🤝 Why you should trust us 🤝
All our tips for you are straight from real-world experience. Working in the campus recruitment space, we chat with the people who hire students & fresh grads all the time, so we know what they look for. Plus, we hire people ourselves too!
You're almost done with your interview and feeling good about it. Then, out of the blue, the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?"
Suddenly, it feels like you're walking a tightrope.
If you don't ask any questions, you might seem like you're not really interested. But asking the wrong questions could completely derail your chances!
Here's how to smartly handle this critical moment: Ask questions about things you really want to know! We suggest two kinds:
- Questions about the company or industry
- Questions about the internship you're applying for
Asking these types of questions shows you're excited about the opportunity and helps you figure out if it's the right place for you.
Questions about the company & industry
Most employers consider it important that candidates have some understanding of their organization.
That’s why asking questions about the organization and the industry helps leave a good impression. Just make sure to ask thoughtful questions that can’t be answered by a quick Google search!
Here's how.
Step #1: Do your homework
Take some time to:
- Look at the company's website, blog, and social media pages.
- Find and read any recent news about the company or what's happening in the industry.
- Read reports or articles from groups related to the industry.
Step #2: Ask away
Based on your research, ask about the things that spark your curiosity. For example:
- Your company values [specific value] greatly, which resonates with me. Can you provide an example of how these values influence day-to-day operations or decision-making?
- I read that the company is planning to expand its operations in [region/country]. Can you tell me more about that and how this role might be involved in those plans?
- Your company has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Can you tell me about how interns might be able to participate in these initiatives?
- I noticed that the company recently announced a partnership with [specific organization]. What sparked this collaboration, and what impact do you think it will have on the company's goals?
- I saw in the news that [industry event/trend] is happening. How is the company planning to respond to this?
- I noticed that several competitors in the industry have been investing heavily in [specific area]. How does the company differentiate itself in this regard and stay ahead of the competition?
- I read about the increasing importance of data analytics in driving business decisions across the industry. How is the company leveraging data and analytics to gain insights and make informed strategic choices?
- I read an industry report that highlighted the growing demand for [specific product/service]. How does the company plan to capitalize on this opportunity?
💡 Pro tips
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Keep it simple: You don't have to dive into super complex questions. The interviewer might not have all the answers. The key is to show you're curious and did your homework.
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Be genuine: Ask about stuff that really sparks your interest. Conversations flow better when you're genuinely curious. Plus, interviewers have a sixth sense for when you're just pretending!
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Note it down: Worried you'll forget your questions? Jot them down on a piece of paper and ask to refer to them at the end of the interview. Recruiters won't mind – if anything, they'll think you're organized and thoughtful!
Questions about the internship
Remember that this is also a time for you to check if the internship is right for you.
Step #1: Think about what you want
Have a good, long think about what you want out of the internship. For example:
- What would make it worth it for you?
- What would make the employer a good fit for you in terms of your values, interests, and long-term goals?
Once you've thought through your priorities, you'll naturally come up with some questions to ask.
Step #2: Ask away
If you need help, check out our sample questions (and tips!) covering:
Support for learning & development
Questions in this category will help you gauge how invested the company is in your growth.
- How does the company support interns’ professional development and ensure their success?
- How does the organisation facilitate continuous learning and growth for interns?
- Are there mentorship programs or professional development initiatives available to help interns in their career progression?
- Are there any training programs or workshops specifically designed for interns to bridge skills and knowledge gaps?
- Can interns expect feedback and guidance on their performance to help them develop their skills? (Note: Willingness to receive feedback shows your interest in continuous improvement, a trait that characterises high achievers – and employers love those!)
🚩 Red flags to look out for
- Lack of mentorship: If the company doesn't provide specific examples of mentorship opportunities or programs, such as pairing newcomers with experienced professionals or offering structured guidance, it may indicate a lack of investment in your professional growth.
- Absence of dedicated professional development opportunities: If the company doesn't highlight any initiatives like workshops, training sessions, or resources aimed at enhancing interns' skills and knowledge, it may imply limited support for your career growth.
- Limited learning opportunities: If the company does not have clear processes or programs in place to facilitate continuous learning and growth for interns, or if they cannot provide specific examples of how they support interns' skill development, it may indicate a lack of emphasis on nurturing interns' professional growth.
Work-life balance & flexibility
According to a study by Deloitte, burnout is the top reason why Gen Zs left their employers over the last two years. Ask these questions to assess if the company values your well-being.
- How does the company prioritise work-life balance for interns?
- Are there any flexible work arrangements or remote work options available?
- What measures does the organization have in place to prevent intern burnout or excessive workload?
🚩 Red flags to look out for
- Lack of emphasis on work-life balance: If the company doesn't provide a clear plan for maintaining work-life balance and mentions situations where interns are expected to work overtime or on weekends, it may indicate a disregard for interns' well-being.
- Inadequate workload management systems: If the company fails to mention any specific measures or programs to address burnout or workload management – or worse if they seem dismissive of these concerns – it may indicate a lack of support for interns' mental health and well-being.
Career progression
If you’re going to invest your time in an internship, you might as well find out what you'll get out of it in the long run!
- Are you able to share what percentage of interns typically transition into full-time positions with the organization?
- Are there clear pathways for career advancement within the organization beyond the internship or graduate program?
- How does the organisation support interns in exploring and pursuing future employment opportunities?
- What is it about this company that led you to work here, and how have you been able to grow?
- Where do people who have held this position typically end up next?
🚩 Red flags to look out for
- Lack of clear career advancement pathways: If the organization cannot provide information about clear pathways for career advancement, it could suggest a lack of structured opportunities to progress and grow within the company.
Expectations & responsibilities
While some students thrive on tackling specific tasks daily, others crave variety. Asking these questions will help you know what to expect on the job.
- Are interns assigned to a single project throughout their program, or do they have the chance to work on multiple projects concurrently?
- What does a typical day in the life of an intern in this role look like?
- What challenges can I expect to face in this role or what challenges were faced by past interns in this position?
- Can you provide examples of the types of projects and tasks interns have worked on in the past in this role?
🚩 Red flags to look out for
- Limited project variety: If interns are assigned to a single project throughout their time at the company without the opportunity to work on different projects concurrently, it may suggest a lack of exposure to diverse experiences and limited opportunities for skill development.
- Mundane or repetitive tasks: If the description of a typical day in the life primarily involves repetitive tasks without much room for creativity or growth, it may indicate a lack of engaging and meaningful work.
- Lack of clear examples of past projects: If the interviewer is unable to provide clear examples of the types of projects and tasks interns have worked on in the past, it may suggest a lack of clarity or uncertainty regarding the nature of the experience.
Values
Finding an internship that aligns with your values and contributes to a greater purpose can make your experience more fulfilling.
- How would you describe the ideal candidate for this internship role? What qualities or skills should they possess?
- What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
- What are some tips to stand out, if I get the position?
- What do you love most about working in this company? (Note: While this question may sound out of place, it is actually a unique way of showing boldness and curiosity. It allows you to gain insights into the company culture through the interviewer's perspective.)
- Are there any specific programs or activities in place to engage interns in community involvement or corporate social responsibility projects?
🚩 Red flags to look out for
- Misalignment of values: If the interviewer's description of the ideal candidate for the internship role does not align with your personal values or seems to prioritise qualities that contrast with your own, it may indicate a potential mismatch in cultural fit.
- Lack of specific tips or guidance: If the interviewer is unable to provide specific tips or advice on how to stand out and succeed in the position, it may suggest a lack of clarity or experience supporting interns.
- Lack of enthusiasm: If the interviewer struggles to articulate what they love most about working in the company or fails to convey genuine enthusiasm, it may indicate a lack of positive company culture or employee satisfaction.
Compensation
Money matters. However, we don't recommend asking questions about salary during your first interview. It's better to show interest in the organization and the field and assess fit in other ways.
So start by looking online for salary data. If you can't find any, here are some questions you could ask during the interview:
- Could you provide insights into the compensation structure and any additional benefits? (For example, are interns paid a stipend, an hourly rate, or a salary?)
- How does the company recognize and reward employees who consistently go above and beyond their responsibilities?
- What's the salary progression like as you move up the ranks and how is performance evaluated?
💡 Pro tip
- If you must bring up salary during your first interview, it may help to provide a reason. For example, maybe you're considering paid summer jobs or other opportunities.
Other questions you might ask
As the interview comes to a close, you might find yourself with lingering questions about the hiring process or the internship itself.
- What is the timeline for making a decision regarding this internship?
- What are the next steps in this process?
- Is there anything I said during the interview you want me to expand on?
- Based on our discussion, do you have any specific concerns about how my skills or experience align with the requirements of the position?
- (If you’re an international student) I just wanted to double-check if international students are eligible for this internship?
Outside the interview, reading reviews on Prosple can help you identify red flags too. These can give you insight into the experiences of past interns and employees to help you assess if a company is a good fit for you.
What next?
You've done a great job getting an interview. Now, let's make the most of it!
And if you’re still on the hunt, find yourself some more internships to apply to!