Hiring interns can be a rewarding experience for both the organisation and the intern. For HR professionals, hiring managers, and business owners, understanding what to look for in a candidate during the interview process is key to selecting the right fit for your team. This guide outlines 10 tried-and-tested general intern interview questions that you can include in your intern hiring process, offering insights into what each question can reveal about a candidate’s potential.
- What interested in this particular internship and what do you hope to gain from it?
This question assesses the candidate’s motivation and understanding of the role. A well-prepared candidate will demonstrate genuine interest in the field and articulate specific goals they hope to achieve. This indicates a proactive mindset and a desire for personal development. By asking this question, you gauge whether the candidate has long-term aspirations that are in line with your industry. A candidate who can clearly connect the internship to their future career path shows foresight and dedication to their professional growth.
- How do you think you can contribute to our team during your internship?
This intern interview question evaluates the candidate’s self-awareness and ability to identify their strengths. Look for responses that highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the team’s goals. A strong answer suggests the candidate has researched your company and understands how they can add value.
- What inspires you to do your best work?
Understanding what drives a candidate can reveal their work ethic and passion. Look for answers that demonstrate intrinsic motivation, such as a love for learning or a desire to make a positive impact. This insight helps you determine if the candidate’s values align with your company’s culture.
- Tell us about a project you completed from beginning to end. What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
Here, you’re looking for evidence of the candidate’s problem-solving abilities and project management skills. This question helps assess the candidate’s practical experience and ability to apply their skills in real-world situations. A thorough response to this intern interview question will outline the steps they took and the outcome, revealing their ability to take initiative and see tasks through to completion.
- Describe a situation where you took the initiative to solve a problem.
A candidate’s ability to identify and address problems proactively is invaluable. Look for examples that demonstrate independent thinking and resourcefulness. These qualities indicate a candidate who will contribute positively to your team dynamics.
- What was your biggest professional or academic challenge and how did you overcome it?
Challenges are inevitable in any role, and this intern interview question explores resilience and adaptability. Candidates who can articulate a challenging situation and their approach to overcoming it demonstrate critical thinking and perseverance.
- Describe a time when you had to work closely with others as a team.
Collaboration is key in most work environments. This question assesses the candidate’s interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others. Look for examples that highlight effective communication and the candidate’s role in achieving a common goal.
- How would you prioritise your work if you had multiple tasks with the same deadline?
Time management and organisational skills are crucial for any role. Look for answers to this intern interview question that show a logical approach to prioritising tasks, such as assessing urgency and importance, and the ability to balance competing demands.
- Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology or tool quickly.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, adaptability to new technologies is essential. Candidates who can share a successful experience of quickly learning new tools demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to grow.
- How would you handle a situation where you’re given an important task but unclear instructions?
This question assesses problem-solving and communication skills. Look for candidates who would seek clarification and take steps to ensure they understand the requirements before proceeding, indicating a proactive approach to overcoming ambiguity.
Selecting interns who align with your company’s values and needs is vital for creating a productive and positive work environment. These questions offer a window into a candidate’s potential and fit within your team. Start refining your interview process with Evalart’s candidate assessment tools and watch your team thrive!
