The Ultimate Internship Interview Guide for Students and Recent Grads

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already scored an interview—huge congrats! That alone is worth celebrating. It means your application stood out, your resume sparked interest, and now a company wants to learn more about you. That’s no small thing.

Whether this is your very first interview or just one of many in your internship search, the process can still feel overwhelming. What do they want to hear? How do you show you’re capable without having tons of experience?

The good news? Interviews don’t have to be scary. With the right game plan, you can show up calm, clear, and confident—ready to connect, not just perform.

At Extern, we’ve helped thousands of students land life-changing internships and externships. This guide brings together our best advice on everything from pre-interview prep to what to say in the follow-up email. Let’s help you turn this opportunity into a win.

Why Internship Interviews Matter

Internships are often the first step toward building a career. They can lead to job offers, future networking opportunities, or at the very least, give you clarity on what kind of work you want (or don’t want!) to do. That’s why how you present yourself during an interview matters so much.

Unlike a test you cram for, internship interviews are about connecting the dots between your experiences, your interests, and what the company is looking for. It’s your moment to tell your story and make a real impression—sometimes in less than 30 minutes.

Interviews are also your chance to shine and actually get face time with a real decision-maker. Interviewers are looking for candidates who make an impression and demonstrate potential. As entry-level talent, it’s unlikely you’re goinng to be expected to demonstrate expertise - but showing that you’re a creative problem solver with a growth mindset and great energy that you can bring to the team will take you a long way! 

How to Prepare for an Internship Interview

1. Understand the Company and Role

You’ve heard this before, but it’s important. With full access to the internet, every news article ever written and social media, make sure you don’t come across as lazy and read beyond the “About Us” page. Check recent press releases, blog content, and company socials to gauge what the business is prioritizing, or what your interviewer might be excited to talk more about. Really read the job description so you can highlight skills or responsibilities you’re excited about and come up with examples to show you have them. If the company has a mission statement or set of values, be ready to talk about how your values align.

2. Research Your Interviewer

If you know their name, search for them on LinkedIn. 

Look for common ground. Did they go to your school? Have a shared interest? Knowing a little about their background makes the conversation feel more human.

3. Practice the STAR Method

The STAR method is a great way to structure your answers:

• Situation: Set the scene.
• Task: What needed to be done.
• Action: What you did.
• Result: What happened and what you learned.

Write out a few STAR stories based on teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, or learning something new. Using this method when preparing will help you share insights succinctly and effectively.

4. Rehearse—but Stay Natural

Practice your responses aloud, especially to common questions. It is important to avoid sounding rehearsed. You’re not performing. You’re having a conversation. Do mock interviews with friends, career centers, or record yourself. 

5. Prepare Your Own Questions

You’re not just being evaluated—you’re evaluating them too. Ask questions like:

• “What’s the team culture like?”
• “What would success look like in this role?”
• “What’s something you wish you knew before starting here?”

Common Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

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1. Tell Me About Yourself

• Don’t just repeat your resume.
• Share a quick story of your background, what you’re studying, and what led you to this opportunity.
• End with a “why this role” statement.

2. Why Do You Want This Internship?

• Tie in your interests and goals with the company’s mission or projects.
• Avoid generic statements like “I just want experience.” Be specific.

3. Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem

Use STAR here. Pick something relatable, like a school project or club activity. Focus on how you approached the issue and what you learned.

4. What Are Your Strengths?

Be honest and self-aware, but also try and share strengths that align with the role (e.g., attention to detail for research roles).

5. What Are Your Weaknesses?

Pick something real, but not disqualifying. End with what you’re doing to improve.

6. Describe a Time You Worked on a Team

Focus on communication, conflict resolution, or how you supported others.

7. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

Be honest, but show direction and openness to learn. It’s okay not to have everything figured out, particularly when you’re interviewing for an internship position. Career exploration and gaining specific transferable skills and experience is a good reason to be interested in a role!

How to Make a Great Impression During the Interview

Remember that your interviewer is probably meeting with at least 2-3 other candidates, and that they're going to be asked their opinion on which one is best suited to the role. Making a strong and memorable impression during the actual interview is vital, because at the end of the day, how you came across overall is likely to feature heavily when your interviewer makes a recommendation. If the conversation felt natural and you were able to showcase your skills and ask good questions, that counts!

1. Show Up Early and Be Prepared

If it’s virtual, test your WiFi, camera, and mic in advance. Have your resume and notes handy—but don’t read from them.

2. Dress Smart (and Be Yourself)

Clean and professional is the goal. Choose something that makes you feel confident.

3. Use Confident Body Language

Sit up straight, smile, and make eye contact (even virtually). Nod to show engagement and listen actively.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Pause

It’s totally okay to take a second to think before answering. A thoughtful pause is better than rambling.

5. End Strong

Reaffirm your interest, ask about next steps and don’t forget to thank them sincerely!

5 Toughest Interview Questions & How to Nail Them

Some interview questions are more than just curveballs—they’re designed to see how you think under pressure. Here’s how to answer them like a pro.

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1. "Tell Me About a Time You Failed"

This question tests self-awareness, accountability, and growth.

How to answer:

• Pick a real failure—not something fake like “I care too much.”
• Focus on what you learned and how you improved.
• End on a positive note showing growth.

👉 Example: “I once underestimated how long a group project would take and we ended up rushing the final report. I learned to build more buffer time into timelines and started using task trackers to stay on schedule.”

2. "What’s Your Greatest Weakness?"

A classic. Interviewers want honesty and a sign of personal development.

How to answer:

• Choose a real area of improvement that doesn’t hurt your candidacy.
• Share what you're doing to address it.

👉 Example: “I used to struggle with public speaking. I joined a student org where I had to present weekly and it’s helped a ton. I’m still improving, but I’ve become more confident.”

3. "How Do You Handle Conflict on a Team?"

This reveals how you collaborate, communicate, and maintain professionalism.

How to answer:

• Use a STAR example involving a real (but manageable) conflict.
• Show empathy, communication, and how you reached a resolution.

👉 Example: “On a group project, one teammate wasn’t meeting deadlines. Instead of going to the professor, I had a 1:1 convo. Turns out they were overwhelmed. We adjusted the workload, and things went smoother after.”

4. "Why Should We Hire You?"

This is your moment to pitch your value.

How to answer:

• Connect your skills, energy, and past experience to what the company needs.
• Don’t just say “I work hard.” Prove it.

👉 Example: “I bring experience analyzing data from my research role and I’m genuinely excited about what your team is building. I’ve also shown I can learn fast and take initiative—two things this role clearly values.”

5. "Do You Have Any Questions for Us?"

Yes, this is a test. Saying “no” can make you seem uninterested.

How to answer:

• Always come prepared with 2–3 thoughtful questions.
• Avoid anything you could’ve Googled.

👉 Example questions: “What does mentorship look like in this role?” / “What would a successful intern accomplish in their first month?” / “How does the team stay connected when working remotely?”

How to Be the Most Memorable Internship Candidate

Interviewers might meet with several people in a day—so how do you make sure you’re the one they remember?

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1. Bring the Energy

Enthusiasm is contagious. Let your passion for the opportunity shine through. Smile, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly. Interviewers remember real personality, so don’t be afraid to showcase it. Share anecdotes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

2. Share a Standout Story

Go beyond your resume. Use a vivid, real-world example that shows initiative or impact. Ask yourself what adjectives you’d use to describe yourself, and then think of incidents you can share that illustrate that. Are you super organized? A meticulous researcher? Just plain hardworking? It’s even a good idea to share a story of something that didn’t go your way (whether that’s a side hustle or your first choice of major), and how you learned from that and turned things around. 

👉 Example: “Last semester, I started a sustainability project at my dorm after noticing how much food was wasted in the cafeteria. It grew into a campus-wide composting initiative supported by our student council.”

3. Make It a Two-Way Conversation

Don’t just answer questions—ask meaningful ones back. Engage with the interviewer respectfully, but have a real discussion. Don’t feel afraid to ask them questions about their own career journey, what they love about the company and even what their role entails. 

4. Show That You Get the Role

Reference something you admire about the company’s recent work and share how your background or interests align with their goals.

👉 Example: “I saw your team’s latest product update on LinkedIn—it’s exciting to see how you’re making AI tools more accessible. I’d love to contribute to that mission.

5. Personalize Your Thank-You Note

A timely thank you shows you’re really interested and keeps you top of mind. Reference something specific from the conversation, especially if you connected over a shared interest.

👉 Example: “It was so cool hearing about your transition from marketing to product design—I’ve been exploring both paths, so that really stuck with me.”

When you show up with energy, tell a compelling story, and make it personal, you don’t just check boxes—you leave an impression.

What to Do After the Interview

1. Send a Thoughtful Thank-You

Email it within 24 hours and mention something specific from your conversation to make it memorable.

2. Add the Interviewer on LinkedIn

If you haven’t already, send across a LinkedIn invite after your interview. This is a great way to stay connected and top of mind. And even if you don’t get the role, use your connection on LinkedIn to engage with their posts and career journey, so you can build your network with valuable contacts in your field of interest.

3. Reflect and Review

Write down what went well and what you’d do differently next time. Save your notes—you might use them in future interviews.

4. Stay Engaged

Follow the company or team on LinkedIn.If you don’t hear back, a polite follow-up email after a week or two is okay.

5. Ask for Feedback (if appropriate)

If you didn’t get the role, ask if they’d be willing to share feedback.It’s a growth mindset move, and some employers really appreciate it.

Remote vs. In-Person Interview Tips

Remote Interview Tips

Interviewing from home may feel more relaxed, but it still requires just as much preparation—if not more. Before the call, find a quiet, clutter-free space with good natural lighting or a simple lamp setup. Lighting should be in front of you, not behind, to avoid appearing in shadow. Use headphones or earbuds to improve audio quality and avoid echo, especially if you're in a shared space.

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Be sure to close all unrelated tabs, notifications, or apps that might distract you or slow your connection. Keep your phone on silent and, if possible, use a virtual background or a neutral wall behind you to maintain a professional atmosphere. During the call, look into the camera—not your screen—to mimic eye contact. This small detail helps you connect more authentically with your interviewer.

Test your tech beforehand. Double-check your internet connection, audio, video, and Zoom/Google Meet link at least 15 minutes before the interview. Having a backup plan (like a phone hotspot or alternate device) can also reduce stress in case something goes wrong.

In-Person Interview Tips

In-person interviews require a different kind of readiness. Plan your route ahead of time and arrive 10–15 minutes early—any earlier might inconvenience your host, but late is never a good look. Bring a few printed copies of your resume, even if your interviewer already has one. It shows foresight and professionalism.

Dress neatly in a way that fits the company culture, but errs on the side of formality. A clean, polished appearance helps you feel more confident and makes a strong first impression. Remember: it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Be polite and present from the moment you walk in. Greet the receptionist or front desk staff warmly—they're often asked for their impressions too. Sit up straight in the waiting area, avoid scrolling on your phone, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. When you meet your interviewer, make eye contact, shake hands if appropriate, and express gratitude for their time.

Whether virtual or face-to-face, interviews are an opportunity to show not just what you know, but how you show up. Being prepared for the format helps you focus on the conversation itself—and that’s where the magic happens.

Mistakes to Avoid in Internship Interviews

Even the best-prepared candidates can make missteps. Avoid these common interview mistakes to make sure you leave a strong, professional impression:

1. Arriving Late or Unprepared

Being even a few minutes late can throw off the tone of the interview. Test your tech if it’s virtual, and double-check the time zone if the company is based elsewhere.

2. Speaking Negatively About Past Experiences

Never trash talk professors, past employers, or teammates. Stay constructive—even if your experience wasn’t great, focus on what you learned.

3. Giving Vague or Generic Answers

Avoid saying “I’m a hard worker” without backing it up. Use specific stories to show how you’ve demonstrated key skills.

4. Not Asking Questions at the End

This makes it look like you’re not that interested. Always prepare thoughtful questions to show your curiosity and enthusiasm.

5. Oversharing or Going Off-Track

Stay focused on the question being asked. It’s okay to show personality, but keep it professional and relevant.

6. Forgetting to Follow Up

A short thank-you email goes a long way. Reiterate your interest and mention something specific from the conversation.

Avoiding these missteps can be just as powerful as giving the perfect answer. Interviews are about putting your best self forward—so show them the version of you that’s prepared, thoughtful, and eager to grow.

Final Words of Encouragement

You’re more ready than you think.

Remember, no one expects perfection. Interviewers want to see how you think, communicate, and approach challenges. Your mindset matters as much as your resume.

Be curious. Be thoughtful. Be yourself.

And if you want real experience that gives you plenty to talk about in your next interview? Explore projects through Extern at Extern.com. Our externships give you the kind of experience you can’t fake—and stories that help you stand out.

Now go get that internship. You’ve got this!

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