What Questions Should Interns Ask During Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing for an interview as an intern is crucial to making a positive impression and setting yourself up for success. However, simply demonstrating eagerness and research isn’t enough. You need to dig deeper and ask the right questions. Here, we explore the best questions to ask during your interview and how they can help you gain a competitive edge.

Key Questions to Ask During an Intern Interview

1. Compensation and Governance:
Asking about compensation is essential. While understanding whether you will be paid a stipend or being unpaid can help you make financial decisions, prepare for the conversation by researching the industry standards. Be prepared to discuss your expectations as well. For example, “How much will I be paid?” or “How do you manage the financial compensation for your interns?” 2. Handling Sexual Abuse and Ethical Concerns:
It’s important to address concerns about workplace safety and ethical conduct. Questions such as “How do you handle sexual abuse from my manager?” can demonstrate your awareness of and commitment to a safe working environment. You can also consider asking about their policy on respecting employee boundaries and training on workplace harassment. 3. Performance Metrics:
Clarify how your performance will be evaluated. Questions such as “How will I know that I am doing well enough to get a job afterwards?” can help you gain insight into the evaluation process. This ensures you are setting yourself up for success and providing value to the organization. 4. Compensation Issues:
Consider asking about the organization’s policies on employee compensation. For instance, “How many of your employees work for free or are seriously underpaid?” While such questions may be difficult, they can provide important insights into the company’s culture.
5. Access to Resources:
Interns often wonder about access to resources and mentorship. Questions such as “How do you get the best employees if the only ones who can intern are those with rich parents?” or “How many interns have you worked to death so far?” can help uncover the company’s policies and practices. However, these questions should be asked in a more constructive manner, focusing on the opportunities and resources available.

More Serious Questions to Succeed

1. Learning and Development:
Understanding the scope of your role is crucial. Ask about the variety of projects you will be working on and the opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration. For example, “Will I get experience in many areas of the business?” or “Will I have the opportunity to work with a variety of teams?” 2. Supervision and Feedback:
Supervision and feedback are essential for growth. Ask about the frequency and nature of feedback and training. For instance, “Will I receive regular and meaningful supervision and feedback?” or “Will I have a contact in HR to help me achieve my goals?”

A Seldom-Asked but Essential Question

One question that seldom gets asked is: “As a person who is persistent in seeking out opportunities to improve myself as a professional, I’d like to ask based on the qualifications we’ve discussed here today, what concerns do you have about me as a candidate for this position?”

This question is powerful because it demonstrates your willingness to take constructive criticism and actively seek improvement. It shows that you are not afraid of challenges and are committed to personal growth. The interviewer will likely be impressed by your proactive approach and open to providing valuable feedback that you can use to enhance your candidacy.

Putting the Questions to the Test

To implement these questions effectively, here are a few actions you can take:

Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s website and industry. Be Curious: Ask questions that show your genuine interest in the company’s operations and goals. Avoid Negative Thoughts: Focus on positive aspects and avoid conjuring negative thoughts in the interviewer’s mind. Follow Up: After the interview, you can reach out on Twitter to @TeachYouExcel to share your experience and further discuss your questions.

Remember, the questions you ask can make a significant difference in your interview and overall experience. By being prepared and thoughtful, you can stand out as a serious and enthusiastic intern candidate.

Before you go, follow us on Twitter: @TeachYouExcel