations that can be referred to include undertaking a new project, a difficult assignment and learning a new skill.

4. Prepare for a question about your initiative. This competency involves the ability to be proactive, generate new ideas, come up with solutions and take on new opportunities.
   "Describe a time you have had to meet a major challenge."
   Possible situations include your course requirements, your extracurricular activities and sports participation.

5. Prepare for a question that identifies your problem analysis and problem-solving abilities. This involves the ability to gather, organize and analyze relevant data using different resources and use this to find an appropriate solution
   "Describe a situation where your initial approach failed and you had to try something different to meet your result."
   Situations include undertaking projects and assignments, reaching goals and objectives in work, sport and extracurricular activities.

6. Consider your planning and organizing skills. This refers to the ability to plan ahead, set priorities and manage time and resources to achieve outcomes.
   "What goals have you set for yourself, what steps have you taken to stay on track?"

7. Prepare for a question that looks at your contribution to teamwork. Are you able to work effectively as part of a team or group to reach desired outcomes?
   "Describe a group project you achieved successfully, what was your contribution?"
   Possible situations include group assignments or projects, team sporting activities and community work.

Tips & Warnings

• The internship interview should be considered a regular employment interview and prepared for in the same way.
• Prepare for standard interview questions such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• Think about the questions you want to ask the interviewer to determine if this is the right internship position for you.

Resources

• A free and complete guide to preparing for and succeeding in job interviews.