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Top 10 Intern Interview Questions to Prepare for [Updated 2024]

As you gear up for an intern interview, you might be uncertain about what to expect. Questions can range from your skills and qualifications to your interest in the role and company. To help you navigate through this and give you an edge, we’ve compiled a list of some commonly asked intern interview questions with suggested responses.

Intern Interview Questions

Can you describe a situation where you had to solve a problem or overcome a challenge at work or school? How did you approach it?

How to Answer
To answer this question, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe the situation and task you faced, the action you took to overcome it, and the result of your action. Make sure to focus on your role and what you learned from the situation.

Sample Answer
In my previous internship at XYZ Company, we were working on a project that required a high level of accuracy in data entry. The existing process was manual and prone to errors. As part of my role, I identified this issue and proposed implementing an automated data validation tool. I researched different tools, presented my findings to my team, and we chose one to implement. The result was a 50% decrease in data entry errors and an increase in overall efficiency.

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How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple assignments with the same deadline?

How to Answer
A good approach to answer this question is to demonstrate your ability to manage time and tasks effectively. Talk about your strategy for organizing your work, such as using project management tools, making to-do lists, or setting personal deadlines. Also, explain how you assess the importance of each task based on factors such as its impact on the project, its urgency, or the amount of effort required.

Sample Answer
When I have multiple assignments due at the same time, I start by assessing each task’s importance and urgency. I use a project management tool to keep track of all my tasks and deadlines. I prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact on the project and those that are most urgent. I also try to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable parts and set personal deadlines for these parts to ensure I stay on track. If necessary, I communicate with my supervisor or team to negotiate deadlines or divide tasks to manage the workload better.

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Can you share an experience where you had to manage a team project? What was your role and how did you handle it?

How to Answer
This question is designed to assess your team management and leadership skills. Start by explaining the context of the project, then describe your role and responsibilities within the team. Discuss specific strategies you used to manage the project and team. Highlight any difficulties you encountered and how you overcame them. Conclude by discussing the outcome of the project, and what you learned from the experience.

Sample Answer
During my final year of university, I led a team of five on a capstone project. Our task was to design a marketing campaign for a local business. As team leader, I was responsible for organizing meetings, delegating tasks, and ensuring everything was on schedule. One challenge we encountered was a team member falling ill during a crucial phase of the project. I stepped in to cover their tasks and also redistributed some work among the rest of us, to ensure we stayed on track. Despite this hurdle, we managed to complete the project on time and received an A grade. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and strong leadership in team settings.


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What is one professional skill you’re currently working on?

How to Answer
In answering this question, you should demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and continuous learning. Explain why you chose this particular skill to work on, how you’re going about improving it, and how it will help you in the role you’re applying for. Remember, it’s important to be honest and sincere in your response.

Sample Answer
I am currently working on improving my data analysis skills. I realized its importance during my last project where data-driven insights were crucial. I have enrolled myself in an online course and I am also practicing it by analyzing datasets available on public platforms. I believe this skill will greatly benefit me in this role as it revolves around making data-driven decisions.


Can you describe a time when you had to learn a new software or technology to complete a task or project?

How to Answer
To answer this question, you should highlight your ability to adapt to new situations and learn new skills. You should describe the situation, the software or technology you had to learn, the steps you took to learn it, and the outcome. It’s also important to share any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.

Sample Answer
During my last semester at university, I had to complete a project that required the use of Adobe Illustrator, a software I had never used before. I started off by watching tutorial videos and practicing on my own. I also reached out to a friend who was proficient in Illustrator to get some tips and advice. Despite the steep learning curve, I was able to master the basics of Illustrator within a week and used it to successfully complete my project. This experience taught me how to quickly adapt and learn new technology, which I believe is a valuable skill in today’s ever-evolving tech landscape.

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How do you handle feedback and criticism in a professional setting?

How to Answer
When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are open to feedback and continuously learning. You should describe a situation where you received constructive criticism, how you processed it, and the steps you took to improve. You can also mention how feedback helps you grow professionally and personally.

Sample Answer
I believe feedback and criticism are essential for personal growth and improvement. In my last internship, I had a situation where my supervisor pointed out that my presentations lacked a clear structure. It was a bit tough to hear at first, but I took it as an opportunity to improve my skills. I sought out resources on effective presentation techniques and even enrolled in a short online course on the subject. In my next presentation, I was able to deliver a more structured and concise report, which was well-received by my team. I feel that the feedback not only helped me improve my presentation skills but also taught me the importance of accepting criticism positively.


How do you deal with difficult or uncooperative team members?

How to Answer
In answering this question, it’s important to show that you can maintain professionalism in the face of challenges and that you have the ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. Discuss a specific instance where you encountered such a situation, how you responded, and what the outcome was. Avoid blaming or speaking negatively about the difficult individual; instead, focus on the actions you took to resolve the situation.

Sample Answer
In a previous project, I was paired with a team member who was consistently missing deadlines. Instead of getting frustrated, I arranged a private meeting with them to understand if they were facing any issues. It turned out they were struggling with some personal problems. We discussed how we could adjust the workload and timelines so that it was manageable for them. I also brought up the issue with our supervisor, and we were able to come up with a solution that worked for everyone. The project was completed successfully and on time.

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How would you handle a situation where you are asked to perform a task or project outside of your immediate skill set?

How to Answer
This question is designed to assess your adaptability, learning agility and problem-solving skills. Start by expressing your willingness to take on new challenges and learn new things. Then, provide a specific example of a time when you had to quickly learn something new to complete a task or project. Explain your approach to learning, how you applied the new knowledge, and the result.

Sample Answer
I am always open to learning new things and taking on challenges that are outside of my immediate skill set. For example, during my last internship, I was asked to create a financial model for a new project. Although I had never done this before, I was able to quickly learn how to do it by doing research online and asking for guidance from more experienced team members. I was able to deliver the model on time and it was used to make key project decisions. This experience taught me that with the right attitude and resources, I can quickly learn and apply new skills.


Can you tell us about a time when you took initiative on a project or task at your previous position?

How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for evidence that you are proactive and can function independently. Talk about a situation where you identified a problem or opportunity and took the initiative to act on it. Highlight your thought process, actions, and the positive outcome. Show how you can make things happen rather than waiting for them to happen.

Sample Answer
At my last internship, I noticed that the process for tracking project progress was quite unorganized and tasks were falling through the cracks. I took the initiative to research project management tools and presented a few options to my supervisor. After getting the approval, I took the lead in implementing the chosen tool, training the team on how to use it and monitoring its usage. This resulted in a more streamlined process, better communication within the team, and improved project timelines.


Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work or school?

How to Answer
This question is aimed at assessing your flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial skills in any professional setting. Start by briefly explaining the change that occurred. Then, describe how you adapted to that change. Be sure to highlight any strategies you used to manage the transition, such as communicating with others, seeking guidance, or learning new skills. Finally, discuss the outcome of the situation. If possible, try to identify some positive results, even if the change was initially challenging.

Sample Answer
In my previous internship, the company decided to implement a new project management tool to streamline workflow. It was a significant change for everyone, and there was a bit of a learning curve. However, I took the initiative to familiarize myself with the new system. I watched online tutorials, read articles, and even contacted the software’s support team for clarification on a few points. By doing so, not only was I able to adapt quickly, but I was also able to assist my colleagues who were struggling with the transition. Despite the initial challenges, the new tool ended up improving our productivity significantly.

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Download Intern Interview Questions in PDF

To make your preparation even more convenient, we’ve compiled all these top Intern interview questions and answers into a handy PDF.

Click the button below to download the PDF and have easy access to these essential questions anytime, anywhere:


Intern Job Title Summary

Job Description An intern is usually a student or a trainee who works in a company, often without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification. Interns may perform tasks related to their field of study or the company’s operations. They may also assist in research, project management, and administrative tasks.
Skills Time management, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Adaptability
Industry Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Education, Marketing
Experience Level Entry Level
Education Requirements Enrolled in a Degree or Diploma Program
Work Environment Office setting, Remote work, or On-site (depending on the industry)
Salary Range Unpaid to $25 per hour
Career Path Interns often move on to entry-level roles in their field of interest. They may also receive a full-time job offer from the company where they interned, depending on performance and available positions.
Popular Companies Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Facebook

Intern Interview Guide eBook Cover

Land Your Dream Intern Job: Your Ultimate Interview Guide

Expert Strategies to Stand Out and Get Hired

🚀 Conquer Interview Nerves: Master techniques designed for Intern professionals.
🌟 Showcase Your Expertise: Learn how to highlight your unique skills
🗣️ Communicate with Confidence: Build genuine connections with interviewers.
🎯 Ace Every Stage: From tough interview questions to salary negotiations—we’ve got you covered.

Don’t Leave Your Dream Job to Chance!
Get Instant Access