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If you’re gearing up for an internship interview, you might be practicing answers to questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses,” but what happens if the interviewer throws you a curveball? Some of the more challenging questions are designed to reveal how you think, communicate and handle pressure. Here are six tricky internship interview questions taken straight from our recent Internship Survey, along with tips on how to answer them.
“What is a common misconception people have about you?”
This question is designed to test your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Employers want to see if you can recognize how others perceive you, and how you work to correct misunderstandings. Check out this example of a bad answer to this question:
“People think I’m lazy because I don’t talk much in group projects.”
An answer like this can actually make you seem defensive, or that you’re hiding something. It also lacks the level of self-reflection the hiring manager is looking for. Instead, try something like this:
“Sometime people assume I’m quiet because I’m not contributing to a conversation, but I tend to listen before jumping in. Once I have a full picture, I usually bring ideas that tie the group’s thoughts together. I’ve learned to speak up earlier so people know I’m engaged.”
This answer acknowledges a perception issue, explains the reasoning behind it, and shows growth. These are all things that potential employers value.
“Tell us about an ethical dilemma you face.”
Ethical questions reveal your integrity and decision-making process. Employers want to know if you can handle difficult choices responsibly and align with the company’s values. First, let’s take a look at an example of a bad answer to this question:
“I haven’t really faced an ethical dilemma yet.”
That’s one way to end a conversation. Even if you don’t have an example of a time when you faced a particularly tough ethical dilemma, it’s still best to share something. Take a look at this example of a good answer:
“During a group project, a team member wanted to reuse data from another assignment to save time, even though it didn’t fit our current topic. I suggested we do our own research instead. It took longer, but we produced original work we could stand behind.”
A response like this is relatable and demonstrates honesty, accountability, and courage, which are all key traits employers look for.
“Describe a time something you were proud of didn’t receive the reaction you had hoped for.”
This question is designed to gauge your resilience and humility. The hiring manager is trying to see how you respond when your effort isn’t fully recognized, which can absolutely happen in any job. Here’s an example of a bad answer:
“I worked hard on a presentation, but my professor barely commented on it. It was annoying.”
While you might have felt this way, an answer like this actually shows frustration, rather than maturity. Instead, answer with something like this:
“I once led a presentation that I thought went really well, but my professor pointed out that I focused too much on visuals and not enough analysis. At first, I was disappointed, but her feedback helped me focus on substance over style. My next project was much stronger.”
Here, you’ll be showing emotional composure and growth, which is a sign that you can handle professional feedback maturely and productively.
“Tell us about a time when you had to tell someone bad news.”
Employers ask this question to test communication skills and empathy. How you deliver difficult information says a lot about your leadership potential. You wouldn’t want to answer like this:
“I told my roommate I couldn’t cover their part of the rent. It was awkward, but it had to be done.”
While honest, an answer like this doesn’t demonstrate professionalism or any level of reflection. Instead, answer with something like this:
“During a group project, I had to tell a teammate their section didn’t meet the requirements. I made sure to highlight what they did well first, then shared specific feedback on what needed to change. It helped us stay on track and improved our final grade.”
An answer like this shows tact, communication, and a problem-solving mindset—all traits that matter in collaborative work environments.
“What are your thoughts on the future of AI?”
This question measures curiosity, critical thinking, and awareness of current trends. You don’t need to be a tech expert—you just need to show you’re paying attention to how technology shapes industries. Check out this example of a bad answer:
“AI is cool but also scary. I’m not sure what will happen.”
Another conversation stopper. This answer shows little engagement or thought into the topic, which won’t be a good look. Here’s an example of a good answer to this question:
“I think AI will continue to streamline repetitive work while creating new opportunities for strategy. For example, in marketing, AI can handle data analysis while people focus on storytelling and innovation. I’m curious to see how it evolves.”
An answer like this is informed and balanced, and demonstrates awareness, curiosity, and forward-thinking.
“How do you make the impossible possible?”
This question sounds abstract, but it’s really about your creativity and problem-solving skills. Interviewers want to see if you can approach challenges with optimism and resourcefulness. As always, here’s an example of a bad answer:
“I just work harder than everyone else.”
While effort matters, an answer like this won’t do you any favors (to say the least). Instead, try an answer like this:
“When something feels impossible, I break it down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, during my first coding class, I couldn’t understand a complex algorithm. I started by mastering simpler ones and built from there until the larger problem made sense. To me, persistence and small wins make the impossible possible.”
This answer demonstrates a structured problem-solving approach and resilience—two of the most valued traits in interns.
Additional Questions
If you’re looking for even more unusual and challenging internship interview questions to weave into your practice routine, consider running through these questions with a friend, a professor, or your mentor:
- “Who is your idol and why?”
- “What is something that we wouldn’t know about you based on your resume?”
- “Give an example of how you’ve built or maintained a professional relationship.”
- “What is the most innovative thing you’ve done?”
- “If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?”
- “Where do you hope to see the field of cybersecurity going?”
Unusual questions like these can feel intimidating, but they’re great opportunities to show the depth of your character, your curiosity, and your ability to adapt. These qualities matter just as much (if not more, sometimes) as GPA or experience. The key here is to stay calm, think aloud if needed, and answer with honesty—if you can turn a tricky question into a thoughtful conversation, you’ve already made a standout impression.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
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