First impressions are often lasting impressions, so make sure you come across as confident and well prepared when answering interview questions. At the same time, try to maintain the interview as a conversation rather than a one-sided question and answer session.
The typical questions you'll be asked:
1. Tell me about yourself.
Give a brief summary (in less than a minute) about your educational and professional background and show that it is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Give a brief summary (in less than a minute) about your educational and professional background and show that it is relevant to the position you are applying for.
2. What do you know about our company?
You are not expected to know every single detail about the company, but at least do enough research to know the basics, show that you know what you are getting into. Read up on recent news articles about the company, know what their mission is, whom are their biggest clients. The company's website, blog, and social media would be a great place to start.
3. What do you know about this industry?
It would be useful to make reference to previous internships or projects that you have worked on that may be relevant to the industry. Even if you do not have any industry experience, be sure to research on it beforehand and be aware of the latest happenings worldwide.
4. Why do you want to intern/train here?
Explain what attracted you to apply for the position and how the position will impact your future career path. Mention what you hope to gain for the internship, as well as what you will be able to contribute to the company. Definitely do not say that this is a requirement for your degree or because you are simply trying your luck.
You are not expected to know every single detail about the company, but at least do enough research to know the basics, show that you know what you are getting into. Read up on recent news articles about the company, know what their mission is, whom are their biggest clients. The company's website, blog, and social media would be a great place to start.
3. What do you know about this industry?
It would be useful to make reference to previous internships or projects that you have worked on that may be relevant to the industry. Even if you do not have any industry experience, be sure to research on it beforehand and be aware of the latest happenings worldwide.
4. Why do you want to intern/train here?
Explain what attracted you to apply for the position and how the position will impact your future career path. Mention what you hope to gain for the internship, as well as what you will be able to contribute to the company. Definitely do not say that this is a requirement for your degree or because you are simply trying your luck.
5. How do your skills relate to this position?
Make sure you've thoroughly read the requirements for the position and confirm that you meet them. Refer to specific responsibilities of the position and tie them to your educational and/or professional experience. If you aren't applying to a specific internship/training opening and are proposing the program to the employer, be sure to explain that you have a strong foundation for training in this industry. They will understand that they will need to teach and train you, but they will also want to know you have sufficient preparation to be successful.
Make sure you've thoroughly read the requirements for the position and confirm that you meet them. Refer to specific responsibilities of the position and tie them to your educational and/or professional experience. If you aren't applying to a specific internship/training opening and are proposing the program to the employer, be sure to explain that you have a strong foundation for training in this industry. They will understand that they will need to teach and train you, but they will also want to know you have sufficient preparation to be successful.
6. Tell me about your strengths.
Rather than throwing out words like "creative", "responsible", etc., make sure that the attributes you are stating are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a sales internship, make sure to highlight your presentation skills as a strength. Always remember to prove concrete examples of when and how you have demonstrated this strength in real life situations.
Rather than throwing out words like "creative", "responsible", etc., make sure that the attributes you are stating are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a sales internship, make sure to highlight your presentation skills as a strength. Always remember to prove concrete examples of when and how you have demonstrated this strength in real life situations.
7. What is your biggest weakness?
This is a challenging question as you do not want to appear negative in front of the interviewer. Hence, apart from stating your weakness, also make sure to state how you are working on addressing the weakness and what progress have you made in addressing it so far.
This is a challenging question as you do not want to appear negative in front of the interviewer. Hence, apart from stating your weakness, also make sure to state how you are working on addressing the weakness and what progress have you made in addressing it so far.
8. Where do you see yourself in next five or ten years?
The employer is trying to see if you are a good fit for the position by seeing if the role aligns with what you hope to achieve. Talk about your goals and explain how the position would help you achieve those goals. This shows your employer that you will be motivated and willing to learn.
The employer is trying to see if you are a good fit for the position by seeing if the role aligns with what you hope to achieve. Talk about your goals and explain how the position would help you achieve those goals. This shows your employer that you will be motivated and willing to learn.
9. Any questions?
At the end of an interview, the employer will always ask this question. Do not simply say you have no questions to ask. Asking the employer questions is a good way to show that you are keen for the job.
At the end of an interview, the employer will always ask this question. Do not simply say you have no questions to ask. Asking the employer questions is a good way to show that you are keen for the job.
Look out for our next post to find out what are the questions you should ask during your interview.
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