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For interns, their first experience with interviewing for a job will very likely be when they start applying for internships. There’s no sugarcoating it, interviews can be intimidating, but with some practice you can gain the confidence you need to succeed. Today we’re going to explain the science behind some common internship interview questions, along with tips on how to answer them. These questions come straight from Vault’s latest Internship Survey, which asked more than 17,000 interns to comment on their internship experiences.
“Describe a time when you encountered a conflict and how you went about approaching and addressing the problem.”
Hiring managers want to see how you handle challenges, especially when working in a team setting. With this question, they’re not testing your ability to avoid conflict but rather your ability to navigate it maturely and thoughtfully. Let’s check out an example of a bad answer to this question:
“One of my group members wasn’t doing their work, so I just did the project myself to make sure it got done.”
This answer might not sound bad at first, but it actually suggests poor communication and an inability to delegate or collaborate effectively. Try something like this instead:
“During a group project last semester, one team member wasn’t meeting their deadlines, which was affecting our progress. I reached out to them directly to see if there was something getting in the way of their work, and it turned out they were unclear on their role. We redefined responsibilities and set clearer check-in points, and from there, things ran smoothly.”
A response like this shows emotional intelligence, initiative, and teamwork—all things internship recruiters are looking for.
“What drives you?”
This question is designed to help employers learn what motivates you; whether it’s learning new skills, contributing to a cause, or solving complex problems. Your answer should help them determine if you’ll stay engaged and if your motivations align with their work culture. First, an example of a bad answer:
“Honestly, I just really want a paid internship.”
An answer like this one is honest, for sure, but it misses an opportunity to connect your motivation to the company’s mission and values. It can also indicate to the hiring manager that you’re driven by money, which isn’t exactly a good look. Instead, your answer should look something like this:
“I’m motivated by opportunities where I can learn something new and see my work have a real impact. That’s one of the reasons I’m drawn to this internship. Your firm’s emphasis on client collaboration and innovation aligns with what drives me most.”
This answer communicates purpose and enthusiasm, while also tying your motivation to the company.
“What makes you stand out against other candidates?”
Interviewers will ask this question to gauge your self-awareness and confidence. They want to know if you can clearly articulate what you’ll bring to the table without arrogance or generic buzzwords. Here’s how you shouldn’t answer this question:
“I’m a hard worker and a team player.”
Once again, this answer doesn’t look too bad at first glance; however, it is vague and somewhat overused. It doesn’t tell the interviewer how you demonstrate those traits. Check out this example of a good answer:
“I think what sets me apart is my ability to take initiative. For example, in my campus finance club, I noticed we weren’t analyzing our investment decisions post-trade, so I created a short performance review process. It helped the team make better decisions and also gave newer members a better understanding of our strategy.”
Here, you’re using a specific example to show your value, which makes your answer much more memorable.
“How do you deal with failure?”
Failure is inevitable in any career. This question reveals whether you can learn from mistakes and move forward with resilience—both essential traits for professional growth. First, the bad answer:
“I try not to fail, so I haven’t really experienced that.”
This answer may seem “bold,” but it implies a lack of reflection or self-awareness. Everyone fails at some point, and denying that suggests you might not handle setbacks very well. Here is an example of a good answer to this question:
“Last semester, I underestimated how long a research paper would take and missed the initial submission date. It was definitely a wake up call about my time management. Since then, I’ve started setting smaller internal deadlines for myself to stay on track. That change has made a huge difference in how I handle longer projects.”
This response demonstrates accountability and growth, which are two things the interviewer wants to see.
“Why do you want to work here and what is your understanding of the company/firm?”
This question tests how well you’ve researched the company. Employers want to hire interns who are genuinely interested in their work and not just applying everywhere and hoping something sticks. In keeping with tradition, here is an example of a bad answer:
“I need an internship for school credit, and this seemed like a good opportunity.”
Even if you’re thinking this, don’t say it. An answer like this shows little effort or enthusiasm for your work or the company—not a good look. Instead, try something like this:
“I was drawn to your company because of its reputation for mentoring interns and encouraging innovation. I also read about your recent sustainability initiative, which connects with my own interest in environmentally responsible business practices. I’d love to be a part of a team that’s making an impact in that area.”
This kind of answer proves you’ve done your homework and are already thinking about how you fit into the company’s culture and goals.
“Where do you see yourself in five years and how does this internship fit into your career goals?”
This question is designed to gauge whether you have direction. In other words, the hiring manager wants to know that you’ve thought about your professional development and that this internship aligns with your longer-term interests. First, an example of a bad answer:
“I don’t know. I guess I just want to see what happens.”
An answer like this comes across as unfocused and may raise doubts about your commitment, to say the very least. Check out this example of a good answer:
“In five years, I hope to be working in data analytics or consulting, ideally in a role that lets me combine solving complex problems with client interaction. This internship would be a great way to build a foundation in data-driven decision making while learning how those insights are applied in real business settings.”
This answer connects the dots between your goals and the internship and shows that you have ambition and a sense of purpose.
Try to imagine every interview question as a chance to tell your story in a way that highlights your growth, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. There are plenty more common internship interview questions to go over, so be sure to check back soon for part two.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
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