You want to impress your interviewer from start to finish. This means that, in addition to preparing to answer the interviewer’s questions, you should be prepared to ask follow-up questions of your own.
This is an opportunity to get a sense of the company and understand specific details about the internship. Plus, asking thoughtful questions allows you to communicate your interest in the role.
If you need guidance, you’re in the right place. We have rounded up three outstanding questions to ask an interviewer for an internship interview. Keep it here to learn more and nail that internship interview!
Questions to Ask During an Internship Interview
One-sided interviews are awkward and uncomfortable — most times feeling like an interrogation rather than a conversation. As such, most interviewers will allow time for you to ask questions. The expectation is that you’ll ask questions — not only does this allow for greater knowledge acquisition, but it also implies that you are engaged in the hiring process.
With that said, learn what questions to ask an interviewer for an internship interview.
Question 1: Can you describe some of the challenges of this role?
Great accomplishments are not without struggle. A well-marketed internship position will highlight the incredible opportunities available; however, it may not also mention the unique challenges you may encounter. Ask the interviewer to highlight some of the difficulties that you might encounter during the internship.
This question will inform you about the position’s unique quirks. With this information, you can brainstorm ways to overcome challenges and skills you need to acquire before starting the position. Likewise, it may help you determine if the position is a good fit.
Question 2: Do you conduct any formal training for interns?
Since an internship’s primary objective is to promote professional development, it is critical to know how the company intends to do so. Find out how previous company internship programs have been conducted, and ask whether there are opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
This question demonstrates your interest in developing your professional skills, which employers are eager to see in a candidate. Another benefit of asking this question is improved clarity about internship opportunities. If skill growth is a top priority and the company offers resources for you to do so, then you know you’ve found a good fit.
Question 3: What projects will I be working on during the internship?
The job description provides some insight into the role, but it’s beneficial to learn about day-to-day responsibilities for clarity and further internship assessment.
If the day-to-day tasks are unrelated to your professional goals, this might not be the right internship to pursue. If, on the other hand, the work excites and seems like it will challenge you, the internship is one worth pursuing.
Tips on Asking Great Questions During an Internship Interview
Asking questions is an art that you must master to stand out among other candidates. The following tips will help you craft amazing questions that will lead to a meaningful discussion during the interview.
Tip 1: Practice Asking Questions
Practicing for the interview is an absolute must, and this extends beyond practicing your responses to questions. If you want to exude confidence in asking questions, practice beforehand. Contact a friend or a relative and simulate an interview question where you will practice asking questions.
Tip 2: Use State-of-the-Art Interview Preparation Tools
Practicing with a friend or family member can be helpful. But to truly set yourself up for success, you’ll need a one-of-a-kind system. InterviewFocus is a highly effective interview preparation platform that allows you to improve your tone, responses, eye contact level and more. Also, you can receive assistance from certified career coaches through the platform. This practice will equip you with key interview skills needed to keep the conversation going.
Tip 3: Open a Conversation
When it comes time to ask the hiring manager questions, ask the right kind of questions. What does this mean? Rather than asking a yes or no question, ask open-ended questions to invite the interviewer to begin a meaningful discussion. This way, you will get comprehensive feedback, enabling you to gather valuable information about the company and the opportunity at hand.
Wow Your Interviewer with Help from InterviewFocus
Asking the right questions is only one part of a successful interview. From your clothing to your tone of voice and posture, many factors play into how the interviewer perceives you. While this can feel overwhelming, it does not have to be.
Professional growth is within reach. If your interview skills could use some work, InterviewFocus is here to help.
InterviewFocus is your one-stop-shop for all things interviewing. With state of the art AI technology, the platform is able to provide real, valuable feedback about your interview performance and help you improve before the big day.
