Preparing for your internship interview?

One of the most important times in your life as a student comes when you begin to plan for your internship which, for many students, feels like it arrives sooner than expected. 

Life at university gives you a lot of room to learn, experiment, and to make some mistakes along the way. Then, almost suddenly, it’s time to step outside that bubble and introduce yourself to the working world.
 

Internships often feel like the first real bridge between study and professional life. They come with expectations that aren’t always clearly explained, and interviews are usually the first point of contact - and it’s no longer only about what you’ve learned in lectures or read in textbooks. 

Now, people will be paying closer attention to how you present yourself, how you communicate, and how you carry yourself in a more formal setting. This can feel awkward, especially when you’re still working out who you’re becoming.
 

An interview isn’t a performance in the theatrical sense, but it is a form of presentation. You’re being read, often quite quickly, on how you show up, how you speak, and how you relate to others in a structured conversation. Skills, grades, and your CV get you into the room, but how you conduct yourself shapes whether interviewers can imagine working with you.
 

In this blog post, we share some tips on how you can make the most of the interview process, so that interviewers can get to know you at your best. Here are a few things to consider...
 

Before you arrive
Try to arrive a little early. It sounds obvious, but it shows reliability and respect for other people’s time. Remember to account for time in traffic or making your way by public transport. A good rule of thumb is to arrive for the interview 15 minutes before the scheduled time. If the interview’s online, log in five minutes early, check your camera and audio, and choose a background that doesn’t distract. Have your CV nearby if you need it, but don’t read directly from it.
 

How you present yourself
Aim for clothing that’s professional and simple. You don’t need to make a fashion statement. Clean, well-fitted, and appropriate to the setting usually does the job. Sitting upright, making eye contact, and staying visibly engaged communicates interest even when you’re feeling nervous. If you're applying within the creative industry, you might not need to dress so formally, but you should still look presentable. If in doubt, it's perfectly fine to ask about the company's dress code ahead of time.
 

How you communicate
Clear beats clever. You don’t need complicated language or perfectly rehearsed answers. Short, direct responses tend to land better. If you’re unsure what a question means, ask for clarification. Taking a brief pause before answering can also help you sound more considered.

For example, if you’re asked about teamwork:
 

Less effective: “I’ve done loads of group work, and I think teamwork is really important because everyone brings different perspectives and I usually end up doing a lot of the organising and helping people get along, which can be challenging sometimes but overall, it’s been a good experience.”
 

More effective: “I’ve done several group projects at university. I usually take responsibility for organising tasks and making sure everyone’s clear on deadlines, and I’ve learned how important it is to communicate early when issues come up.”

The second answer is simpler, more focused, and easier to follow. If you’re unsure what a question means, it’s OK to ask for clarification. Taking a brief pause before answering can also help you sound more considered.
 

How you listen
Let the interviewer finish speaking and respond to what’s actually been asked. Interviews work better as structured conversations than as speeches, so try not to rush or fill every silence. Remember, communication isn't just about the words you say - a big part of being an effective communicator is making space for the other person and ensuring they feel understood. 
 

How you talk about learning
It’s OK to say you don’t know everything yet. That’s the point of an internship. Showing curiosity, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn often comes across as more mature than trying to appear fully formed.

For example, if you’re asked about a skill or area that you don’t have much experience in:
 

Less effective: “I’m already quite confident in most areas, and if there’s anything I don’t know, I usually just figure it out quickly.”
 

More effective: “I’ve had some exposure to this at university, but I know there’s a lot I still need to learn. I’m keen to get feedback, and I tend to pick things up quickly once I’m shown how things work in practice.”

The second response shows awareness of limits without underselling yourself. It signals that you’re realistic, open to guidance, and actively interested in developing, which is exactly what most internship supervisors are listening for.
 

Your questions at the end
Have one or two questions ready that show you’ve thought about the role. Asking about supervision, team dynamics, or what a typical week looks like shows you’re taking the opportunity seriously.

Afterwards, a short "thank you" email helps close things off on a professional note.

For example:

• “How does supervision usually work for interns here?”

• “What does a typical week look like for someone in this role?”

• “How does the team usually support interns as they settle in?”

• “What do previous interns tend to find most challenging at the start?”

• “What would you hope an intern has learned or developed by the end of the placement?”

These kinds of questions show that you’re thinking about learning, support, and day-to-day realities, not just getting a paragraph on your CV.
 

The follow-up email
A short thank-you email helps close things off on a professional note. It doesn’t need to be long or overly formal.

A few simple tips:

• Send it within 24 hours of the interview.

• Thank them for their time and the conversation.

• Refer briefly to the role or something specific you discussed.

• Keep it concise and polite.

• Avoid over-selling yourself or adding new information.

Even a few well-chosen sentences can leave a positive final impression and show that you take communication and professionalism seriously.

Internship interviews aren’t a test of perfection. They give you a chance to show that you can turn up prepared, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for how you present yourself, and those valuable habits will stick with you long after the interview is over.