7 internship interview tips to help you land the role

The interview is your chance to make a strong impression — and with the right preparation, you can stand out as the top candidate.

Whether it's your first internship interview or your fifth, these 7 tips will help you feel more confident, present your best self and increase your chances of getting the offer.

Show you're serious about the opportunity by researching the organization ahead of time. Learn about their mission, values, culture and recent projects. Visit their website, check out recent news mentions and browse their social media presence.

Being prepared shows initiative and helps you ask smarter questions during the internship interview, which leaves a lasting impression.

Preparing and practicing your answers to interview questions ahead of time is one of the most valuable things you can do to prepare for an interview.

You can ask a friend or classmate to run through a “mock interview” with you, or take advantage of the Bearcats Career Studio. 

Some likely questions that could be asked include:

• Why are you interested in this co-op or internship?
• Tell me about yourself. What skills and attributes make you a good fit for this role?
• What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
• Tell us about a project or piece of work that you are proud of. What challenges or obstacles did you face to meet success?
• What do you hope to gain from this internship?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What plans do you have after college?

Being organized is part of making a great first impression. For your internship or co-op interview, be sure to:

• Dress in professional or business attire (even for virtual interviews)

• Bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter

• Prepare a portfolio (digital or print, if applicable)

• Have a notebook and pen ready for taking notes

Arriving early and being well-prepared will set a professional tone from the start of your internship interview.

When you show up to the interview, be prepared to share what makes you so unique and equipped to take on this internship and co-op.

Come prepared with three examples of “success moments” for yourself. Whether it’s a project that you’re proud of or an example of a time you showed leadership, an interview is an opportunity to share your best qualities.

For example, if you're applying for a marketing internship, you might discuss a class project where you developed a campaign that boosted engagement.

These success stories make your qualifications more memorable during the interview for an internship.

Confidence can set you apart, but honesty is just as important. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity and see yourself as a valuable addition to the team.

If you're asked about a skill you don’t have, be transparent: “I haven’t used that tool yet, but I’m a quick learner and excited to grow in this area.”

This kind of honest response shows self-awareness and a growth mindset — qualities employers value during internship or co-op interviews.

At the end of most interviews, you’ll be invited to ask questions. Use this chance to learn more about the role and company — and to show your interest.

Great questions to ask during an internship interview include:

• What does a typical day in this role look like?
• How is success measured for interns?
• Do interns often return as full-time employees?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?

Regardless of how you think the interview went, you should follow up to thank the interviewer.

A short email or phone call after your co-op or internship interview will show that you appreciate their time and work. This simple gesture leaves a professional impression and reinforces your interest in the position.

Internship interviews can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation, you’ll feel more confident and ready to succeed. Do your homework, practice your answers, bring your best self — and don’t forget to follow up. These small steps can make a big difference in landing your ideal co-op or internship.

Need help preparing for your next internship interview? Visit the Bearcats Career Studio at the University of Cincinnati for personalized support, mock interviews, resume reviews and more. We’re here to help you take the next step in your career journey.