Top Questions to Ask Intern Candidates: Employer's Guide [2025]

Hiring interns isn't just about filling temporary positions—it's about identifying future talent who can drive your company's growth. But here's the challenge: traditional interview questions often fall short when evaluating student potential. This guide will help you cut through rehearsed answers to find candidates who can truly contribute to your team's success.

Why Traditional Interview Questions Don't Work for Interns

Let's face it: most students have practiced answering "What's your biggest weakness?" countless times. These canned responses tell you little about their actual potential. Instead, you need questions that reveal:

• Problem-solving abilities
• Learning agility
• Initiative
• Cultural fit
• Real-world readiness

Strategic Question Categories That Reveal True Potential

1. Initiative and Self-Direction

The most valuable interns don't wait for instructions—they seek opportunities to contribute. Here's how to identify them:

Key Question: "Tell me about something you taught yourself recently. What prompted you to learn it?"

This question reveals:

• Self-motivation
• Learning approach
• Problem-solving mindset

Listen for:

• Specific examples
• Clear learning process
• Application of knowledge

Red flags:

• Vague responses
• Learning only when required
• No clear outcomes

2. Problem-Solving Skills

Technical skills can be taught, but problem-solving ability is fundamental. Here's a powerful approach:

Key Question: "Walk me through a project that didn't go as planned. What did you do?"

This reveals:

• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Practical thinking

Watch for candidates who:

• Take ownership of challenges
• Show systematic thinking
• Learn from setbacks

3. Real-World Application

Theory is important, but you need someone who can bridge the gap between classroom and workplace:

Key Question: "How have you applied your coursework to real-world situations?"

This helps assess:

• Practical understanding
• Creative thinking
• Initiative in finding opportunities

The Art of Follow-Up Questions

The magic often happens in the follow-up. When a candidate gives an interesting answer, dig deeper:

Initial Question: "Tell me about a team project you worked on."Follow-ups:

• "What was your specific role?"
• "How did you handle disagreements?"
• "What would you do differently now?"

Role-Specific Questions That Work

For Engineering Interns

Move beyond technical trivia with questions like:

"How would you explain [technical concept] to a non-technical teammate?"

This reveals:

• Communication skills
• Technical understanding
• Ability to collaborate

For Business Development Interns

Focus on commercial awareness:

"What interests you about our industry, and what trends do you see affecting it?"

Look for:

• Market awareness
• Strategic thinking
• Genuine interest

Creating the Right Interview Environment

Remember, many students are new to professional interviews. Set them up for success:

1. Start with warm-up questions
2. Provide context for complex questions
3. Allow time for thought
4. Create conversation, not interrogation

Red Flags vs. Growth Potential

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Unable to provide specific examples
• Blaming others consistently
• No questions about the role
• Lack of preparation

Signs of High Potential:

• Takes initiative in responses
• Shows genuine curiosity
• Demonstrates self-awareness
• Has relevant side projects

Streamlining Your Intern Hiring Process

Want to make your intern hiring more efficient? Here's a proven approach:

1. Pre-Interview
   • Send clear expectations
   • Provide relevant information
   • Request specific preparations
2. During Interview
   • Use structured question flow
   • Take detailed notes
   • Allow for two-way dialogue
3. Post-Interview
   • Evaluate promptly
   • Document insights
   • Make quick decisions

Best Practices for Different Interview Formats

In-Person Interviews

• Use whiteboard sessions
• Include team interactions
• Observe body language

Virtual Interviews

• Test technology beforehand
• Create structured assessments
• Include interactive elements

Making the Most of Your Intern Program

Remember, good questions are just the start. To build a successful intern program:

1. Set clear expectations
2. Provide meaningful work
3. Offer regular feedback
4. Create growth opportunities

Additional Resources

• Download our Hiring Entry-Level Talent Guide
• Access our Interview Question Template [Coming Soon]

Final Thoughts

The right interview questions help you identify interns who can make real contributions to your team. Focus on questions that reveal potential, not just preparation, and you'll build a pipeline of valuable talent for your organization.